Old Malt Shovel in Newark and Sherwood

no sunday lunch, over heard manger/landlord ask a child say to put an ashtray down while sat outside, child responded and smashed it so the whole family was barred, supposed to ge highly rated for sunday lunch and functions dirty tables and dog hairs all in carpets

We had a family party here on Saturday and Katie, the girl behind the bar was amazing she worked all day by herself for a party of about 30 of us and around another 20 in the pub itself. She dealt with it amazingly and I hope she got extra pay that day it was far too much for 1 person... We'll done Katie! 👏👏

Three of us come regularly here for our Sunday lunch as we are weekend caravanners nearby. I almost don’t want to share this review as I feel it’s a hidden secret but it’s only right to let others try it out. Roast potatoes, mash, a selection of seasonal veg, a whole gravy jug each, horseradish, great beef and a Yorkshire pud. The price is excellent and the beer is good although I do enjoy a glass of red myself. No prep, no pots to wash ... what not to like. If you want posh seats and a twee environment try another pub and pay double for your lunch. Say hi to Claire.

we went along for a bit of pub grub after checking out the reviews. A lovely log fire on the go in the main part of the bar and a few locals dotted along on stools.We were just in time for food 6.30 pm Friday. So ordered a pint ( one of the best pints of Abott I've tasted) and ordered up our meals which both came out piping hot and very tasty. We were sat the other side of a glass partition containing a lobby which I assume led to the back garden. This seemed to be the preferred location for both staff and customers the to puff away. Every time the door opened and slammed shut it would waft in the smoke. We would have stayed for another delicious pint but had to leave for some fresh air.

Booked for Sunday lunch after reading food reviews on the poor website and they weren't wrong - the food was excellent. Large portions with plenty of freshly cooked vegetables and loads of meat and proper gravy. All 6 of us were delighted with our meal. There was a good choice of real ales and gins, all reasonably priced. The staff were friendly and efficient. Don't be put off by the outside, the inside is cosy and recently modernised by the look of the rooms. The only downside is the lack of parking but there is plenty close by.

Popped in with a mate for a some burgers and we enjoyed our time here. Service was slow but the food was terrific.

Visited on a Saturday lunch and with my husband and teenage daughter, were greeted warmly by the bar maid and enjoyed the real ale of the day. However, we ordered Cheeseburger for 2 & Chilli for one. The wait and service were fine but before I even tasted the cheeseburger my worst fears became true, there was as much bread in the burger as the bun. It was a layer of bread, cheese, burger, cheese, burger, cheese, bread but was totally inedible, the cheapest burger that could have been bought, we both left them. The chilli had an overpowering smell of pepper which is fine as chilli should be hot except there was barely and mince and no flavour or depth at all Overall we were more than disappointed and sadly will not be returning.

Only here for the beer! Good selection of usuals, plus craft beer selection, they also do cocktails, promotions on various drinks, smart clean interior, bit of a modern ' trad mix, they have a function room to hire, beer garden, you can take your dog in if you want.

With a group of friends with booked Sunday lunch and had a great time at this traditional English pub. They serve real ale and a good range of other drinks at reasonable prices. Their Sunday lunch is the best we've had and is real home cooking and great value for money. Definitely be going back soon.

Tried to book a table for a Saturday night whilst at Newark showground. Couldn't get through by phone given on website, so can't speak for food and nothing indicating they do food on website. When we passed by on the day, roadworks outside so maybe they we closed.

Having read the previous review I feel compelled to add my own review which completely contradicts the mans described experience. I have been using this bar since I moved to the area and more recently my friends have also started joining me more regularly ! All I can say is that joe and Sam are always friendly and remember our orders every time. They seem competent in managing large groups of people particularly on Sunday’s when they serve their Sunday lunch which is evidently one of the busier shifts. In relation to the food which is negatively described in the last review : what do people expect ? The malt shovel is not a pub charging £10+ per meal , it does not pretend to be fine dining. It really is what it is - extremely cheap food that is reasonable and you get more than you pay for. I’m not sure what people even expect these days. I don’t know anywhere where you get such decent value for money. I think this is a great traditional pub, with great hardworking bar staff , decent beer and decent food. Unless your a fine diner and want posh pubs then in my opinion I’d urge you to ignore the last terrible review. 5 star every time from me and the girls.

