Smith's Tavern, Ashbourne

A gem of a pub! Situated at the bottom end of the market square in Ashbourne is a pub it's easy to walk past and, in truth, its narrow double doors are not the easiest to get through. However, once inside, we were made to feel very welcome by a landlord who was very happy to advise on the 4 real ales he had on offer. We all chose 'Sunbeam' from Banks Brewery of Wolverhampton. It was zingy, hoppy and went down a treat. Also available was 'Snecklifter' from Jennings and a couple of others from other breweries.

Smith's Tavern is clearly popular with locals and the landlord seemed to have a good rapport with them all. All in all, a very good pub.

The Olde Vaults, Ashbourne

It might have been a particularly quiet Monday night but, at 8 o'clock in the evening, the landlady (who was, otherwise, quite charming) was on the point of closing up. Our cheery demeanour, though, persuaded her to come up with beer. Pedigree and Bass were on offer and went down well and an interesting discussion ensued over the wrongdoings of Jimmy Savile and Lance Armstrong, who had more in common than you might think. After one pint, we took the hint and moved on.

The Queen's Head, Belper

What a cracking pub! Initially, it promised little from the outside - there was a band practising in an upstairs room and the door looked blank. Inside, though, a real treat - rooms galore, some with open fires, some with books for reading and exchange, a terrace with a view (allegedly), suitably antiquated toilets and that type of bleak lighting which, in other settings, would be garish. A range of four beers were on offer (after some changing of barrels had taken place) and we all settled down with a perfectly acceptable pint of Bass. This wasn't the end of the entertainment, though, by any means. At 10 o'clock, the pub suddenly filled with teams of men  eager to pit their wits in the Tuesday Night Quiz. Once order had been established by the twitchy quizmaster, the questions came thick and fast and maybe if we'd stayed another half an hour, we'd have found out who won. Maybe next time...

The Fisherman's Rest (Home), Belper

Being situated near a cemetery, the Fisherman's Rest has all the sullen atmosphere of an undertaker's waiting room. The bar staff (presumably the landlord/lady) were functional without any hint of friendliness and probably a little disappointed that we were only there to drink.We did our best and almost enlivened a couple who clearly had run out of things to say to each other sometime in the 1970s. The beer, however, was quite palatable - something hoppy from Banks' and well-kept Pedigree - and the seating was adequate and comfortable. Perhaps this pub has better nights but I doubt we'll be returning to find out..