Derbyshire pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Derbyshire - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Globe Hotel, Glossop
Address: 144 High Street West, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 8HJ
Phone: 01457 852417
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Nearest train stations: Glossop (0.4 miles), Hadfield (1.4 miles), Dinting (1.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Been popping in here for the last 6 months or so to sample the beer (I've been a member of CAMRA for 11 years). The beer has not improved, in fact on some visits it really is undrinkable, at best it's a very bad attempt at brewing real ale, I've never come across a brewery that churns out such low quality beer. On my last visit I noticed they had been selling some Howard Town beer, unfortunately they had just sold out. The pub itself is pretty nice and traditional so it would be a big improvement if they started selling some good beer from other breweries rather than persisting in their hopeless attempt at brewing beer!
7 May 2013 13:35
Agree with most of the comments below, really unwelcoming pub and Landlady. Modern parent veggie clientele. Very poor quality greasy, unhealthy veggie only food, can't be bothered to cater for non veggies. Beer brewed on site is disgraceful, tastes like it's got disinfectant in it. Only good point is it's closed all day on Tuesdays.24 Apr 2013 16:41
Miserable pub with an arrogant landlady and a landlord who doesn't seem to know what planet he's on. Probably explains why his home brew is crap. Don't waste your hard earned here.1 Apr 2013 17:53
The Star Inn, Glossop
Address: 2 Howard Street, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 7DD
Phone: 01457 853072
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Nearest train stations: Glossop (0.1 miles), Hadfield (1.4 miles), Dinting (1.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
What I would describe as a "classic" real ale pub and certainly by far the best in Glossop. Knowledgeable bar staff who are always happy to give you a taster of the real ales that are on, usually 4 or so plus real cider.
11 Feb 2013 09:19
Visited with friends over New Year as part of a pub crawl. Without doubt the best Pub of the evening, friendly traditional place with a good selection of guest beers, well impressed.3 Jan 2013 14:20
The Star is a nice pub in a handy location for the Train Station in Glossop. The beer is well kept and always good. There are usually four or five beers on the handpump. On my latest visit (last night, 29/12/2012), I had pints of Ossett Brewery Treacle stout (particularly nice), Taylors Landlord and Pictish Columbus. The pub is traditional and comfortable in style, and is well recommended.30 Dec 2012 20:58
The Barley Mow, Bonsall
Address: The Dale, Bonsall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2AY
Phone: 01629 825685
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Nearest train stations: Matlock Bath (1.4 miles), Cromford (1.9 miles), Matlock (2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Popped in on 16 March. This is the best pub I've visited so far this year. The young lady behind the bar has positively ordered me to come back. Look forward to doing so next time I'm in the area.
It turned out she was, however, the landlord's then new girlfriend, I was told.
Food and beer seemed good and unaffected by this though.
17 Mar 2013 18:19
I sat outside on a pleasant summer's evening, and there was something of a cameo, as a shiny car swept into the car park and a very apparently self-confident young blonde lady trotted up to the pub, breezing among the customers, provoking some to remark it seemed she thought she owned the place.It turned out she was, however, the landlord's then new girlfriend, I was told.
Food and beer seemed good and unaffected by this though.
5 Feb 2013 15:27
Excellent pub just a short bus ride from Cromford. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Beer spot on, food untested. Seems to be a thriving local and long may that continue. 10/1029 Oct 2012 20:19
Five Lamps, Derby
Address: 25 Duffield Road, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3BH
Phone: 01332341066
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Nearest train stations: Derby (1.2 miles), Peartree (2.4 miles), Spondon (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
This was a surprise; it didn't live up to the billing. We needed something to eat so shortened our stay at the Furnace. The food was excellent and the beer range of 11 handpulls faultless but the pub had a corporate feel about it and was therefore very different from the Exeter, Brewery Tap and Furnace. I'm being picky but it was strange all three of us felt the same and after a couple of rounds we moved on.
