A city centre pub that feels like it's out in the country

REVAMPED CROSS KEYS HAS LOST NONE OF ITS VICTORIAN CHARM

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

A NOTTINGHAM pub dating back to 1899 has been given a fresh, modern feel while keeping its historic charm.

The Cross Keys, in Byard Lane, reopened on Friday, March 28, after a £210,000 transformation.

During the three-week revamp, the pub has been redecorated, with new furniture, stylish lighting and an improved illuminated back bar, well-stocked with a wide variety of gin, rum and whiskies.

The upstairs function room has also had a facelift, turning it into an elegant 24-seater dining room as well as a private hire space.

The monochrome exterior has been lifted by a racing-green paint job and hanging baskets and planters have been filled with blooms to make it an attractive spot ready for the summer months.

The menu has been elevated. Classics still feature, so regulars will be happy to see steak, ale and horseradish pie, fish and chips, steak, and sausages and mash.

New to the menu is a schnitzel, either chicken or aubergine.

Customers can share contemporary small plates such as Korean crispy chicken, pigs in blankets, pork pie wedge, padron peppers and halloumi fries - or keep it traditional with a crusty cob filled with cheese ploughman's, Philly steak, sausage, bacon and fried egg, or fish fingers.