The Peacock, Rowsley

Grander it doesn't get (or, at least, it hasn't for club members before). It's a rather upmarket hotel and restaurant and far too fussy and full of its own importance to be a place to enjoy a drink. It's a shame because the bar area is cosy (open fire, stone walls, rafters etc) and the beer is OK, of itself, but not worth the asking price of £4.80! Go there to eat, if you like good food (one member recommends it) but not conducive for people who just want a pint.

The Red Lion, Bakewell

This place was a godsend in the pub desert that is Bakewell. A quirky entrance led to (authentically) wood-panelled interiors and the choice of tables was vast, given that we were the only drinkers in, on a Tuesday night. A pint of Pedigree loosened one member's silver tongue but the barmaid was having none of his blarney. She acquitted herself with composure and charm and offered up some other quite palatable beer for the rest of us. I forget what it was. Worth popping into, if you're in Bakewell, but don't make a special effort. Better to venture onwards towards Monsal.

The Queen's Arms, Bakewell

No Bakewell pubs appear in the Good Beer Guide and our recent reccy of them showed why. A rather dismal collection of hostelries (The Red Lion excepted) offering uninspiring beer in a range of odd settings. The Peacock next door is really a restaurant and the Craven Arms is a children's play area.
As to the Queen's Arms, we enjoyed quite a nice pint of Sunbeam, sat on comfortable leather-look sofas and examined the ceilings for signs of authenticity. There were none.