The Remarkable Hare, Matlock

It's slightly unusual, in the grand scheme of things, for two similar bars/pubs to open up next door to each other but, increasingly, in Dale Road, that seems to be the trend. So the Remarkable Hare has opened up right next door to the well-regarded Moca Bar and makes a similiar offer - good beers and ambient surroundings. A word first about those. The seating to the side of the bar is the usual mixture of tables, chairs and fitted furniture. However, directly in front of the bar are three parallel dining tables, bedecked with candles and accompanying dining chairs. Odd. The lighting, too, is subdued. The beer is a treat. 5 breweries are represented and the owner has made the decision to price them all at £3, making everything, including choice, so much easier. Details are available on the website. Overall, a solid addition to Matlock, expanding the scope of good places for beer lovers.

Promotional material available at:  www.remarkablehare.co.uk/

The Town Street Tap, Duffield

We had previously tried three times to visit this newly-opened establishment in Duffield but either found it closed (open Wed - Sun only) or already too full. So we went early on a Thursday and found it, at 7.15, warming up, but with a free corner table. This micropub has no bar and offers table service. The waiting staff (blokes) are knowledgeable about what they've got in and ready and willing to bring you more beer when you look as if you need some. There were 3/4 different beers on offer and those chosen arrived without any head or with a very thin one, so, if you like value for money, this is a place to go. One of our number, I'm ashamed to report, opted for a "craft lager", obviously blind to the second word. Pleasingly, he lived to regret the choice. Popular with locals, it filled up by about 8pm and, therein, revealed its one drawback - noise. It contains no soft-furnishings and so all the noise reverberates and it became increasingly difficult to hear conversation. That aside, a great place.
Promotional material available at: http://www.thetownstreettap.co.uk/