The Royal Oak, Wetton

This was our lunchtime stopping point on our recent autumn walk and very pleasant it was too. A reliable indicator of a good pub is how difficult it is to get in and that was certainly true on a glorious Sunday in early October. However, because we'd had the foresight to book a table, we were very quickly sat down in the back bar enjoying pints of Hartington IPA and something maltier from Worthington's. The back bar also offered some acoustic respite from a group of folk mourners who were churning out some tunes completely inappropriate to a lovely autumn day. The food arrived promptly and we had attentive, though not fussy, service throughout. All in all, a lovely country pub to stop off at - but book first!

The Amber Hotel, Somercotes/Oakerthorpe

Despite counting 19 cars in the very extensive car park, there were only about a dozen folk in the bar. They did, though, all turn to look at us as we walked in. Waiting for God(ot) came to mind. The short bar held two ales - Spitfire and one from The St Austell Brewery 'Proper Job'. Both were fine. The whole place had the air of faded grandeur (much like the regulars) and to the far side of the bar was an area which had once delighted to the tinkle of a piano and the slow waltz of ladies in elegant gowns. Now it's full of tables and only accommodates fried food and bingo. An experience, though not one worth repeating.

The Horse & Jockey, Wessington

The strange green exterior illumination should not put you off visiting this delightful village pub. Inside, we found a proper open fire, a pleasant open arrangement of seating, an attentive barman and a small selection of good beers. I had a refreshing pint of a golden ale, "Glory Daze" from the Bumpmill Brewery. Although it was 'Pie & a Pint' night (£8.95), it was quiet and it got quieter. There were two blokes sat by themselves, hoping desperately that someone they knew would come in. It probably needs a quiz night to get some life back in...