I am concerned to see certain reviews on here that anybody who visits the Old Malt Shovel will know holds little value to the truth. Of course, if you're after an expensive drink with pretentious food, staff with no charisma and a restaurant with no atmosphere it might be best to stick to these establishments instead of discrediting one of the very few traditional English pubs left! It's so difficult to find a pub that offers a wide selection of beer and ale as well as serving food that you require a large appetite for but in fact little cost. I have eaten here and the food has been plentiful and fresh- I certainly recommend Sunday lunch but you have to book ahead as half of Newark turn up for this! The beers prices are excellent value, the staff are very friendly and quick to serve. The landlord, albeit busy, manages the place very well and you can guarantee you won't be waiting long until you're served. My favourite thing above all else is the atmosphere this pub holds - everybody is friendly and even if you only go a couple of time you are welcomed with a smile. This place can very easily become your favourite local pub, it did for me.

I have never reviewed anywhere on here to date, but I felt compelled to following my experience here. I have to say that this is possibly the worst pub lunch I have ever had. My friends and I came here based on the reviews, and we were appalled to find what we did. A booking was made two weeks previous, but upon arrival they were not expecting us. This was greeted with a shrug by a clearly disinterested barman. Upon taking a seat we noticed the place was cold and gloomy, and they only had one tatty menu between the 6 of us. Our food was ordered, only to be told that there was only one steak and ale pie left after we had ordered 4. This was around 13:00 on a Saturday, when you’d expect them to have a reasonable level of stock left. We were also told there was only one steak left. When the food arrived, the burgers looked like something from a tin, the pie looked suspiciously like a reheated Pukka Pie, and some curry’s that were ordered were so hot we think that they’d poured a a whole tin of chill powder in to each dish. My steak was anaemic and bland, as were the chips which looked like they’d come out of a freezer. All in all this was a revolting experience, tempered only by the fact it was not expensive. I have no idea how this pub was rated on here at over 4 stars, other than to say that said venue has been making them up to improve their ratings. I normally bemoan the closing of any pub, but in this case, were this place to go under, I would call it a kindness. Zero from me.

4 went for sunday Lunch, what a shock, great food , lots of veg, all very hot , ok wonts a bit of paint, but we came for food, the staff and Land lord was great, will all be calling again , great value, ,entry for wheel chairs was spot on. you must try your self,you wait a bit but all cooked fresh, all well done again. to the staff.

This is a very scruffy pub and is dark and cold. It looks dirty but this is most likely just its appearance. Drinks and food are very cheap. Their menu rarely changes which includes the specials board so it has a poor choice of food. We have not been for about a year and it still has the same menu and special board. Food is poor quality and not very good. Drinks are OK and low priced. If you are not bothered about the quality of food and just want a very cheap meal then this is the place to go. If however you want some good food in a pleasant environment then look elsewhere. We will not be returning.

I can't really add to the other good reviews for this gem of a traditional pub, other than to say that food was freshly cooked, excellent portions, exceptional value and a superb pint. Proof that an independent can easily out-do Wetherspoons by providing a value for money meal and beer. If pubs like this are not supported, the chains will take over and whack up their prices once they have the monopoly. The regular punters seemed well behaved without there being any of the foul mouthed drunks that Wetherspoons seems to attract.

Decor best described as 'shabby chic' however makes up for lack of ambiance by excellent value for food and drinks. You need a big appetite to do justice to a proper Sunday lunch, plenty of potatoes and 3 small Yorkshire puddings plus vegetables and a jug of gravy and tasty beef too. Pleasant beer garden No car park, however park in Morrisons car park 2hours free.

Sólo tenía el almuerzo de domingo un grupo de 14, y puedo decir honestamente que nos quedamos impresionados. La comida era fresca y caliente. Había 5 verduras para tener más asado con puré de patatas y, podrían reducir las patatas en el plato. Como alguien ha dicho anteriormente el exterior podría hacer pasar, pero no, no encontrará mejor relación calidad-precio.

Great food, good drinks . Quiet pub that hides qualities. Don't pass it by. You will be surprised at the quality of the food. No microwave ping here ! It's all fresh.

Regularmente comer aquí, lo han estado haciendo durante tres años. Hay poca variedad de cervezas que se cambian regularmente. La comida está muy bien de precio, y muy sabroso, elaborado por Mark, el propietario. Nunca he tenido el almuerzo de domingo aquí pero estoy confiablemente informó de que es muy buena y reserva una mesa en un domingo es aconsejado. .

Desde el exterior, este lugar parece muy desaliñada, y para ser honestos, cuando entras no es mucho mejor compensa para excelente ale y auténtica comida prepárate para esperar su comida porque es todo fresco.

