KEGWORTH.

This used to be part of the Tynemill group pubs, but has since been sold. However, the new owners have kept up the beer policy and have up to five guest ales on at any one time. The pub is not easy to spot from the outside unless you bump into it as it looks much like a house. The Red Lion is just off the main street as you drive right through Kegworth from the motorway. The inside is very nice in as much as they have left the layout as original and so there are lots of little rooms and nooks and crannies you can 'hide' in. Seating tends to be at an assortment of tables and chairs and benches. Some of the regulars have their own place to sit, but no one is particular if you see what I mean. You can move between the different areas easily if you can work out the corridors, though it's actually quite good fun. The bar is a small affair and has the range of hand pumps set out before you. Beers and food can be found on the chalkboards. The beer choice tends to includes a mild and also beers from the other gravities. Food (a good selection, though vegetarians have limited choice) is served Monday to Saturday 12-2pm and 5.30-8pm. No food Sunday I'm afraid. There is a no smoking room for food and drink. For the summer there is a beer garden and children are welcome here. A large car park out back helps in summer. Well worth a stop over for the beer range alone. There is accommodation here in en-suite rooms with colour TV, DVD, tea, coffee making facilities. Rooms cost from £50 per room.

The Station Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Kegworth next to the now defunct railway station. It is easy to get to from the M1 if you take the junction 24 exit into Kegworth and head for Sutton Bonnington. The building, covered in ivy is easy to miss, but it retains its Victorian feel both in style and in decor, with Victorian flourishes both functional and superfluous. Inside the lighting is subtle to reflect the gas lit days and there is a real fire to warm in winter. On the walls are train nameplates and other assorted train memorabilia from the Railway Children era. There are two bars both serving a number of guest ales. On occasion St Peter's Golden Ale, Shardlow Whistle Stop, Pilgrim Porter and Townes Sunshine. Beer prices tend to be a bit steep, a pint and a class of wine nearly £5. Other rooms, such as the restaurant are upstairs. Here you can get tasty food served with style both lunchtimes and evenings. Food at a reasonable price is home cooked and to order, so please be patient. The whole trout has to be seen to be believed! Traditional dishes, though not a great deal for vegetarians. Food is served 12-3pm and 6.30-9.30pm and lunchtimes Sunday. Prices tend to be around the £9.50 mark for most dishes - vegetarian choice is limited. Access for the disabled is possible, but not to the upstairs and the facilities are cramped. For the summer there is a beer garden and if you listen carefully the locals say you can still hear the whistle of the 16.45 as it races through the station. There is also accommodation here (en-suite available) from £30 per person per night.