In the heart of Nottingham lies a tale as old as time, a legend rooted in the city’s pub culture, known as The Flying Horse Inn. Situated on St Peter’s Gate, a cobblestone throw away from the bustling Old Market Square, this traditional English pub is steeped in history and tradition.
It is believed that the pub was originally named ‘The Bird in Hand’, but in the 19th century a flying horse sculpture was added to the building, leading the locals to informally rename it ‘The Flying Horse’. The name eventually stuck and became an essential part of Nottingham’s folklore. The Flying Horse Inn is indeed rare, as it is the only building in Nottingham with a cave cellar, which is believed to be linked to the city’s high number of sandstone caves.
An attendant tale to the name is one of folklore. It tells the story of Beler, a legendary giant who, despite his figure, ran as fast as a horse. Beler ruled the district with his strength and was known to chase troublemakers out of town. Legend has it that Beler once single-handedly stopped an invasion by magically transforming into a flying horse, thereby saving the city.
The story of Beler and the Flying Horse continues to circulate in the city. The pub functions as a time capsule of sorts – with its stained glass windows from 1926 and open fireplaces. Locals and tourists alike step into the warmth of this local establishment to sip on a pint, while they are surreptitiously initiated into the age-old story told through the walls, the windows, and the legend of the Flying Horse.