Social butterfly Jake likes to meet up with friends at the best pubs and bars across trenbartonland and as a music lover always keeps an eye (or ear?) out for gigs happening in the area.
Here’s his perfect day out on rainbow one, heading out from his home in Heanor to Nottingham, hopping on and off to visit some great pubs and micro pubs along the way.
micro pub heaven Heanor
As a Heanor resident Jake knows heanor is packed with more than its fair share of great micro pubs. His favourites include the Redemption Ale House, Dead Man's Tankard and The Angry bee.
On July 25-26 Dead Man's Tankard will be holding a music and beer festival (with other venues across Heanor also putting on their own events on the Saturday). It’s well worth a visit with live music across the town.
Jake then catches rainbow one to Eastwood, only a short hop from Heanor.
DH Lawrence country Eastwood
Eastwood is another small town with a great selection of micro pubs. Jake loves the Dog and Parrot, Mellor's Mews and The Gamekeepers Freehouse.
Did you know famous author D.H. Lawrence came from Eastwood? The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is a fantastic way to find out all about his life. He also gives his name to the D.H. Lawrence Music Festival, which takes place on Saturday 5 September. The town will be packed with live music in every pub and venue.
From Eastwood, Jake hops back on rainbow one to Kimberley, running every 10 minutes.
lively Kimberley
Kimberley is home to some really good pubs. The Nelson and Railway has always had a good reputation for real ale with a nostalgic feel, and a short wander up the road is Castle Rock pub the Cricketers Rest. Further into the centre of town the Dog House offers a great section of ales in a contemporary setting. Micro pub wise Roots is a favourite of Jakes, worth checking out for its quirky interior!
The Kimberley Food Festival returns on Sunday, 12 July with local street food vendors and stalls , live music and entertainment.
From Kimberley, Jake hops back on rainbow one one to Nottingham, running every 10 minutes.
music mecca Nottingham
Nottingham has a truly vast array of pubs, bars and restaurants. Jake likes to head to Hockley, a trendy area popular with the student crowd. The Angel Microbrewery is always lively and now has an upstairs area and terrace (as well as its own music venue, The Chapel). Hockley institution Jamcafe is a super hip place to enjoy a relaxed drink with a cool soundtrack, and on sunny days there’s seating outside. For a more traditional pub feel try Six Barrel Drafthouse, newly opened The Queen of Hockley and the Lord Roberts.
Jakes favourite gig venues
Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham: The venue to see the biggest artists, with everyone from The Prodigy to Lily Allen playing this year.
Rock City, Nottingham: Surely Nottingham’s best known music venue, holding some huge gig and club nights. Australian rockers DMA’s are playing 2 nights this year.
JT Soar, Nottingham: Fancy something a bit different? JT Soar is an intimate DIY gig venue situated in an ex-fruit and vegetable warehouse just off Sneinton Market. A great place to catch smaller artists and acoustic gigs up close.
The Hairy Dog, Derby: Derby's loudest, proudest and most unapologetically alternative live music venue hosting touring rock and punk bands.
The Flower Pot, Derby: Not only is the Flower Pot a first class pub for real ales, it also has its own gig venue hosting some fantastic tribute acts with the occasional folk gig.