The Duke of York, Elton

The Duke of York fits nicely in a bracket with the Barley Mow at Kirk Ireton - pubs run by families with little attention to the fads of the modern world. It doesn't open till 8.30 - there's no need when there's only three regulars. It only offered one beer (Marston's Burton Bitter) which was perfectly palatable without being very flavoursome. There's also an eclectic mixture of other stuff, displayed above the bar in bottles and cans. The open fire was welcoming and the fantastic fireplace quite imposing. The landlady was kindly, although slightly hard of hearing. Worth a visit if you're passing at an appropriate hour.

The Druid Inn, Birchover

Birchover is a place we've been several times previously but always to visit the woodenly atmospheric Red Lion. The Druid had been through some changes of management and we were responding to information that it had, recently, been turned back into a pub that does food (rather than a restaurant with a small bar attached). Fortunately that did turn out to be the case and we found a selection (albeit small) of beers, from Kelham Island, Buxton Brewery and one other. All beers were on the sharp side of 'bitter' and were slightly disappointing, in terms of richness of flavour. The surroundings were conducive, apparently refurbished, but appearing to be traditional in tone. The welcome was warm and the young man behind the bar was very ready with information. A good addition to the Birchover repertoire.

The Bull's Head, Monyash

The Bull's Head is a pub, teetering on that cusp between pub and restaurant. Thankfully, it hasn't (yet) tilted over into devoting itself entirely to meals, as have so many others, and retains an essentially pub-like interior. The welcome was warm and the one young woman serving on did an excellent job of keeping everybody happy. There was a selection of beers to be had and all reports were favourable. There is, of course, nothing wrong with pubs providing fodder for the tired walker and the food we ordered arrived promptly. A range of standard pub classics did not disappoint. If you're in or passing through Monyash, it's well worth a stop.

The Five Lamps, Derby

This was easily my favourite and the one pub I'd go back to without hesitation, if I was in the area (or even if I wasn't!). Their website has details of all that is on offer there but it's an impressive interior and, apparently carries a range of 14 cask ales. We tried to eponymous Five Lamps ale and it was fine. However, by that stage in the evening, we all were on halves and this pub would warrant an evening devoted to itself and the full range of its offerings. Go there.

The Seven Stars, Derby

We pondered a little on the origin of the name but came to no obvious conclusions. This is a pub with an underfloor lit well, nice clean toilets, a small range of good beer - I forget what - (perhaps I should take more notes during our visits), low ceilings and a barmaid who was friendly enough to suggest we try the beers before we buy. However, the downside is the number of amusements available - there seemed to be either a slot machine or a TV screen on every wall and it was all a bit too much for such an enclosed space. Shame, but I suppose pubs have to make money somehow.

The Flowerpot, Derby

The Flowerpot is well-known as a music venue, in Derby, but serves well as a boozer, too. There was a fine range and I had a pint of something suitably summery from Mallinson's Brewery of Huddersfield. The layout of the rooms inside is very rough-and-ready but they're probably more used to accommodating denim-clad youths than middle-aged beer hunters, in search of a quiet spot for a good pint. Anyway, the barmaid was smiley and quite happy to advise on suitable beers. I'd go back but pick my night carefully to avoid the music.

The Furnace Inn, Derby

It took a bit of finding but, at the end of a walk through Darley Abbey Park, we came upon the Furnace, as recommended by CAMRA. It fits well with the type of pub that CAMRA loves - good range of well-kept beers, untrendy and clearly beloved of the locals. We all had a blondish ale which was sharp and well-suited to a summer evening, though I can't remember exactly what it was. The beers are listed inside the door in order from dark to pale. The interior had seen better days but was preferable to the beer 'garden' with its view of sectional concrete garages. A good pub but not a gem.