Trent Navigation Inn is a historic public house located on the banks of the River Trent in Nottingham. It offers a unique blend of traditional charm and riverside views, making it a popular stopping point for boaters and walkers alike. Patrons can enjoy a selection of beverages and meals in an inviting atmosphere, often complemented by picturesque scenery. The inn is also known for its proximity to local attractions, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding beauty of Nottingham while enjoying a relaxing experience.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 1,077
- Tripadvisor 4.5 117
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Excellent Beer Selection With its own on-site brewery, the Trent Navigation Inn offers a wide range of well-regarded real ales and beers, including their popular Navigation New Dawn pale ale.
- Friendly and Efficient Staff Despite being busy, the staff are consistently praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
- Good Value for Money Many reviewers highlight the reasonable prices, especially on special nights like Steak Night and Pie Night, where you can get a meal and a pint for a great price.
- Great Atmosphere for Sports Fans The pub is ideally located near Notts County Football Club and Trent Bridge, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a pre- or post-match pint with a lively atmosphere, especially with the outdoor seating area and big screens.
- Tasty and Generous Food Portions The pub is known for its generous portions of well-cooked, tasty food, with the Sunday roast and meat pies being particularly popular choices.
Criticised
- Hit-or-Miss Atmosphere While many enjoy the lively atmosphere, especially during sports events, some visits can be quiet and lacking in energy, impacting the overall experience.
- Inconsistent Booking Experiences There's some conflicting information regarding booking policies, especially on football days, which has led to confusion and disappointment for some customers.
- Inconsistent Food Quality Some visitors have reported a decline in food quality recently, particularly with the steak pie, which was described as fatty and made with flaky pastry instead of the usual, more desirable ingredients.
- Potential for Crowds This pub is very popular on match days for Notts County and Nottingham Forest, leading to overcrowding and difficulty getting served at the bar.
- Toilet Cleanliness Issues A small number of reviews mention the toilets needing more attention and regular cleaning.
The longer read
The Trent Navigation Inn receives consistently high praise for its atmosphere, food, and beer, particularly its own Navigation Brewery ales. Many reviewers mention the pub's proximity to Nottingham sports venues (Notts County and Trent Bridge), making it a popular spot before and after matches. The pub is lauded for blending a traditional pub feel with modern amenities, appealing to a broad customer base. Several reviewers highlight the friendly and efficient staff, even when the pub is crowded during match days. Many patrons specifically compliment the Sunday lunch, citing generous portions, quality ingredients, and reasonable prices. The roast beef dinner and lamb shank are frequently mentioned as standouts. Several reviewers also recommend the cauliflower cheese.Vegetarian options, particularly the nut roast, also receive positive feedback. Beyond Sundays, the pub offers themed food nights, like steak night on Wednesdays and pie night on Thursdays, which are considered good value for money. Steak, pies, and fish and chips are frequently mentioned as popular and well-prepared dishes. The use of Navigation Brewery ales in the steak and ale pie is a plus. Many reviewers also praise the portion sizes as generous.The beer selection, especially the Navigation Brewery ales, is a major draw. New Dawn pale ale and Navigation Blonde are frequently mentioned. Reviewers appreciate the quality and variety of beers available, with many noting that the brewery is located on-site. The pub's interior is described as a well-maintained Victorian pub with a multi-room layout and a pleasant beer garden. The outdoor seating area, sometimes equipped with large cinema screens for sports, is also popular. The pub's cleanliness and traditional decor are also mentioned positively. While a few reviewers mentioned occasional inconsistencies in food quality or overly aggressive bouncers, the overwhelming majority express satisfaction with their experience. The pub is often described as a "go-to place" for locals and visitors alike, especially those attending sporting events or seeking a traditional pub experience with good food and beer.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 986 5658
- Website
- trentnavigation.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 5 venues we hold for The Meadows, where the most-reviewed is The City Ground.
Still deciding?
- What is the riverside atmosphere like at Trent Navigation Inn for diners and boaters?
- What are the signature dishes or drink selections offered at the historic Trent Navigation Inn?
- When is the most enjoyable time of year to visit Trent Navigation Inn for pleasant weather and river activity?
- Does Trent Navigation Inn provide accessible facilities and parking for visitors arriving by car or boat?
- What nearby attractions or walking routes can be explored while staying at Trent Navigation Inn on the River Trent?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.