Trip over to Chesterfield today for the yearly “Rail Ale Festival” held at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. Hosting over 350 Beers, Live Music, Food Stalls and Train Rides. Chesterfield is home to the “Crooked Spire”. The lead tiles used to cover the spire’s timbers (Over 32 tonnes of lead tiles) created such a heavy weight that the timbers simply couldn’t bear the strain, and twisted alarmingly.
On arriving at Chesterfield Train Station, a free bus runs to the festival.
After getting into the festival and buying Beer Tokens, time to explore the many bars around the venue (including brewery bars from Ossett, Salt and Thornbridge amongst others)
Lots of food stalls, live music with bands throughout the afternoon and free train rides were also included. Great festival with lots to do!
Pig & Pump
Next to head back to Chesterfield with a very lively singalong on the free bus back, and walk up into town. First call being the Pig & Pump (formerly known as the White Swan).
Great range of 9 guest ales available here along with 2 Lilleys Ciders. Went with a beer from Tempest Brewery (Galashiels) named Golden Hour. A really delicious and smooth golden ale.
The Market Pub
Heading through the market next onto the Market Pub. Very busy pub as was nearly full inside when we entered.
Another good selection of real ales here with 8 available along with 2 ciders and a fridge full of cans to choose from. Probably one of the last beers around from recently closed Kelham Island Brewery aswell.
Chesterfield Alehouse
A walk down to West Bars next to visit Chesterfield Alehouse, which has been open since 2013 in an old shop unit.
A great selection of both Cask and Keg beers here, and lots to choose from including bottles of Belgian beers and local cider.
Junction
Last call of the day was to “Junction”, just a few minutes walk away from Chesterfield Alehouse.
Range of 4 cask ales available here, from Nottingham, Birmingham and Yorkshire. Went with “Primape” from Blue Monkey brewery in the end. Really great tasting bitter.
Next to the Junction is an old gateway, chains used to be drawn across the road to stop traffic to allow trains to cross from the Brewery Sidings to the Gas Works.
Micropub Adventures 
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