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!