Pub that's perfect for chilling on the terrace

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE DECEIVING AT THE RADCLIFFE

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

YOU don’t expect to walk into a pub crowned the best in Nottinghamshire to find it like the Mary Celeste - the deserted 19th century ship where the crew had vanished.

Well it's Monday night, I tell myself. Who goes out at the start of the week?

The only sign of life is a man behind the bar of The Radcliffe. However, it turns out there’s a very good reason there’s no one indoors.

“We've a lovely terrace,” says the barman, who leads us through the empty pub into the garden. It couldn't be more different outside, where there are plenty of people sipping glasses of gin and pints. It makes perfect sense to take advantage of the short-lived summertime.

I’m here because the pub, in Shelford Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, was recently named the best in Nottinghamshire in the National Pub and Bar Awards. Pubs in 94 counties across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland vied to be top dog in the prestigious competition.

The Radcliffe beat the Four Bells Inn in Woodborough and the Tap & Run in Upper Broughton, both mighty fine pubs, so it must have given the judges a headache when it came to determining a winner based on criteria such as standard of service, product range, decor and entertainment.

Ticking one box, The Radcliffe staged an Abba Tribute Garden Party just the weekend before we popped in. Our original intention had been to visit for a drink but one glimpse of the menu swiftly changed our minds and it seemed a waste not to sample the seasonal food.