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Another day out on a Derbyshire Wayfarer again today. This time heading out towards Long Eaton, Sawley and Belper, all of which have one or more Micropubs. Firstly East Midlands Mainline train from Sheffield through to Long Eaton. Information on Derbyshire Wayfarer can be found HERE.
After getting off the train at Long Eaton, a walk to Sawley via Old Sawley (taking around 25 minutes), although theres a lovely family bakery near Long Eaton Train Station thats worth dropping into.
The Lock Keeper’s Rest
A walk along Sawley Marina on the River Trent to get to out first calling point. A huge marina full of boats and barges with quite a few permanent moorings. Some amazing views along here and at the end including overlooking the River Trent with Ratcliffe Power Station in the Background.
The micropub is situated in the old Lock Keepers Cottage. The owners run a small cafe next door which serves coffee and other refreshments. the micropub is small inside but serves a range of cask beers, real ciders, a helles lager and other drinks.
Walking in the bar looks brilliant, casks on the wall showing available beers. Tried a few here “Cloudburst by Lenton Lane”, “Inbetween Days by Castle Rock” and “Chocolate Guerrilla by Blue Monkey”
The White Lion
A walk back towards Sawley now to head to The White Lion, the brewpub of The Old Sawley Brewing Co.
Great bar, spotless inside and serving 4 real ales (3 of their core range and 1 experimental beer named under Two Rivers Brewery). Went for the Little Jack from their core range and Oxbow from their experimental range. The Little Jack was an outstanding beer, really delicious.
A great outside seating area at the back of the pub, perfect for a sunny day, and overlooks the brewery building at the back of the pub.
Sawley Junction
Skylink bus from Sawley towards Long Eaton to visit “Sawley Junction”. A micropub a minute away from the Railway Station. This used to be a 3 floor branch of the Midland Bank since the 1940s and on the 30th October 1964 was subject to an armed robbery.
A great layout inside featuring lots of railway memorabilia. An easy to read drink menu covering Cask, Keg, Cider and Coming Soon. Went with a collaboration beer between Vocation Brewery and Verdant Brewing Co “Fruit Bat Ninja”, really different but tasty.
Brunswick Inn
After heading back to Derby on the train, a visit first to the Brunswick Inn for some lunch. Ive covered this pub previously in my Burton-on-Trent blog HERE.
Went with the “Raspberry Moo Moo” by Leatherbritches. Sounded really different and wasn’t overpowering with Raspberry.
The Alexandra
Around the corner from the Brunswick Inn and to The Alexandra. Quick drink in here before heading back for the train. As always a great selection of ales on here, along with lots of railway memorabilia. I covered this pub in my recent Burton on Trent blog post HERE
Shiny brewery for me here, choosing the NZ Pale. Good as always from this brewery.
Back to the station now to catch the East Midlands service to Belper.
Arkwrights Real Ale Bar
I last visited this bar in 2015. Its named after Sir Richard Arkwright who was an important 18th century mill owner. Easy to find from the railway station, located down a street off the high street.
A very modern bar as you walk inside, along with an outdoor seated area at the entrance.
A wide range of beers here both Cask and Keg, many of them being from local breweries, and a good selection of real ciders also. Went with “Fun Sponge” by Furnace Brewery (Derby).
Angels Micro Pub
Last call of the day, located along the high street at the top of the hill (down a small snicket). Outside seating area at the front upon walking up to it.
Very quirky interior of the pub, with another great selection of beers and ciders. Decided on 5G by Lenton Lane Brewery (Nottingham) a delicious pale ale.
Micropub Adventures 