La mejor comida de pub relación calidad-precio que he tenido en el REINO UNIDO, y he tenido unos pocos miles. Personal agradable y ambos Abad y Broadside. Sin duda volveremos.

Gd food,piping hot,plenty vegetables,gravy excellent, book in advance Sunday lunch very busy ,only Down side we sat in extension was very cold ,

Fantastic food and service. Recommend to anyone. Free to hire function room, they will do food for any function and provide a disco.

you must venture here to eat! the sunday dinners are just perfect.. served really hot fresh meat and veg. would happily eat here all the time.

Fantastic Sunday lunch , good home cooking , more than you can eat.Good value, They do a good menu during the week as well Can really recommend it.

The food in the pub is very cheap and it's cheap for a reason.Their Pulled Beef Roll is made of minced beef with chilli and cheese and it tasteless. Unusually I would expect to find some pieces of pork in Pulled Beef but this was purely mince, which I assume was pork, served in a white roll with chips, coleslaw and salad.The Lamb Hot Pot was also tasteless and contained very little lamb. It was mixed with chips and meant to come with peas which were non existent.The food is cheap because it is not very good.We last visited over a year ago, when the food was quite good but the quality has definitely deteriorated. Even at their low prices this is not place that I will revisit.

Have used the pub many times, both for mid-week meals and Sunday lunch. 'Typical Pub Food', but excellent quality, good sized portions, and value for money. Sunday lunch for 4 people with a couple of drinks each for under £30 - how do they do it ?Its certainly not by skimping on the portions, or using cheap frozen vegetables.Its cheaper than cooking at home (and no washing up).Recommended and worth a 5 star rating.

Have eaten here many times it is true value for money. Yes, it is a local pub with no show and people should realize if you want a showy place you will pay for it. Sunday lunch for under a fiver is fab. Food hot and quickly served.

I recently popped into here for a quick lunch on a break from work and after years of passing and noticing the low prices I wasn't disappointed. We ordered the food and this came quickly and for four meal's and four drinks for just over £20 it was a steal. The food was plentiful and tasty, no pre packaged stuff that I could tell, all appeared home cooked and tasty. The only downside was it was a little dark where we were sat, as most other areas were busy. Great place, great food and great price, Would highly recommend.

Fantastic plate of fish and chips; served quickly, in front of a roaring fire. All for two quid! Beer; one pound fifty! Can't be beat! Certainly not in the U.S.!Pity we didn't know about "the weed"!

while I was at the pub last week every thing was fine then at one point while young children was running about you could smell weed coming in from outside in the beer garden.Put it like this if I had children with I would walk out as it was a wedding party

Decided to go one Sunday for lunch and in hindsight this was a very bad idea. Manager came off very rude on the phone and also in person when we were there. We were not informed of any choices nor shown to our table, which meant when we sat at the wrong table we were told to move. First impressions as we set down were that the place needed a good clean and that we could smell the toilets which was unpleasant. The atmosphere felt uneasy. The place is very understaffed with just the manager on the bar and one waitress serving food; this meant that we spent a lot of time waiting around. Price was very good for the portion size but the roast potatoes and Yorkshires were blatantly out of the bag freezer options. Meat was good, gravy we as and a nice selection of veg.Overall; poor customer service slightly redeemed by the food.

Absolutely fantastic pub, lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and really fantastic lovely cooked homely food . Will always recommend to others.

We have been here a few times for Sunday lunch. The portions are very generous and the service was good. This pub offers great value for money, the only thing I would recommend is to book in advance or go early afternoon as this pub is always busy at Sunday lunchtime.

Great old fashioned pub, with roaring fire. Food and drinks good at unbelievable prices. A selection of food without there being a massive menu. So therefore not the usual frozen pub grub. A nice pub to visit for lunch.

I recently had reason to be in Newark and as it was lunch time we called in to the Old Malt Shovel pub with friends. There was a lovely blazing fire and the food looked very good unfortunately I already had my evening meal cooking or i would have partaken of the steaks which looked wonderful.Unfortunately they did not stock my preferred tipple (Drambuie) but I will definately call in for a steak next week.

Myself and a few work colleagues visit the Malt shovel once a week for lunch and have to say it provides great value alongside a good pub atmosphere. The menu has some ode favourites alongside an a good selection of specials from the board. Drinks are cheap enough that dining out isn't too expensive, and the food is prompt so that you can fit it into your lunch hour. If you're a fan of big portions get yer sen down there for a good scran.

