The White Lion, Starkholmes

This pub has recently changed hands, and the new staff are clearly working hard to build up the business. As before, the right -hand end of the pub (as you enter) is the drinking half, while the left-hand section  is mainly for eating.

We didn't try the food, but the bar service was friendly and helpful, and there was a good range of beers on, including the very tasty Ugly Sisters (4.5%). So well worth a try, especially as this side of Matlock is not over-supplied with decent pubs.

Goodbye Laburnum?

Tucked away in the upper reaches of Matlock, and not that far from those other sylvan pubs The Thorn Tree and The Sycamore, the Laburnum may have closed it doors for the last time tonight. The owners, Admiral, have given the landlord, Ian, notice to quit, and despite all his hard work and enthusiasm the business is up for sale.

Very much a local local, this pub has panoramic views over the Derwent valley as well as a nearly-unique name (only one other in England, according to Google). The pub played host to a wide range of clubs and societies, all of which are now homeless - another example of how pubco greed is doing its bit for the 'Big Society'.

It joins the growing number of pubs in Matlock which have closed in the past year, including the Gate on Smedley Street East and the Horseshoe at Matlock Green.

The Butcher's Arms, Oakerthorpe

We popped in on a scouting mission to find a pub clearly devoting itself, bit by bit, to food. Most of the tables were for dining at. The beer was fine, though from a limited range, but the ambience was similar to that found in the Fisherman's Rest at Belper - older couples more interested in watching Coronation Street on the barside telly, than in actually conversing. Nonetheless, if you've reached that time in your life, a comfortable place to di(n)e in.

The Blue Stoops, Walton

 

 

First question - what are stoops? Nobody in the pub seemed to know. You'd think they'd have been asked that before, or maybe Walton folk are naturally incurious. But apparently a stoop (noun) is a step, though why they should be blue is another matter.

 

Anyway, this was a pub we'd all driven past many times on the Matlock road just outside Chesterfield, and it's rated by Camra, so we paid it a visit on a Tuesday evening. It looks like a 1930s roadhouse type pub, with interior to match - nice enough if a bit uninspiring. The service was helpful and we found a decent range of three or four beers - all that we sampled were very tasty. So no complaints there, but nothing really to set the pulse racing, either, in terms of that magical quality, atmosphere.



The Three Tuns, Eastwood

Arthur John Lawrence's favourite watering hole, apparently, which he doubtless used, in an attempt to get away from his embarrassingly literate and prodigious son. If he had visited today, he would have found stuff not to his liking - kids on pool tables and noisy toilets - and, surprisingly, only two real ales (he liked a pint, did Arthur). However, these were very well kept and offered good refreshment (although I forget what they were). In addition, there was a small cabal of ex-pitmen propping up one end of the bar, with whom he could have found common purpose and/or someone to fight.
The lady behind the bar was welcoming and able to come up with crisps, nuts and pork pies (though no mustard) and she did point out a list promising a wider range of beers, which are, apparently, sometimes available. All in all, a pub serving its local community well, as it probably has since Arthur's day.

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..

The Flying Childers, Stanton in the Peak

The Flying Childers already appears elsewhere on this blog (under "Easter Walk") but is such a special pub that it deserves an individual entry. The attractive stone facade was festooned with a banner announcing the pub as Camra's 2012 pub of the year and it's easy to see why. A very warm welcome from an exiting regular, an open fire, a two-tiered lounge bar and a range of beers - most interestingly "Random Toss"  from the Flipside Brewery in Colwick, Nottingham - provided a great atmosphere. There was also several interesting artefacts to provide mental stimulation above and beyond the discussion we had on the universe and everything. We didn't eat anything more than crisps and nuts but the pub does provide some range of freshly-prepared food. - we'd sampled some on the Easter Walk visit. An all-round great pub and one not to be missed.

The Church Inn, Darley Dale

Spotted by a member whilst out on a bike ride, this slightly out of the way (on the original, pre-A6 road from Matlock to Bakewell) pub looked a likely propsect. An attractive stone-built pub offered more extensive accommodation than was first apparent. We went into the lounge bar and sat in a fairly brightly-lit but slightly cramped room and took delivery of some Hardy Hansons and Spotted Hen beers. All very acceptable. The landlord and regulars were friendly enough (after the initial chill had thawed) and the highlight was a mechanical doll of Louis Armstrong, which sang and chomped along to "Hello Dolly".

