MEET THE TEAM AT THE YE OLDE TRIP TO JERUSALEM, NOTTINGHAM

From warm welcomes to perfectly poured pints, it really is the team that makes the pub, and the good folk behind the scenes at the Olde Trip are perfect examples. As you enter through the door into the Ward Room, you'll find a framed honours board featuring the name of every landlord and landlady since 1760. Last on the list is Karl Gibson, serving as general manager since 2012. We had a chat with Karl and bartender, Tim about their time working at the Olde Trip and why they think it's the best pub in Nottingham.

My name’s Karl Gibson, I’m the general manager here at the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. I’m fortunate enough to have been here for 12 years, and with Greene King for nearly 18 years. Everyone is welcome here, and we get to meet everybody! People come from all around the world - sports stars, pop stars, wrestlers - we've had them all in the pub, even people from Nottingham discovering it for the first time. The locals love the Olde Trip – they’ll talk about the history and show new guests around – there’s a real sense of pride and community.

When you see someone walk into the Olde Trip for the first time, you don’t forget it. You get different reactions all the time, and they’re all priceless. It’s all very much an experience; for example, customers love playing ‘Ringing the Bull’, which is an authentic Medieval game that’s been part of the pub for years - some regulars have even come up with trick shots!

Our pub is a walk back in time, and I get to talk about its history every day. Each room has its own story. The sandstone caves go back to 1060, pre-dating the pub itself. Then you have the more modern areas of the pub; for example, Yorkey’s Lounge, where I’m sitting right now. It’s named after George Henry Ward, a very eccentric gentleman and probably the most famous landlord we’ve had, apart from me, obviously. There’s also the Rock Lounge, where you’ll find the Cursed Galleon, and what used to be a secret tunnel leading into the Castle. But we don’t tell you everything – we like to leave a bit of mystery. 

My favourite drink is our Olde Trip ale. It’s a traditional English bitter, and what more could you ask for than a Trip in the Trip? In terms of the menu, I’m a Northern boy so I always go for the Steak & Ale Pie.

If somebody was visiting Nottingham for the first time, I’d recommend the Castle and Caves, along with the Robin Hood Town Tour and the Original Nottingham Ghost Walk. Further afield you’ve got Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and of course, both football grounds, Meadow Lane and the City Ground.