Good food been several times and excellant value and always cooked to perfection.Toilets could do with an update but are clean.

Went here as a result of TripAdvisor and have to agree with previous comments. The food was good and incredibly good value. Steaks cooked as you like them - 6 oz £4! 12 oz £6!!! with chips and salad. Spicy pulled pork burger - good. We had 3 main meals, glass of good wine and a couple of pints of real ale - Adnams (Abbot also available) for just over £20 - WOW!But the bar area really needs a lick of paint (there is a larger newer room out the back) and the landlord seriously needs to learn how to make customers feel welcome - no eye contact, no chat, no 'good to see you', 'try this' or 'we also have'. Good food, remarkable value, but I would never go there again. Sorry, Mister.

Really good food ,good price,value etc.but really let down by the cold room and awful toilets,Real fire by the bar ,rest of room cold glad to get out and walk about to warm my feet up.Toilets poor standard lets the place down that serves food.

Have driven by many times and thought it can't be any good at that price. Then I saw good reviews on this site and asked around, so thought I'd give it ago. I had a supposedly small sirloin steak rare, my wife had ham egg and chips. The steak was spot on good quality cooked rare as I asked and was well presented with all the trimmings. The ham egg and chips were good quality ham with 2eggs done just perfectly. No ping meals here. All the food that I saw coming out was home cooked, with only empty plates going back. And the best thing of all the price the meals as above with a pint and a half for less than a tenner. Just goes to show how other establishments are having a laugh at our expense.

Food was good, well cooked and very good value BUT what a miserable woman behind the bar.Ordered drinks then went back and ordered food, tried to engage bar woman in conversation but the ONLY thing she said was IS THAT IT.Will not be returning

The food is always good here, the steaks are great value, as is the rest of the menu, which may seem limited, but there is always a good choice on the specials board. Don't let the low prices put you off, it may be inexpensive but the quality is still there, in both the food and the service.

Honest well cooked food. If you are fed up with your chain pubs or fed up of paying exorbitant prices in so called gastro pubs then go here.

Not a lot to fault food was delicious and prices unbelievably cheap. Not an upmarket gastro pub but not pretending to be one. It is simply good food and hospitality with amazing prices

This must be the best pub food in Newark, we go in almost every weekend the sunday lunches can't be beaten at £4.50 my husband usually has steak which comes with chips, onion rings, mushroom, salad and coleslaw (i don't think ive forgotten anything!). the landlord makes his own curries from time to time which are brilliant and homemade!. All round a fantastic eating experience.

They don't come much better than this in a world full of plastic pubs and microwave meals this pub takes you back to a time of good real ale and good quality CHEAP meals.The landlord does the cooking his good lady tends the bar together they do a great job I visit a couple of times a week never had a bad meal,serloin steak and all the works for 4 quid its a steal.One real ale on at 2 quid pint, a pub with character ,great meals plus you can vape if I could give it six stars I would......

we booked the room, along with disco ,and buffet for a wedding vow renewal n christening.buffet was excellent,nice selection.very good price, with beer garden great for children. will use again.

It's a shame to see local pubs dying, I popped in for a real ale pint with the family and decided to have a meal, it was absolutely wonderful, great quality, although the regulars do make you feel uneasy because they stare so much. This is a lovely pub with fabulous meal deals. It's one of the very few traditional pubs left and it a treasure that needs to be supported by the people of Newark!!! Go try it yourself you will not be disappointed!

Visited this pub and was amazed to have a steak meal with chips,mushrooms,coleslaw for £4 with one of the best cheesecakes ever _served with cream for £1.25 .we had a bottle of red wine for £8 to go with it.Nice pub and make no mistake I am a bit picky about quality of food and venues.I can recommend here as a good value home cooked meal ,well presented,clean and pleasant staff.good for a visit when you want tasty food at a good price.

So after reading the rave reviews for this place thought we would pop in after work for a hearty meal. Ordered a drink but sadly found out don't do food on a Monday or a Tuesday night so we missed out. Will definately will be back to try. Better luck next time.

We were at Newark last week & the bus driver reccommended the Old Malt Shovel for something to eat.They have a limited menu but do have a few specials on the board but you can not fault them on the price if you just want a change from going to the 'Spoons in Newark.We had 2 main meals, one from the specials for £5.50! and we could no finish or fault the food.Yes it is a bit like walking into the "Slaughterd Lamb" but they were friendly enough.One point to note is they charge 50% on the food if you do not have a drink but the prices were reasonable for the drinks, not 'Spoons prices but reasonable at £3.30 a pint.We will be going back when we're at Newark later in the year.

