An expansion is planned for a Nottingham pub's 'incredibly successful' fanzone which has become a go-to destination for football fans. When the Trent Navigation Inn took a leap of faith to convert its car park into a fanzone after proving a hit during Euro 2020, Nottingham Forest were rock bottom of the Championship and Notts County remained in the National League - with fans not having much to celebrate.
But the idea paid off, becoming a popular venue with Forest fans as the club was promoted to the Premier League and then survived, whilst Notts County fans celebrated promotion back to the Football League. Named 'The Big Shed', the outdoor area is now regarded as one of the best facilities for football supporters in the Midlands, with a huge screen, dedicated bar, Bavarian-style seating, barbecue and stage.
Previously, Tom Holodynsky, operations manager, spoke of his amazement at how the concept had been "really embraced by the supporters of both Forest and Notts County alike". Now the pub has applied for planning permission to extend the space, adding even more public seating and catering facilities for fans.
