”Sssshhh, go to Loggerheads” – “Loggerheads”, “loggerheads, sshhhhhhhh” – “go to LOGGerheads but keep it quite…”

If you search in the Narrow Marsh part of Nottingham, etched into the old town walls (kind of below the Pitcher and Piano) you’ll find the fourth oldest pub in town, chilled to the core and haunted to the rafters (allegedly). A five minute stroll from the town hall steps, along the tram lines, a few lefts, a few rights and you will be greeted by some enlightened graphics and the best kept secret in town. “A half of IPA please barman?”

”Percussion sir?” I raise a glance, “Percussion sir, tonight?” as he nods towards a door, “Percussion, tonights DJ’s…. Funk, soul, dub, Nu Jazz, Latin Groove?…..” and the dawn breaks so I make to explore a converted skittle alley to find the perfect party room. Three or four leather sofas and retro 60’s artwork, DJ booth at one end with a small dancefloor to split the volume. This isn’t a miniature club emulating a bigger cousin but how you want your very own front room to be on a party night. You’ve met all of the people before, some your not sure where but they make your place look cool so you don’t mind them hanging out, soaking up your vibe and moving to your grooves.

There’s more. There are the caves… Legend has it that Dick Turpin used to drop by between robbery and holdup to make wages for cash, liqueur and the virtues of young women. It’s a real cave that far predates the highways as well as the pub itself as the pick and claw marks testify. Often used for open mic, story telling and stand up but tonight as part of Percussion they twist the rules with guitar, vocals, bongos, violin and flute. By now you will have forgotten you are 5 minutes from the hustle of Notts center as hanging out in this cave is just too cool. How do you dress for a cave party? Jeans and T-shirts will get you by, as will high heels and a nightie, tiara and leather boots will get you in the zone and you will always look good in a hat. To love music you will have at least flirted with Floyd, “Several Species of Small Furry Animals” makes me feel I’ve just found where they were coming from.

I love this place and know it’s well worth the stroll but when you make the venture, be sure to keep it quiet, only speak in whispers and maintain the secret.

www.theloggerheads.co.uk