The Fishpond, Matlock Bath

The newly- and extensively-refurbished Fishpond provided an interesting challenge to the tastes of a group of middle-aged men. Eclectic decorations, including an elaborate (but probably fake) gold mirror and a trompe-l'oeil bookcase, and a variety of seating options in several settings both inside and out, made for an intriguing venue. From the door, it looked like the 'beer' on offer was going to be cold and fizzy but, on approaching the bar, there was, in fact, some range of beers and the one recommended was hoppy and refreshing. Other members may recall the names of the breweries. I don't know if we'll go back, as a group, but we might individually pop in, if we're caught up in the hell that Matlock Bath sometimes is at the weekends.

The Princess Victoria, Matlock Bath

This pub has had a bit of a chequered past and ownership seems to have changed hands fairly frequently, suggesting its not an easy pub to run. Our visit revealed yet another recent change with a new tenant installed (although he was previously the manager). However, our impressions were favourable. Pleasant wooden surroundings, slightly dingy lighting, a bloke on the piano contrasting with 60s classics on the sound system. It is, maybe, still a pub whose target market is young people but there was a healthy range of beers on tap (Ashover and Blue Monkey are the two I remember but there were more) and the manager was on hand to offer advice about flavours. All in all, a pleasant place and one to go back to..

The Old Bowling Green, Winster

Positioned just off the main road in this historic village is the stone built, cottage style, 15th century free house.
We visited this on a Friday evening (it only opens Fri, Sat and Sun).
First impression is that this is a popular foodie pub, with three quarters of the area dedicated to dining.
We occupied  a cosy corner alongside a few local drinkers and enjoyed several pints of well kept guest beers from the Barlow Brewery and Peak Ales, one of particular note being Heath Robinson from the former.  The beers and Pipers crisps were reasonably priced and the staff friendly.

Derwent Hotel, Whatstandwell

It is strange that on the course of the River Derwent between Baslow and Derby there is not one pub where you can sit beside the river and go with the flow. Despite its name, the Derwent Hotel fits this pattern: it has a beer garden at the back but without a watery view.

After a run of erratic opening, new owners have re-fitted and re-opened this pub by the bridge where the A6 crosses the river. Perhaps there is more emphasis on eating than drinking; when we went the choice of beers was restricted to two Greene King bitters, both quite drinkable if rather expensive. It's too soon to comment on the pub's atmosphere; clearly it needs time to settle down. Certainly this is a welcome addition to the local drinking options, given the closure of the Yew Tree at Holloway and Homesford Cottage up the road.

Derby

The Derby evening excursion allowed 3 hours in Derby and covered 4 pubs. The first pleasant surprise was that you can get to and from Derby on the train for only £3 in the evenings and, with a willing wife to take us to and pick us up from the local station, all our transport problems were solved.
Anyway, as to the pubs (The Dolphin, The Silk Mill, The Brewery Tap and The Brunswick), they were varied, interesting, staffed by friendly helpful people and provided good beer and ambience. They were also arranged along a convenient route from the north end of town back towards the station, with 5/10 minute walks between.
The 'highlight' of the evening (in terms of novel experience) was sharing two platters of ale with cheese. The Brewery Tap (the old Royal Standard but re-named since being taken over by the Derby Brewing Co.) offers 5 x one-third pints of beer + a bowl of cheese cubes for £6.10. Seemingly a good way to sample a range of beers and have some nibbles too. Possibly a good thing but it was a strange thing to be sharing ten small glasses of beer with 4 other blokes. In the next pub, we were all quite happy to return to having our own pints.


All in all, another excellent night out for the HDDC!

The MoCa Bar, Matlock

This place is a surprise for real ale drinkers because, from the outside, it looks like the sort of place which offers a couple of mass-produced lagers for those whose preference would really be a cocktail. It is, however, a bastion of the real ale tradition - at least in terms of beers on offer - offering a least three alternatives, with a range of different flavours. The seating was a bit posy - elevated tables and accompanying unwieldy stools - but the ambience was good - the MoCa seems to attract a mixture of ages and, to cap it all off, they offer pork pie and pickle for £1.20. Excellent!

