The Orange Tree pub situated on the corner of North Sherwood Street and popular with students, especially on a Friday and Saturday night it is difficult to move in there, although on this particular Wednesday evening it was only around half full.
We sat in the back area and took a look at the menu. There is a wide selection of sandwiches, a handful of different burgers and the usual pub mains. We all opted for burgers, priced at £8.50, one with cheese (add 50p) and bacon (add 75p), one with the topping of the day, beef brisket chilli (add £2) and one with cheese and beef brisket chilli. We each also had a pint: one ale, one lager and one cider, all priced between £3.50 and £4.
After paying at the bar we sat back down and our food arrived around 10 minutes later in a rectangular roasting tray. The burger arrived with fresh coleslaw which was crunchy with a slight spice that gave it a nice kick as well as hand cut chips which were somewhat floppy but actually tasted excellent. In no way did they seem undercooked or greasy, the perfect side. The burger itself was a large slab of tender, succulent, well-seasoned beef, one of the best I have tasted, topped with a chilli that was simply sublime. I could have eaten a bowl of the chilli alone it was that good. The cheese and salad topped off the burger nicely and the bacon on one of the other burgers was also a juicy slice of heaven. Put simply, one of the best burgers I have eaten in recent times.
The pub itself is a pretty standard affair. The usual photos on the walls and the bar, chairs and tables are all a little worn. The table we sat at in fact was slightly grainy to touch, as if someone had spilt salt on it and not cleaned it all up. The place as a whole however does seem relatively clean although it is obvious that people drinking there is its primary function as oppose to the food it serves.
The staff are friendly and polite. They offered us condiments with our meals and did not seem put out when we agreed to some. They were bought out quickly and the quality of the condiments was actually rather good, no cheap sachets. The bar staff are chatty and the place has a very welcoming feel.
Overall whilst the Orange Tree is little more than your average run-of-the-mill drinking spot, the atmosphere and especially it’s food, makes it a place well worth a visit. The prices match the food quality and they have a wide range of beers on tap. During the day this place is great for groups of friends or couples wanting a causal meal and at night is perfect to stop of for a drink. In summary, treemendous.
The Food Sheriff of Nottingham 