Pits to Pints: Discover Eastwood’s rich mining heritage and thriving real ale scene

The trail begins at Eastwood’s oldest surviving public house and Grade II Listed Building, the Old Wine Vaults, and concludes at the award-winning Blue Monkey taproom, encompassing ten of Eastwood’s finest high street pubs, micropubs and real ale houses.

Discover over 240 years of history, infamous trials, and original mining artefacts on the journey. Each stop will have a trail sign, with facts about Eastwood’s history and characters inspired by the town’s industrial past, as well as scannable QR codes providing visitors with exclusive access to more fun facts and images.

Collect a stamp from the bar at each stop and receive a limited-edition prize from the final stop, Blue Monkey Brewery, once you’ve collected all ten.

Trail sponsor, Trentbarton Buses’, 34 and Rainbow One routes, which both have multiple stops along the length of Nottingham Road, are perfect for explorers to safely travel between longer stops.

Trail-goers can pick up their trail maps at any of the participating venues, on Trentbarton buses 34 and Rainbow One, or at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.

Find out more on the Pits to Pints homepage.

Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said, “Eastwood’s history of coal mining and its selection of public houses go hand in hand. Many in the local community who worked in surrounding collieries spend much of their time above ground socialising with one another at these institutions and this trail is a great way to uncover the stories that our town holds.

“Eastwood today has a fantastic and truly flourishing scene of pubs, micropubs and real ale houses that deserves to be celebrated, whether you’re popping in for a pint, soft drink, or a snack.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said, “Pits to Pints is a brilliant way to celebrate Eastwood’s proud mining heritage while supporting the pubs, micropubs and breweries that help give the town its character today.

“It’s great to see UKSPF investment being used to bring people into Eastwood, support local businesses and shine a light on the stories and places that make the town unique.

“I hope the trail encourages people to discover more of Eastwood’s history, visit its fantastic local venues and take pride in what makes the town so special.”

This project received £3,024 from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.

Broxtowe Borough Council has been allocated a total of £1,056,720 in 2025/6. Activity funded includes local business and skills support and a set of community projects.