The Boat House Inn, Matlock

We turned up with low expectations, mostly because few of us had been in the BH before. We were met with a warm welcome, a choice of 3 real ales and a range of eclectic seating. The beer was so nice we decided to stay for a second pint, only leaving when there wasa danger of being dragged into the pub quiz (for which many regulars arrived, it has to be said). A pleasant surprise and well worth a return visit..

The Yew Tree, Holloway

The Yew Tree is a fine name for a pub. It's a solid, traditional name that evokes rural life and history. And the Yew Tree in Holloway is a fine-looking pub, which even has a yew tree growing in the yard. But sadly the pub isn't open, and has been shut for the past few years.

The landlord wants to sell the building for private housing, but the villagers don't want to lose their only pub, closed though it is. The landlord has attempted to win permission for change of use, but lost. He has appealed, and lost again. Large numbers of locals objected to his attempts, and wrote in to the council. 

The picture shows storm clouds brewing over the Yew Tree. Watch this space. One day a less cloudy brew may even be served inside ....

Yew Tree, Holloway - breaking news.
The appeal has been rejected so the Yew Tree will remain a pub!
See the inspectors decision here http://ourdethickleaandholloway.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/yew-tree-appeal-decision-2-may-12.pdf
Or see the Holloway website.
Anyone fancy making them an offer they can't refuse?

The Royal Oak Ockbrook

There are several remarkable things about the Royal Oak in Ockbrook, and perhaps the most striking is the fact that the landlady has been in place since 1953 - making her, the website claims, the longest serving publican in the country.

There's a big car park in front, and two rooms on either side of the entrance corridor. The main bar is in the centre of the pub, and opening off that is a large hall used for regular beer festivals, and two rooms at the back for eating. So this is a pub that does everything superbly, in an understated but professional manner - beer, food and really friendly service. Others please note - this is the Gold Standard for Derbyshire pubs!

Cliff Inn, Crich

 

The Cliff has recently aquired new owners who have re-established the atmosphere cultivated by the Calladines some years ago.  They are friendly and welcoming,  surprisingly, a rare quality now-a-days.
There is a good selection of well kept beers and home made food - the pizzas are highly recommended.
There are several different themes throughout the week, eg, a quiz night, raffle, horticultural group, cycling meet and folk evenings.
A truly local pub.

Where's the Pub?

A quick puzzle for our regular viewers - where's the pub in this picture AND which pub is it?

Answers in the commentary boxes, please..

Hope and Anchor, Wirksworth

Is this the worst pub in Derbyshire? Probably not, but it's doing its best to win that dubious title. We visited on a chilly winter evening, when the elaborate fireplace stood fireless and the radiators were stone cold. Unsurprisingly the bar was nearly empty, and when several of us ordered pints of the local Wirksworth brew we discovered why. For the first time in our recent experience the beer was undrinkable. Not just a bit unappetising, but horrible. Yet when - reluctantly - we pointed this out to the barmaid she told us that ' the locals liked it'. Clearly we were neither local (though only four miles from home) nor real beer connoisseurs. Are we going back? In your dreams (or nightmares).

Easter Walk

Red Lion, Birchover

Cork Stone

Flying Childers, Stanton

Peak Tor, Rowsley

A fantastic day's walking, talking, and standing-and-staring was only marginally inconvenienced by rain and map reading. Setting off from Winster, we took a rather circular route to Birchover but it served a purpose as we arrived at The Red Lion in Birchover exactly at opening time (12.00). There a fine, low-powered (2.8%) pale ale was enjoyed by most of us. Onward from there, the weather took a turn for the worse and showers turned to rain, as we trekked upwards across Stanton Moor, stopping only to watch the one member of the party who'd had a stronger beer, climb the Cork Stone (quite nimbly, it has to be said!). From there, we plunged down into Stanton, to find a welcome of soup (watercress) and sandwiches at the Flying Childers. Pints of a refreshing hoppy ale called "Storm" were consumed. The next stage was a real treat. The sun had come out and, as we set out northwards from Stanton, a whole view of the Wye Valley opened out before us. The interesting earthworks of Peak Tor were a prelude to tea and cake in Caudwell's Mill. Aaah!. Even the buses ran to time.

