Forest Rd, Skegby, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 3BL

About This Pub

Ah, the Rifle Volunteer – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper British gem, tucked away on Forest Road in Skegby. From what folks are saying, it's got this inviting, old-school charm that really hits the spot, especially with live music nights that get everyone in the mood for a singalong. The staff come across as genuinely welcoming and efficient, and the drinks are spot on – a good range of ales at prices that won't break the bank, which is always a winner when you're out for a casual catch-up. It's brilliant for events too; imagine enjoying a scooter rally or a darts day with free chip cobs on offer – now that's what I call thoughtful hospitality. On the flip side, it's not pretending to be anything fancy, so if you're after a more upscale spot, you might notice it's a bit no-frills, and there've been a few murmurs about staff slip-ups or the facilities not being quite up to par. Still, with its inexpensive vibe and that solid 4.4 rating buzzing around, it's clear this place knows how to keep things lively without overcomplicating it. All in all, if you're in the area and fancy a relaxed pint in a family-run setting, it's well worth a visit – just keep expectations realistic for a true local experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are absolutely lovely and provide top-notch service, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.
  • It's got a cracking selection of ales and drinks at really reasonable prices – think £3 for a pint, which is a bargain these days.
  • The atmosphere is spot on with great live music and a cosy, old-style vibe that's perfect for a relaxed evening.
  • They've got a welcoming feel for events, like scooter rallies or darts comps, and even throw in free grub like chip cobs, which is a nice touch.
  • Being a family-run spot, it has that genuine, community-oriented charm that makes it feel like a proper local haunt.
Cons
  • It's not the fanciest place around, so if you're after something a bit more polished, you might find it a tad basic.
  • There could be the odd staff hiccup, like that comment about keeping someone off the top shelf, which suggests not everything runs smoothly behind the bar.
  • The toilets might not be up to scratch, based on what I've heard, which could put a damper on things after a few pints.
  • With opening from 1 PM, it might not suit early birds or those wanting a quick morning pint.
  • No online presence means it's a bit tricky to get the latest info or book ahead, so you might just have to turn up and hope for the best.

Contact Information

Forest Rd, Skegby, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 3BL
Bar
Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)13:00 - 23:00
Tuesday13:00 - 23:00
Wednesday13:00 - 23:00
Thursday13:00 - 23:00
Friday13:00 - 23:00
Saturday13:00 - 23:00
Sunday13:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Excellent pub. Great live music and good alcoholic beverages👍
DB
Davey Butch Butcher
Great family run pub, lovely staff and great service Keep Jason off top shelf
TD
Thomas Dilley
Great pub, good choice of ales, friendly staff
KS
Karen Shaw
Great night was spent at this venue during a scooter event of a few hundred scooterists. Bar was pleasant in old style surroundings, staff were polite even though obviously rushed off their feet. Free chip cobs were handed out, and they had large screen TVs showing horse racing. Toilets were a let down but were In constant use.
GH
G Hipkiss
Had a great day here. We were attending a darts competition with the son. Hosts were lovely and friendly and drinks were extremely reasonably priced in today's climate. £3 for a pint of Stella Artois. It's not the poshest place you could go to but having spent a load of money it would lose its village pub appeal. It was clean and busy all day until we left. No food was available other than cobs which were lovely by the way. Will definitely go back to other darts tournaments but being an hour from home it could never be my local.
JB
John Bowman

Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl

Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.

Forest Tavern
Forest Tavern

Forest Rd, Skegby, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 3BB

89/100 0.1mi
New Cross
New Cross

167 Outram St, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 4FU

83/100 0.5mi
Fox & Crown
Fox & Crown

116 Dalestorth Rd, Skegby, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 3AA

80/100 0.7mi
Speed the Plough
Speed the Plough

Mansfield Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 4HG

87/100 0.8mi
FireRock Brewing Co
FireRock Brewing Co

24 Outram St, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 4FS

95/100 0.8mi