The Royal Oak, Shambles, Chesterfield

You have to look quite hard for the Royal Oak and that might explain why only 2 men and a dog were in there on a perfectly good Wednesday night when we visited. It's certainly worth finding, though, mostly for the quirky interior. The pub is divided into two halves and you have to go outside to get from one half to the other. The lower half houses the TV set, fruit machines and toilets but the other half is the architectural oddity. Apparently it was originally two butcher's shops with upstairs living accommodation and, as you sit amidst the beamed walls, you can peer up into the vaulted ceiling. The range of beer is not extensive but a good pint of Farmer's Blonde was on offer and went down well. If you're in the town centre, certainly worth a visit.