19 Nov 2012 16:53
well worth the slight detour out of the main drag.well-kept ales and friendly, keen and efficient staff,probably the two essential constituents for a top drawer pub. only sorry we hadnt found it before.17 Nov 2012 11:48
A largish one-room bar with an impressive array of handpumps on the counter. The beers have always been in tip-top condition whenever I have called in. The pub is quite geared towards food and the seating areas tend to reflect this but unlike some places I have been, the dining is not particularly intrusive and to be honest the food looks pretty good. The problem for beer drinkers in Derby is that one is spoiled for choice and with this pub being a little way from the city centre you might not get this far out but I would recommend that you make the effort and you can reward yourself with a pint of Peak brewery's Chatsworth Gold!19 Sep 2012 19:40
The Brunswick Inn, Derby
Address: 1, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU
Phone: 01332 290677
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Nearest train stations: Derby (0 miles), Peartree (1.5 miles), Spondon (2.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Just popped in for a quickee here on the way to the railway station from a tour of real ale houses in the town. We've been here many times before and didn't feel any difference in the ambience/service to before. We had their brewed on the premises Railway Porter and White Feather. There are so many handpulls here I forgot the number but I guess aaround 15 of which half were their own brewed beer.
Remarkably quiet (read on) for a Saturday night with spare tables in the bar right up to closing.
The only downside on this occasion was a very loud rock band playing upstairs. Even the lights were virating in the bar downstairs.
Don't let the last sentance put you off tryng this excellent pub.
19 Nov 2012 17:02
Went in on a Sunday for a pie and pint and was told, twice, they don't do food on a Sunday in a manner that indicated it was stupid of us to expect otherwise. Went round the corner to the far superior Alexandra where we seemed to be welcome customers. To the snotty get of a barman in The Brunny, this is my "goodbye" back to you, told you I'd call back, hope my rating lowers the average a tenth.12 Nov 2012 09:57
Proper ale drinkers pub, just 100 yds from the station - great choice of about 15 real ales including a number brewed on site. Tried 3 pints all in top nick (2 of their own and Batemans XXXB). Understand this in an Everards pub now but you wouldnt know it.Remarkably quiet (read on) for a Saturday night with spare tables in the bar right up to closing.
The only downside on this occasion was a very loud rock band playing upstairs. Even the lights were virating in the bar downstairs.
Don't let the last sentance put you off tryng this excellent pub.
3 Jul 2012 23:20
The Smithfield, Derby
Address: Meadow Road, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2BH
Phone: 01332 370429
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Nearest train stations: Derby (0.5 miles), Peartree (1.9 miles), Spondon (2.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Has reopened following a long closure and a refurb. Structurally the same but now clean and bright. Excellent beer though slightly less choice than previously, not that this matters as there's still plenty to go at. Staff know how to treat their customers and always serve with a smile. Highly recommended.
12 Mar 2013 22:35
Popped in this weekend - reopen and a fine pint served. New landlady charming, bar staff friendly, place neatly done up. Back on the crawl for future visits.6 Jan 2013 23:03
due to open again in Dec, new toilets and a refurb so lm told , cant wait as the Team from the Pattenmakers will be in charge so great beer and food so things are on the up16 Nov 2012 20:45
The Oakwood, Glossop
Address: 67 High Street West, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 8AZ
Phone: 01457856573
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Nearest train stations: Glossop (0.2 miles), Hadfield (1.4 miles), Dinting (1.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Good Robinsons beer, interesting bottled beers and home made burgers. Good location right on the high street.
Their range of home made burgers are great and interesting to say the least; The latest has been an Elvis Burger, 1lb of beef, with deep fried battered banana and peanut butter toastie, onion rings, bacon, maple syrup, real fries and salad, apparently several thousand calories. Think only one person has finished it!!
