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.

The White Hart Inn, Bargate

Of course, it was the pork pies that lured us in but we found it to be a delightful pub with fairly recently refurbished surroundings, a good range of beers and the pies in their own display case. That said, the range of pies was not as extensive as that of The Holly Bush at Makeney, but they were substantial, meaty and accompanied by Colman's mustard, delicious. There was more fodder on offer too - free, courtesy of a skittles match taking place that evening. The beers were from several breweries (Hardy Hansons, Morlands, Bass and others) and the beer was well-kept and refreshing. Not quite the style, beer range or quirky interior of the nearby Dead Poet's, Holbrook, but it did have pies!