The Old Oak Inn, Horsley Woodhouse

An outstanding pub for several reasons. Architecturally interesting, with several semi-distinct seating areas; a good atmosphere, augmented by the live music provided by a quartet (later a sextet) of players of pipes, guitars and violins; more beers than you could sample in an evening and still find your way back home. All unusual, all in excellent condition. The barman (owner/manager?) left it to one of the regulars to provide a warm welcome but he did bring two of our drinks over later on. A little gem and one that could easily be tacked onto a visit to any of the pubs in Belper and surrounds.

The Bell Inn, Smalley

A cosy, friendly pub, situated in the out-of-the-way village of Smalley. They are obviously keen to promote the selling of food (we didn't explore the menu) but they equally had a selection of 6/7 real ales and the Harvest Pale was on good form. There are several sitting areas and an open (albeit artificial) fire to warm proceedings. A nice enough place to drop into although nothing outstandingly good that would make you want to miss The Old Oak Inn at Horsley Woodhouse (about a mile away).

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool

If this blog had a 'Classic' section, this pub would be in it, at No.1. The picture above tells you only part of what you need to know about this place. From the outside, you can see the Liver Building in one direction and the Catholic Cathedral in another but the outside, albeit splendid, is but a mere foretaste of the magnificence of the interior. It was built at the turn of the 20th Century in the style of a gentlemen's club and has retained all the ornamental glass, polished wood and snugs you might expect in such a place. The beer wasn't shabby either and there was a choice of about 4/5 proper beers. Just an absolute delight and no trip to Liverpool should miss out a visit here.