11 Feb 2013 09:16
Started our pub crawl of the evening here and enjoyed one of their excellent home made beef burgers and "real" fries. Robinsons beer was of good quality and the whole place has a very traditional feel to it.3 Jan 2013 14:25
Seem to be doing more of the Robinson specials that they brew. Very friendly staff and nice atmosphere with outside seating area covered with coloured sails.Their range of home made burgers are great and interesting to say the least; The latest has been an Elvis Burger, 1lb of beef, with deep fried battered banana and peanut butter toastie, onion rings, bacon, maple syrup, real fries and salad, apparently several thousand calories. Think only one person has finished it!!
2 Oct 2012 13:40
The Cheshire Cheese Inn, Hope
Address: Edale Road, Hope, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 6ZF
Phone: 01433 620381
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Nearest train stations: Hope - Derbyshire (0.9 miles), Bamford (2.6 miles), Edale (3.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Really liked this place. Went in here on a lads walking weekend, muddy boots and all, and had very nice pints of Hawkshead Bitter and Peak Ales Swift Nick. There was a Bradfield brew on as well, with another pump unused. All of us enjoyed our food. The Yorkshire pud with sausage, mash and veg was very nice.
I dont think I'll be making a second visit.
Just to confirm that none of our sandwiches are pre-prepared but asking for a change of what is ordered when it has just been made specially for you would mean that a meal would have been wasted and I am not sure that you would have wanted to pay for another meal. The price for a premium rump steak and stilton sandwich with salad and chips is £6.75, a cheese sandwich is less.
If you must insist on writing reviews, it would be better to use trip advisor where it gives us the opportunity to respond - alternatively make a complaint at the time and we will do something to rectify the situation. Thanks. Laura Offless
19 Mar 2013 21:11
What makes you think that she ordered a plain cheese sandwich - she didn't want Stilton in her steak sandwich and she requested a change at the time of ordering - ie - before it was made. The barman, who was downright unpleasant rather than my euphemistic description, refused to pass on her request to the kitchen with the excuse I have stated already. I dont think I'll be making a second visit.
11 Mar 2013 17:05
I find this review site quite strange as it seems to be that people are often getting a misguided impression or reviewing the wrong pub!Just to confirm that none of our sandwiches are pre-prepared but asking for a change of what is ordered when it has just been made specially for you would mean that a meal would have been wasted and I am not sure that you would have wanted to pay for another meal. The price for a premium rump steak and stilton sandwich with salad and chips is £6.75, a cheese sandwich is less.
If you must insist on writing reviews, it would be better to use trip advisor where it gives us the opportunity to respond - alternatively make a complaint at the time and we will do something to rectify the situation. Thanks. Laura Offless
9 Dec 2012 11:34
Castle Inn, Bakewell
Address: Castle Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1DW
Phone: 01629 812103
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Reviews by BITE users:
It's a Greene King pub, so I didn't expect too much. I was right. they only had one beer on the pumps - GK IPA. I had the Guinness.
The food was quite good, and very reasonably priced, but I think the deep fat fryer needed an oil change.
We would call back, though.
The food was quite good, and very reasonably priced, but I think the deep fat fryer needed an oil change.
We would call back, though.
20 Apr 2013 17:18
Visited for the 1st time today. Beers on offer were all Greene King and so I did not try them. Food was really good and great price. Serving staff extremely helpful. Would go back when in Bakewell.19 Dec 2012 19:03
On the ale front this offers a couple of real ales which seem to be kept fairly well. However the place is aiming for the food market and is furnished as such. Serves food until 10pm (most other pubs in the locality finish at 8pm) and is advertised as such outside, however my partner received brusque service from the barman when we ordered main course food at 9:15pm ("...you CAN'T have desserts, because the kitchen will be CLOSED by then...") as it was we weren't planning on desserts but he didn't know that, so why the arrogance? Sadly this guy's attitude spoilt the place for me so it's getting a bad review. The food we had was ok though. 18 Jun 2012 19:11
The Old Hall Inn, Hope
Address: Market Place, Hope, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 6RH
Phone: 01433 620160
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Nearest train stations: Hope - Derbyshire (0.7 miles), Bamford (2.5 miles), Edale (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Popped in on our way past for a pint whilst out walking on a wet winters day. Enjoyed them sat in front of the fire drying off a bit. Castle Rock Harvest Pale and Adnams Southwold Bitter were on offer, along with a couple of others. Staff were nice, prices high-ish.
