The award-winning watering hole was nicknamed the ‘sweet shop’
The Gate Inn’s interior earnt it heritage status from CAMRA
A traditional Nottinghamshire real ale pub with strong community roots has been put up for sale as the owners want to retire.
The Gate Inn, a free house, has been run by Steve Fox and Kim Boldock for the last 16 years. The couple turned around the ailing pub, in Main Street, Awsworth, which dates back to the late 19th century and has CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) heritage status, which identifies historically significant interiors that have remained largely unchanged for at least 50 years.
The Gate Inn is well-known for its characterful multi‑room layout, exceptional beer quality and welcoming atmosphere, and has built a loyal following among locals, societies and ale enthusiasts.
The business is almost entirely wet‑led and operates as a true free house, offering a range of real ales, ciders and classic pub experiences.
Over the years, extensive care and investment have been made to preserve the pub’s heritage while ensuring it remains a vibrant hub within the village.
After taking over the publicans decided to jump start the place by putting on 1,000 different beers in 1,066 days.
The Boldocks fell in love with the pub in 2010 even though it had fallen out of favour and had been shut for three weeks. They immediately saw its potential, particularly in the large cellar which would allow them to carry lots of different ales.
Speaking at the time, Kim said: “It was a big gamble to take it on but, touch wood, it seems to be paying off. We looked round hundreds of pubs before we found this one and as soon as we stepped through the door, we had a really good feeling about it.”
The Gate Inn, Awsworth, is up for sale
The pub rapidly gained a reputation amongst real ale lovers and was nicknamed “the sweet shop” by CAMRA members because of the variety on offer.
To celebrate the 1,000th different beer in just under three years, they commissioned a bespoke real ale from Giltbrook brewery, Blue Monkey. Called A Pub of a Thousand Beers, the pump clip depicted the body of Anne Boleyn with the head of a monkey.
Kim said: “We chose Anne Boleyn because she famously ruled for 1,066 days, which is the same length of time we put our 1,000 different beers on.”
The owners gradually renovated the pub and added a skittle alley, rooftop terrace, and an outside courtyard at the rear. In February 2016, the main bar was refurbished and an old fireplace rediscovered, which now houses a log burning stove.
The pub won Nottingham CAMRA’s Pub of Excellence award in 2011 and LocAle Pub of the Year in 2013.
Landlady Kim Boldock with Blue Monkey production manager Simon King pictured in 2013 when the pub celebrated serving its 1,000th different beer
(Image: Mark Fear )
As they start to wind down, the couple said in a joint statement: “After 16 years of being the custodians of The Gate, we are looking forward to our retirement.
“We purchased the pub in 2010 to ensure it remained a community‑led pub, something we have done. We have raised £80,000 for charity over the years and made many friends, but now is the time for the next custodian to continue The Gate’s journey.”
The asking price is £400,000. Jonty Green, business agent at Christie & Co, who is managing the sale, said: “The Gate is a charming free house, steeped in history.
“From the moment you step in, you can see the hard work, care, and extensive charity work that Steve and Kim have put in over the years. This will make a great pub for any ale enthusiast, and we encourage interested parties to get in touch for more information.”
