This pub is on the outskirts of Nottingham on Mapperley Plains. There is plenty of parking, and although on a main road, it feels secluded and tranquil. At the back of the pub, you can eat outdoors using the picnic tables. On a good day, this offers great views of the Trent Valley and the surrounding countryside.
I’ve been eating here on and off for the past 10 years, and I’ve had a range of eating experiences in this establishment. In recent years, I’ve never been disappointed, and although service can be a bit slow, especially at a busy lunchtime, the meal is usually worth the wait, although recent reports indicate a change of chef and today’s meal was okay but not brilliant.
This place started off life as a pub with a few bar snacks (sandwiches and fast food), but now the menu is extensive and food is served throughout the day. I’ve never booked a table, but I think if you want to eat at a weekend or at a busy time of year (bank holidays and the lead up to Christmas), you’d be well advised to reserve a place. The Traveller’s still has a pub feel to it, with tables seemingly randomly scattered around the room, and you’ll starve if you sit waiting for your order to be taken at the table. First, make a note of the table number "featured on the menu holder;" make your choice from the menu card, the blackboards, or the specials listing; and then head for the bar. It’s best to order your drink and food at the same time, because I’ve never experienced the staff with a sense of urgency, and you really don’t want to be queuing twice at the bar.
The beer is reliable and well kept, and usually there’s at least one guest ale on the pumps. Today, I had one called Summersault, a light, crisp, and flavoursome ale.
Some of the starters sound really appetising ("duo of chicken satay and tiger prawn skewers"), but the faithful soup of the day is always reliable. Today, I chose from the main menu, but there is an alternative offering excellent-value snacks (my favourite being spicy sausage baguette with chunky chips). You can pay up to £12 for a main course of sea bass, roast duck, or rib eye steak, or half that price for ham, egg, and chips. Gammon was my choice – a succulent gammon steak with egg (beautifully fried) with peas and chips. My mate opted of Beef and Theakston Ale Pie (no surprise there, as he always has that!) served with creamy mashed potatoes and a variety of fresh vegetables. It was a perfect lunchtime meal.
There is a range of about a dozen puddings, many of them good, wholesome puds, but I’ve never had the room. Finishing off with a freshly made coffee is my preference, albeit a bit of an incongruity in a public house!