The Forester's Arms, Jersey

Not being one to shirk on my responsibilities, I put in an extra shift, even whilst away on holiday. Attracted in by the claim to be Jersey's oldest alehouse, I ventured inside to find a rather dingy interior but with pleasing architectural features. The locals (3) were friendly, ribald and taking loud delight in the frisky antics of their two Staffordshire bull terriers, who were clearly scenting Spring. Only one real ale on offer, so my hopes weren't high but it turned out to be a refreshingly clean ale. The name 'Liberation' is applied to many things in Jersey and it did stand out from an army of mass-produced lagers on the bar. Altogether not unpleasant..

The Holly Bush, Makeney

The Holly Bush claims to be one of the oldest pubs in Derbyshire, which may or may not be true, but it's certainly one of the most characterful. It has a huddle of small bars, decent food, and pretty good beers, so the only real problems are a) finding it and b) parking when you get there, as it's off the back road between Milford and Duffield. My only regret is that you can't sit out and admire the nearby Derwent. Walkers should note that this pub lies bang on the route of the ancient Portway, which runs down the hillside from Holbrook heading for a long-gone ford over the river below the pub. Who knows - pilgims may have stopped here for a pint before the Reformation.

The Jug and Glass, Lea

Now I may be alone in liking this pub but it's my local and there's not much to dislike. The stone facade is attractive, it's got some interesting rooms, two with fires, it offers fat chips on quiz night (Wed) and 3/4 beers with the odd guest ale. The landlord is friendly enough, though he's by nature a quiet man, and, by now, the regular bar staff know what I drink (Landlord). There's also a range of events throughout the year - skittles, morris dancing, barrel race - and the restaurant offers good quality food. Not cheap but I like it.

The Nelson, Middleton by Wirksworth

After having been shut for some time The Nelson re-opened last October (2011). It's curious in this land-locked county how many pubs are named for the great sea captain: there's one at Bullbridge, another (closed) in Eastwood and doubtless lots more.
The Nelson has one large room with a welcoming fire and a cheerful barmaid. The walls are hung with a curious mixture of pictures and objects, so the overall atmosphere is homely. Our in-house expert assessed the pork pies as fair to good, while we all felt that the beer (or at least the one we tried) was nicely kept. Worth visiting again.

The Patternmaker's Arms, Duffield

Took a bit of finding on an icy January night but worth it for two reasons. Firstly, it compared very favourably with the kinderpub we'd just been in on the main road. Secondly, it had a pleasing shape - bar in the middle and seating in opened-out rooms all around. Unspoilt by progress, I'd say, but the welcome was warm and the beer was good. As a bonus on the walk back, we had the opportunity to explore the back streets of Duffield - quaint. Worth a return visit, sometime but no rush..

Shoulder of Mutton, Shirland

It's curious how many pubs you can enter without any kind of acknowledgement, let alone a proper welcome. All too often the bar staff seem to be doing you a favour by serving you at all. Things are quite different at the Shoulder of Mutton. The landlady, Wendy, has stamped her character on this pub and wants you to enjoy it. When we arrived for a quick pint last night she offered, unasked, a tasting of all three beers on offer. They were all excellent, though not cheap. The car park at the back is a bit tricky to get in and out of - but a visit here is highly recommended.

Royal Oak, Wirksworth

The Royal Oak in North Street, Wirksworth can be picked out from the rest of the stone terrace by the fairy lights hanging on the facade. Only opening at eight, by nine it is usually busy, though it's rare not to be able to find a seat. This is a pub for beer drinkers, and the landlord is happy to discuss the qualities of the (normally three) beers on offer. Music tends to be minimal, and well-filled cobs are available. In summer you can sit in the courtyard at the back - what more could you ask for?

The Dead Poets' Inn, Holbrook

It takes a bit of finding but it's worth pressing on beyond Belper to uncover a pub high on atmosphere and beer. Apparently, it's been refurbished but done in a way that's preserved a sense of authenticity and quirkiness. Various alcoves have been created and there's a lovely open fire. Vast range of beers and others available on request from the cellar. There's also the Wheel Inn nearby but the Club hasn't visited - might be a bit of an anti-climax.