The troll behind the bar treated us like we'd just kicked his dog. The locals were all staring at us like we'd come from the moon, and one of them laughed at the drink I ordered. Blackcurrent and soda must be pretty damn funny, and drink driving must be encouraged.Local pub for local people, we'll have no trouble here.

The food was amazing for the price. Staff were friendly, as were the locals. If you go on a Sunday, it's advisable to book. It even has a real fire, sometimes. Overall a good little pub. Always real ales on, and at a good price.

Such good quality traditional English pub fayre of yesteryear. Not a Gastro pub - but very very good value basic foods. Still don't know how you do it for the cost. Wonderful roaring fire - plenty of space to eat. Drinks at reasonable prices too. More of these establishments please! Peter

Looks old and tired from outside. Basic inside but great value for money. Can't fault the food, very cheap, friendly staff. Get what you pay for and more. Will go back.

As a regular in this pub i can honestly say that if you can find food of this quality at a cheaper price then you must be in a different country!The beers not bad either!Main course meals start at £2,yes i did say £2!! For this price my personal favourite is either ham egg and chips or liver and onions but, be warned, for the latter you have to get up early as whenever it is on the menu it is snapped up feverishly! Perhaps the star of the show is the full steak dinner, cooked to your liking with ALL of the trimmings,a snip at £4.This is a proper steak not some piece of scrag end and literally all of the trimmings you could wish for!! If you are still peckish after that lot then sweet courses start at the princely sum of £1!! The only downside you may find is that at busy times you will have to wait your turn but believe me it is worth the wait!My own principal reason for being there is for the liquid side of the pub.There are always at least three real ales and my own favourite Adnams Broadside is a pretty constant fixture.At least one beer is usually £2 a pint with at least one lager and one cider at £2.50.Sadly Broadside never makes this list as it sells in quantity at £3 per pint!So,treat yourself and your wallet and pay a visit,you will receive a warm welcome!

fantastic value for money - proper home cooked food - and a blazing log burner -and bottles of wine only £6 !!

I can't believe how cheap the food was here, part of me felt guilty paying such a low price. My daughter had the 1/2lb cheese burger with chips. salad and onion rings all for £3 and I had the chilli con carne for £3.50. both meals where tasty and you got plently of it. We had spotted dick and cheese cake for deserts both where £1 each. Don't be put off by the bar area when you look in the window, the locals are very friendly and the conservatory area at the back is lovely. Would definitely go there again. Just disappointed we don't live nearer because the Christmas 3 course menu was only £8. They don't do food on a Monday.

Don't be put off with it's rather drab exterior this is an excellent old style pub with unbelievably 'value for money' meals. I had the perfectly cooked rump steak (£4.with all the trimmings), my husband the 12oz gammon steak £3.80 with two perfectly cooked fried eggs (not the usual rubbery bullets produced by some pub chains!). The beer was excellent (so I'm told) and my shandy perfect (i.e. I could still taste the beer not just lemonade). Will we return? Definitely yes!Any complaints? Just one, cold plates! But as the food was so straight from the kitchen hot we can forgive them this once but it would be a bonus if they are warmed next time.

have eaten here several times recently and never cease to be amazed at the prices and the quality.have tried various dishes and the quality has been high every time.prices start at £2 and the dearest is £4 for steak with all the trimmings.fantastic value.also they do good old fashioned puddings like spotted dick and ginger pudding with custard for £1.give it a try you won`t be disappointed.

An old fashioned pub with good food at amazing prices. Currently, Rump steak with all the trimmings, £4 and it's cooked to perfection. The beers of which there are several are well kept with a local micro brewery 4.5 % beer for £2.The prices of all the offerings are not at the expense of quality and the staff are friendly and efficient. By no means my first visit but I can't see me stopping any time soon.

I eat here with a group of colleagues every six weeks or so. Prices are remarkably low and one would expect cheap poor quality food. This is not the case! The food is of very good quality, generous portions , well presented and the service is good. It is an old style town pub with friendly staff and locals. It is very relaxed and really even those on a tight budget could easily afford an evening or lunchtime meal here with friends.

Traditional old style pub, paid my first visit on a cold spring day. Warming open fire in the hearth.Meals from lunch to early evening good choice of food and very good quality and value for money.Service was very good and the food was brought very quickly. 2nd Visit I had the steak which was very tender and included salad and all the usual trimmings. I will be a regular visitor from now on.