Gooseberry Bush, Nottingham

The Gooseberry Bush was built in 1984 on part of the site of the old Nottingham Women's Hospital, the maternity unit of which operated between 1930 and 1981. Named for the place newborn babes are allegedly found. In 2002, it was renamed the Varsity but has since reverted to the Gooseberry Bush. Much of the rest of the hospital site has been converted to flats (www.jdwetherpoon.com). The Gooseberry Bush was opened by Mansfield Brewery on the very steep sloping site of the boiler house and the doctors' residences. It was part of a major programme of eight new or refurbished pubs that marked the greatest venture of this relatively small brewery and its expansion into Nottingham.The Building was a one-room pub, a very large and exceptionally well-appointed lounge with a split level and screen alcoves, with a games area. To the front, balconies offer views over the City."From the road steps lead up to a patio, which will no doubt be popular in the Summer, and the main entrance. Inside the Gooseberry Bush is spacious and well-planned. A split-level design with screened seating alcoves helps to create a sense of cosiness and a separate games area has been set aside for pool and darts. Only the ubiquitous plastic greenery seems to have been a little over done." (Notts and District Drinker, Vol. 2, No. 2, 1984-5). The extension to the lounge is dated September 1990. There are no original features inside (Elain Harwood / Historic England).

The Gooseberry Bush is in Nottingham City Council's Arboretum Conservation Area.

[Nottingham City Council, Arboretum Ward / Nottingham East Parliamentary Constituency]