It often comes as a surprise to people that Newstead Village is actually part of Gedling Borough. Tucked away just off the A611 between Hucknall and Annesley, it’s quite easy to bypass this former mining village which is also home to one of the best acoustic venues in Nottinghamshire.
The Pit Micropub was opened by Lorraine Horrocks back in 2017 following the closure of the village’s only pub The Station Hotel, which meant residents had to travel to Annesley Woodhouse for a drink – and since then, the venue has not only proved a hit with locals, but also music fans from the surrounding areas.
The venue has certainly supported Dry January by closing it’s doors for the month of January however they are back open on Friday February 9 at 4pm and customers are in for a real treat in 2024 as their reputation on the live music scene goes from strength to strength.
They will not only continue to showcase local artists that their customers have come to know and love over the past seven years, but with a reputation that precedes them an increasing pool of national and international talent are looking to The Pit to host their shows.
We asked owner Lorraine Horrocks why she felt The Pit has been so successful on the music scene. “I believe it’s because through trial and error we have now found our niche and honed our skills as a quality acoustic venue.
“The cosy environment of The Pit lends itself so well to intimate gigs. For the customer they are able to be part of the whole show and interact with the artists either during the performance or at the bar afterwards.
“Our audience tends to lean towards people who have been live music fans for several decades and these days they are looking not just to hear the music but for the whole experience when they go to a gig. Good beers, quality sound, friendliness and accessibility. This also goes for the artists that hear about us. They are looking for a good experience too.
“We generally offer a mix of seating and standing at our shows and this is also an important factor. You can dance if you like or just sit and listen”
The Pit have already announced several gigs with Morris & Watson a contemporary folk duo from Barnsley, kicking off the year on Saturday 17th February.
Other artists announced include punk legend John Otway and 80’s goth rock band Ghostdance who will be playing an acoustic set to a sold out audience.
They have also told us that their extremely popular outdoor Summer Sunday Sessions that offer a mini festival vibe will be returning featuring a wide range of genres from country to pop. The sessions bring together an eclectic mix of customers simply relaxing and enjoying a refreshing beer whilst soaking up the music and run from 3pm to 5.30pm every Sunday starting on Easter Sunday and a food option is usually available.
We suspect that they will also be delivering a few special events during the year but so far we do not have any details. However, to keep up to date with the all the latest information you can sign up to their VIP club newsletter HERE – the V.I.P. club includes discounted drinks, priority access to gigs and other offers throughout the year.
If none of that sounds like your thing then how about a quiz on Sunday evenings or simply drop by whilst out on your dog walk to utilise their free WiFi and a cup of Italian coffee? Yes, it’s extremely dog friendly too!
With a free car park opposite, the train station just a stones throw away or on foot from Newstead Abbey and the Linby Trail, The Pit is much more accessible than you would think. Why not pop in and give it a try?
The Pit at Newstead can be found at Tilford Road, Newstead Village, NG15 0BN.
X (formally Twitter): @thepitatnewstead
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thepitatnewstead/
Web:www.thepitatnewstead.co.uk
Tel 07794 875884
Great beer and a warm welcome