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!

Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, Cumbria

Sometimes, you look for one thing and find something else just as good. So it was, as we went off in search of Wilf's Cafe on an unlikely-looking industrial estate in the bypassed village of Staveley and found the Hawkshead Brewery in the shiny new premises shown above. It was buzzing with an early-evening crowd of mostly youngish people and we were welcomed adequately. Between us, we tried a range of hawkshead's offerings (Lakeland Gold, Red, Windermere pale) and were all delighted with our choices. The food was quickly and deliciously served and, all in all, a good outcome. We'll come back for Wilf's another time, wiser for knowing it closes at 5pm.

The Newfield Inn, Seathwaite, Cumbria

The Club went on tour, this Easter, to the Lake District and, specifically, to the beautiful Duddon Valley. We stayed in this pub, renting the top flat for £45 a night, drank some lovely ale (Corby Ale and Catnap from Carlisle-based Cumberland Breweries) and ate some good food - regular pub grub at the usual prices. The welcome was very friendly and unobtrusive, as from a slightly bygone era. Co-incidentally, the top flat also seemed locked in a 1970s timewarp, with all fixtures and fittings carefully retained. Good for that, though.

The Bear, Alderwasley

 

When five customers turn up at an almost empty pub bar you might, at least, expect someone to take your order. But in our case, after waiting several minutes, we had to ask the barman to serve us. Feeling thoroughly unwelcome, despite the cosy stove and well-worn furniture and fittings, we were next shocked to be charged £3.50 per pint for perfectly ordinary, if satisfactory, beers. This price is near our all-time record for Derbyshire, and it was hard to see any justification for it. Perhaps they are only interested in catering for diners - in which case see recent reviews of the food on Tripadvisor!

Needless to say we didn't stay for a second round, but spent the rest of the evening in a decent pub - the Royal Oak in Wirksworth ....