The Dragon has been on Nottingham city centre’s drinking circuit for many years now. Places like this stay around for a long time for one reason - because they are good.

The Venue
Tucked between various little shops, The Dragon is very easy to walk by and completely miss. It doens't have a showy facade and no customer-attracting gimmicks to be found anywhere. It’s fair to assume therefore, that the bulk of the Dragon’s custom comes from regulars and word of mouth.

It’s a small, cosy pub with a couple of tables just through the entrance - with space for maybe 15 to 20 people - and several more near the bar. There is not much natural light at the back, but that only makes it more atmospheric.

There is a small beer garden at the very back, it’s not terribly ornate but it does the trick, and there is a little coverage to protect the hardcore smokers from the rain.

The People
A mature crowd hangs out at The Dragon, not old, but around the 25 to 45 age mark. Most people are escaping the townie or more pretentious places, and will often be found huddled together, sharing a joke and downing a decent pint.

DJs play at the weekends, and they're more into crowd-pleasing than posing so there's usually something you can tap your feet to.

Though the staff are perfectly competent, you can’t help but feel that they can’t wait until their shift ends so they can get out and go crazy in Rock City (or one of the other late night clubs in town).

The Food
A footnote at the bottom of the menu says that all their food is freshly prepared and has never, ever been pre-packaged. At some places these claims are, well, untrue with the management hoping to wing it past the taste buds of their punters. The Dragon, however, delivers exactly what it says, with everything, even down to the hand-cut chips, being made on the premises.

Hot roast meat is served on ciabatta and is so weighty you could use it as a dumbbell before tucking in. Add some chips to that and a mighty lunchtime feed is on offer. For a smidgen over £5 it's damn good value. Other options include burgers, pasta, nachos and sausage, egg and chips.

The Drink
There is nothing radical on offer at The Dragon. There are the usual pints and spirits and the occasional obscure beer, such as a bottle of Modelo (£3). Drinks are served at their optimum temperature and all are perfectly passable as a pleasant tipple.

The Last Word
This is a proper grown-ups’ pub, nothing too fancy or flashy, just somewhere relaxed to enjoy a good drink and some above average food.

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