Personally I quite like the Old Hall, but with regard to the uniformity which is rife with Peak District pubs the blame lies firmly with the pubco's.
There's no doubt that popping out for a quick couple is no longer an option for most people if £5-£7 barely wets the sides.
Considering that the average price of a pint across the country is supposed to be £2.70 and that a sandwich and chips ought realistically be more at the £4 to £6 level these pubs seem to float in a higher plane of existence with suspiciously similar high prices. If only it was economical for Wetherspoons to open a few pubs in the countryside to bring in a little competition. As the Times stated recently, a pint of beer nowadays is
becoming a luxury item.
19 Mar 2013 21:32
You are pretty much right about all of that GeofB.Personally I quite like the Old Hall, but with regard to the uniformity which is rife with Peak District pubs the blame lies firmly with the pubco's.
There's no doubt that popping out for a quick couple is no longer an option for most people if £5-£7 barely wets the sides.
17 Sep 2012 14:32
Big rambling place, lots of interconnected rooms. A typically average Peak District car-tourist pub with respect to prices, food quality, beer quality, beer choice,and customer service which means that you will pay around £7 for a half decent baguette sandwich and chips, and around £3.30 per pint with a choice of 3 or 4 well kept cask ales served by professionally polite barstaff. This place is so similar to others that it is difficult to do a meaningful review of them other than bang on about minor irrelevant differences.Considering that the average price of a pint across the country is supposed to be £2.70 and that a sandwich and chips ought realistically be more at the £4 to £6 level these pubs seem to float in a higher plane of existence with suspiciously similar high prices. If only it was economical for Wetherspoons to open a few pubs in the countryside to bring in a little competition. As the Times stated recently, a pint of beer nowadays is
becoming a luxury item.
11 Sep 2012 00:08
The Green Man, Ashbourne
Address: 10 St John's Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1EY
Phone: 01335345783
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Reviews by BITE users:
Sold! Finally...as yet mystery buyer has promised heavy investment and secure long-term future for the building, though in what format remains to be seen. Projected to take up to 18 months to complete...has the ball finally been picked up and running with it again?
8 Jan 2013 16:36
No such luck. Further delays in the buying process resulted in a deadline set for completion about two weeks ago. The buyer failed to come up with the money, so back to auction it went last week...and failed to meet even the reserve. Not a seriou bid in the room. It's now close on two years since this place first closed its doors -desperate times.23 Oct 2012 15:11
Some possible movement this week as it is being reported that the keys will finally be passed over to the new owner this week - chances of a decent refurbishment and re-opening in time for Xmas must be hoped for.15 Aug 2012 16:58
The Boat Inn, Cromford
Address: Scarthin, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3QF
Phone: 01629 823282
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Nearest train stations: Cromford (0.5 miles), Matlock Bath (0.9 miles), Matlock (2.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Didn't rate this place much at all I'm afraid. The beer was so-so, the locals starey and the place itself a bit shabby. Was hoping for so much more as it looked nice from the outside.
11 Dec 2012 17:49
Good pub with good ale and a mix of locals and visitors. Didn't try the food but it seemed to be going down well. Friendly helpful staff. Good allrounder. 29 Oct 2012 21:20
Last visited this Free House in March 2012; the new landlord and landlady had just taken over and it looked a promising start. My visit yesterday (October 2012) was very enjoyable, 5 real ales - 3 local ales (all tried and very good) plus 2 well known national brews - not tried. Was not intending to eat but the food looked good so gave it a go and it was good - pub food not a restaurant - didn't need to eat that evening. Locals very friendly, as were the landlord/landlady had a good chat with various people. I'll be going back.17 Oct 2012 20:43
