The Three Stags' Heads, Darley Bridge

Unexpectedly busy for a Tuesday night, the TSH offered a small range of ales: the ubiquitous Landlord, and a couple from Peak Ales. We had the Best Bitter and it was in good order and competitively priced at £2.90. There was a crowd of cyclists in, being served chips and other diners consuming well-priced pub grub. It seemed like a good place and well worth a second visit.

Barrington's, The Whitworth, Darley Dale

A decent pint of Farmer's Blonde, from the Bradfield Brewery was on offer at the newly-refurbished 'Barrington's' in the Whitworth Centre but was unattractively priced at £3.60. Doubtless, the punters are paying for the improvements. The surroundings are pleasant enough, although it's clearly pitched itself at attracting diners more than drinkers. The food being consumed by all our fellow patrons looked nouveau-cusinish, so probably over-priced too. Not worth a second visit.

The Crispin Inn, Ashover

Now it's an easy thing to overlook the Crispin, given its proximity to the fabulous Poets' Corner but it turned out to be surprisingly good. Although we sat outside, till it started raining, the interior is comfortable, wooden and varied. The bar had, as well as some fizzy pop from Mansfield Brewery, Pedigree, Oxford Gold and two from Jennings Brewery, Cumbria. On the night, the Oxford Gold (4.0%) was OK but Jennings' 'Cooker Hoop' (4.5%)was better, with a cleaner hoppy finish. The girl behind the bar was doing everything (serving drinks, taking food orders, serving meals, tidying up) but doing it all with good grace and a friendly smile. One to go to, even if you don't combine it with a trip to the Poets'.