The Black's Head, Wirksworth

Now it's probably very un-PC to go into the Black's Head (and the picture even re-creates Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech, using water), but it's a very nice town centre boozer, with regulars but also a welcome for passing club members. There's always three or four real ales on offer and all are well kept. The room is quite cramped or quite cosy so not much seating but it's all warm and comfortable. On summer evenings, it's nice to sit outside and look down over the Market Place and pity anyone going into The Hope and Anchor with its range of sour beers and cold comfort. Not spectacular but, when in Wirksworth, it's either here or the Royal Oak.

The Rising Sun, Middleton-by-Wirksworth

Now the story of this pub will be forever linked with Beer Fiend's quest for the pork pie. We visited on a busy evening - strangely screened quiz going on at one end, football on the big screen at the other and plenty of folk dotted around, drawn in by the meat raffle that had just taken place. Perhaps the landlady still had meat in mind when she offered to get some pork pies in for our next visit.. and, sure enough, a follow-up visit yielded the promised fare, small but nicely pink and not over-stuffed with horse-hoof jelly. The beer I forget but probably OK. Maybe other members have better memories..? The landlord (generally happier than he looks in the picture above) has been in recent dispute with Punch Taverns over a hike in his rent. Maybe we need to go back soon, before the pies go off..

The Abbey, Darley Abbey

What a pub! Good for two very persuasive reasons - you couldn't find quainter surroundings than a 12th Century Augustian abbey with bars on two levels and you can't find beer anywhere at £1.71 a pint. The pub is situated on a narrow back street but only a few hundred yards from the Derwent in a very leafy part of Derby's North East fringe. We turned up on a snowy Tuesday to find a smattering of folk, moderately-comfortable quirky seating, recesses in the walls which didn't quite match the former location of beams and the afore-mentioned cheap beer. The beer was well-kept Sam Smiths and, if you want to be picky, there wasn't much choice - but there were no complaints from us. Definitely one to return to..

The Thorn Tree, Matlock

If you want a boozer full of locals (well, not so full that we couldn't find a seat), this is it. Get through the door and the bar's straight in front of you, burgeoning with handpumps. There were six different offerings and, between club members, several were sampled together with the Bass which had to be retrieved from the cellar. Friendly and informative barman. Prices were reasonable, though not cheap £3pp or thereabouts. The decor was work in progress, moving in the direction of the 60s, boxing in fireplaces and artexing walls. Still, it's the conversation that counts. The outside is reasonable (see picture above) and it's a bit tricky to find, high up above most of the Bank Road side of Matlock. Terrace giving lovely views so a good pub for summer. The Club will be back.

The Plough Inn, Two Dales

A bit of a disappointment, this one, with its wall-to-wall TV screen and chirpy locals offering alternative football matches on their laptops. The room was rectangular and brightly lit and the tables arranged along the flanks. A shame cos the outside made it look promising - tucked away down an unmade road and a pleasant stone-built exterior (see picture above). The beer was good, though. Landlord at over £3 a pint. We decamped after one pint.

The Red Lion, Hognaston

This was a pub I'd been trying to visit for a while and it was worth it. -  low beamed ceilings, open fires, quirky wooden tables of various shapes and sizes and a range of three beers. The only downside was that it was clearly a pub that has put a lot of effort into developing its food side and, perhaps as a consequence, there weren't many folk in (it was a Tuesday evening) and those that were left as soon as we arrived. So despite the potential, there was little or no atmosphere. The beers were well-kept and provided a range of flavours. One for the list - but not top of it.

The Barley Mow, Kirk Ireton

The Barley Mow at Kirk Ireton is an easy pub to miss. You could drive past without knowing it was there. There's no car park or strings of fairy lights. It's a tall stone house with a large, beamed and fairly plain room. There are half a dozen tables, some of which are made from chunks of slate - ex-billiard table. At the small bar the landlady will serve you one of half a dozen beers from the barrels behind her - a pretty comprehensive selection. This is clearly a pub that doesn't aspire to be anything else - night club, restaurant - other than a place for drinking well-kept beer. It's warm, cheap and comfortable - what else could you want?