Latest TOA review on the NXLIVE - alternative music and culture website
http://nxlive.co.uk/nx/2010/06/28/170/

Review: Nottingham’s Best Burger found in Annie’s Burger Shack
April 23, 2010 by krisinnotts

The local, youth-oriented arts and culture magazine recently printed a review noting that Annie’s Burger Shack served an excellent “American-style” burger. I needed no further prompting. Myself, Dan and one of Dan’s co-workers, who is also an American, went to test the theory. We all concur.

First, I should begin with the difficult part. Annie’s Burger Shack is located inside of the Old Angel Inn on Nottingham’s Stoney Street. The Old Angel Inn is simultaneously a Nottingham cultural hub and dive. “Dive” might even be too generous of a word for this pub, even. The pub looks like it has not been the slightest bit refurbished since the second World War. And, although I don’t believe that much of Notts was bombed during WWII, I wonder what this pub went through at that time. Or maybe it just has some serious 1970s history. Upon our entrance into the Old Angel, the bartender and the clientele, all of whom were some version of contemporary punk style, bristled like porcupines. Heavy metal music blared. The walls and furnishings are putrid with old cigarette smoke. We asked for a menu anyway. We were willing to go in search of a great burger.

There are more than 70 types of burger on the menu–including vegetarian burgers. I ordered a Mexican burger which promised to feature jalapenos, avocado and salsa. Dan had a “drunken burger” and our friend had the “Slayer” burger.

We sent Dan to the kitchen to order. Annie’s Burger Shack, like many businesses, is a private venture renting from the Old Angel. Dan reported that the kitchen looked clean. Dan is inordinately fastidious, so I was feeling hopeful. We did not inquire, but, I’m kind of hoping that the guy with the t-shirt with the sleeves ripped off is Annie.

We sat outside in the courtyard. It was quiet at first, but, over the course of our meal youngish angry types filled the other tables to enjoy a pint and the heavy metal music. No one seemed to pay any mind to the three mostly clean-cut looking older people.

Which is good. Because we’re going to go back. We will go back regularly. Those were some amazing burgers. Annie got all the details right: the seasame seed buns were lightly toasted. There was mayonaise on one side of the bun, and a good quality ketchup on the other (boo to all of you uk restaurants who use watered down crap– I hope Annie beats you up!). The burger itself was high quality as well as the materials added in. Annie did not scrimp on the fixings. It was delicious and it was affordable.

So long as Annie is set up at the Old Angel Inn, it looks like the three of us are going to learn a lot more about European death metal…

http://krisinnotts.wordpress.com

From the www.thisisnottingham.co.uk website, check the link out below:
Kreepers-club-night
Friday, June 26, 2009

From the www.thisisnottingham.co.uk website, check the link out below:
Down Your Local: The Old Angel#
Friday, April 03, 2009

The ViewNottingham Review - Review by Jesse Keene 10/06/2008

One of the last true rock pubs left among an ever-growing population of exclusive bars. The Old Angel is somewhere to rock out and see some of the UK's best bands before they make the big time.

The Venue
Along with a few others, The Old Angel claims to be one of the city's oldest pubs, though why they bother with that bit of trivia is a bit of a mystery - they have plenty of other things to boast about.

Located in the trendy Hockley area, The Old Angel is a pillar of noise and rock tradition in Nottingham, and one of their claims to fame is that the Artic Monkeys played here before going on to bigger and better stages.

Most of the action takes place upstairs, where the live gigs are held. It's a tiny graffiti-daubed sweatbox that's perfect for moshing.

Downstairs, the walls are lined with posters and flyers for forthcoming nights and gigs, while the sound of heavy metal guitar resonates through the air from the fully stocked jukebox. This has everything from Black Sabbath to Rob Zombie.

The People
The bar staff look the part, with tattoos and piercing aplenty, and the service is pleasant and prompt, although this could change during busy periods. The smoking area is allocated outside in a yard-cum-beer garden.

As it's predominantly a rock pub you'll see a fair number of mohicans, piercings and tattoos. However, The Old Angel appeals to a variety of people and it still maintains a local feel.

Office workers, real-ale drinkers and other community-based people pop in to soak up its atmosphere.

The Food and Drink
They serve really cheap food with breakfasts costing £4.45, burgers around £4.25 and nachos for £3, but it's never going to be known for its food. Here, it's all about rock.(new menu - so check it out)

The bars, one in the centre of the building and one located upstairs in the live room (only open to public during gig nights), are fully stocked with an array of spirits, wines and beers and also guest ales, which change from time to time at reasonable prices. Tuesday is the day for bargains at The Old Angel with all shots at £1.50 from 6pm onwards.

The Last Word
The Angel is a homely place with the feel of a true pub in the heart of the city. You always get a warm welcome, while the live music nights really bring the pub and the regulars together like a big happy family.