Loughborough

The choice of name seems to have been a rather convoluted process: the pub is in an area which was occupied primarily by Loughborough’s electricity works, and the word ‘electricity’ comes from the Greek ‘elektron’ meaning amber, then putting ‘rooms’ after it

The Swan in the Rushes was built in 1932 (originally as the Charnwood Inn) and retains much of the era’s two-room plus lobby layout, including fixed seating, fireplaces and parquet flooring in its smoke room. As a mid-20th-century town pub it reflects the suburban expansion of Loughborough during that period, serving neighbourhood drinkers whilst preserving original architectural detail. In recent decades it has become an integral part of the real ale scene, offering a strong rotating range of cask ales plus traditional cider and perry. It has earned multiple local CAMRA awards such as Cider Pub of the Year in 2024. The combination of historic interior and quality beer make it a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Sadly after my visit there has been a 'renovation', so I don't know how much of the interior remains.

The Generous Briton stands on a site with deep roots: the current building dates from 1937, replacing an earlier inn on the same grounds that had stood since 1837. Originally affiliated to the local brewery Midland Brewery (later acquired by Stretton’s Brewery in 1902) it retains many original features such as the bar and arch-shaped stone fireplaces — a glimpse into inter-war pub design. Having reopened as a genuinely independent free house in 2011, the Generous Briton revived its real‐ale credentials and won the local branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year award in 2012. Its layout blends traditional rooms (public bar and lounge) with modern amenities (pool table, outdoor heated garden) while preserving heritage details, making it a favourite for ale drinkers seeking character.

The Organ Grinder is housed in an 18th-century coach house with many of its traditional features preserved — including the former ostler’s house section with an original cast-iron cooking range, and the adjacent stable block with wooden feeding troughs. The building was formerly known as the Old Packe Horse before it reopened as the Organ Grinder in around 2012 following refurbishment. Since its rebirth, the pub has become a cornerstone for real ale in Loughborough, offering a strong focus on cask beers (primarily from the on-site linked brewery Blue Monkey Brewery) with nine hand-pulls and a rotating guest ale lineup. It has also earned multiple awards from the local branch of CAMRA (e.g., Pub of the Year in 2013, 2019, 2023 and 2024) reflecting its sustained quality and importance in the real ale scene.

The White Hart is one of only three surviving pubs which were once tied to the Midland Brewery (Loughborough) estate, which was acquired by Stretton’s of Derby in 1902. Located in the heart of Loughborough’s town centre, it features a traditional town pub layout and ambiance, retaining the heritage of early-20th-century tied-house design. Today the White Hart is celebrated for its real-ale offering — regularly featuring six or more cask ales including locally brewed beers from nearby breweries such as the Charnwood Brewery. It remains a well-regarded venue among ale fans for combining historic atmosphere with a strong selection of hand-pumped beer

The Three Nuns, located at 30 Church Gate in Loughborough, has long stood as a staple of the local town centre pub scene under the ownership of the Leicester brewery Everards. While exact origins remain a little hazy, the pub’s name offers a nod to a heritage rooted in brewing culture: originally it was called the ‘Three Tuns’, a typical reference to a pub sign symbolising three barrels (or ‘tuns’) and thus its connection to the brewing trade. In an interesting twist of local lore, the pub’s current name emerged from an early-to-mid twentieth-century naming error. At some point the brewery attempted to restore the older ‘Three Tuns’ name but misread the historical document and registered the name as ‘The Three Nuns’ instead. By the time the mistake was realised it had already become official with the local magistrates, and the name stuck.

The Peacock Inn is a traditional small town pub with deep local roots: it was once the home of the inventor William Cotton of the “Cotton’s Patent” knitting machine, and has functioned as a public house for many decades, embracing both community lodging and ale. It also featured guest rooms, reflecting a heritage of inns that served both travellers and locals. In more recent decades the Peacock has become known for its real-ale focus and involvement with the local branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)—indeed, it was noted as the first pub to hold a meeting for the campaign in the region some 50 years ago. The mixture of historic building, guest-house past and real-ale present makes it one of Loughborough’s interesting lesser-known pub-heritage spots.

Although more modern than many of the traditional pubs, the Moonface Brewery & Tap has quickly become part of Loughborough’s real-ale heritage. The venue opened in October 2018 in a converted warehouse/art-studio and launched in-house brewing in late 2019 using equipment from the former Winfields Brewery of Portsmouth. It represents the transition from historic tied-houses to modern micro-breweries and taprooms within town centres. Since opening the Moonface has earned recognition from the local CAMRA branch (including Pub of the Year awards) and offers a rotating range of cask ales brewed on-site, along with guest beers and craft-cider offerings. While not as old as many pubs, its rapid embrace by the real-ale community and its brewing-heritage twist give it a unique place in Loughborough’s pub-scape.

The Wheeltapper is a modern town-centre pub with a distinctive railway-inspired interior: reproduction posters of heritage railways, railway-themed photos on the walls, and décor that nods to the local industrial and rail heritage. With five hand-pulls dedicated to changing real ales from independent and local brewers (including gluten-free options), alongside craft beers and real cider, it offers an especially strong selection for beer enthusiasts. The atmosphere at The Wheeltapper is relaxed but lively: it features a spacious outdoor beer garden, is dog-friendly, offers excellent disabled access, and regularly puts on live music or DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Originally part of what was the Barley Mow (a Home Ales tied pub) this micropub space now known as Mini Monocle has been reinvented with a strong focus on real ales and an alternative, vibrant social atmosphere with live music. Although relatively new in its current format, its roots link back to earlier pub usage on the Market Street site. The pub has gained local recognition, including being listed in the awards from the Loughborough & North Leicestershire CAMRA Branch as Mild Pub of the Year Runner-Up in 2025. Its focus on smaller scale cask ales, live music and a distinctive alternative vibe make it an interesting addition to Loughborough’s real-ale scene, complementing the more traditional pubs.

The Needle & Pin is a micropub that opened in 2015, converting a former H & R electronics shop into a compact, independent venue devoted to real ales and craft beers. The upstairs area features vinyl records and a relaxed space, which shows how the pub blends beer culture with a slightly alternative vibe. The pub is known for its ever-changing selection of hand-pulled and gravity-fed real ales, a fine range of ciders and perries, and more than 80 bottled or craft beers. It has also been recognised by the local CAMRA branch (for example Branch Pub of the Year in 2018 and Mild Pub of the Year in 2024 & 2025).