The Punchbowl in Ilkeston

Ah, The Punchbowl – it's one of those classic village pubs that you stumble upon and think, 'This could be a hidden gem.' From what I've gathered from the reviews, it's got some real winners going for it; the food sounds brilliant when they're serving it up, with folks going on about delicious dinners and adaptable menus that cater to all sorts. The staff come across as genuinely lovely, always up for a chat and making sure you're sorted, which gives it that proper community feel in a historic old building with loads of space inside and out. Plus, it's spot on if you're with the dog or the family, and they've got a good range of beers to keep things flowing. On the flip side, though, it's not without its downsides – one review mentioned they weren't serving food anymore, which is a bit of a letdown if that's what you're after. It can get awfully quiet, even on what should be lively weekends, and with the landlords not always in sight and the telly blaring football, it might not hit the mark for a more relaxed or vibrant night out. All in all, if you're in the area and fancy a straightforward, friendly spot, I'd say give it a go, but maybe check first if they're doing food – it's got that homely charm, but it's best enjoyed with the right expectations.