08/03/25 – Matlock

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A Guide to Matlock’s Best Beers and Pubs

Matlock started off as a tiny farming village until thermal springs were found in 1698. It transformed into a trendy spa town during the 19th century, thanks in part to John Smedley opening his hydrotherapy centre in 1853. The railway’s arrival in 1849 really helped tourism take off. Matlock’s economy flourished with plenty of hydrotherapy spots and shops for visitors. But after World War II and the creation of the NHS, interest in hydrotherapy faded, leading to the closure of Smedley’s Hydro in 1955. Nowadays, Matlock is a charming town nestled in the Peak District National Park.

I check out a bunch of charming pubs in Matlock, each with its own cool history and vibe. First up is the Mad Hatter, which opened in 2021 and has a fun, whimsical theme inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Then there’s Bentley Brook Brewing Co., which gives a nod to the area’s industrial roots and has a super friendly atmosphere. The Red Lion has been a local hangout since the 17th century, making it a historic spot. The Remarkable Hare and bod Matlock put a modern spin on classic pub settings, serving up some great craft beers. Plus, The Newsroom, The Farmacy, and The Thorn Tree Inn add to the local scene with their cosy vibes and tasty ales.

Mad Hatter

An extra call to start the day with as I ran a bit ahead of time coming into Matlock. Mad Hatter is a delightful place that has quickly gained popularity among locals and visitors alike. Since opening in January 2016, Robin Baranek has crafted a whimsical dining experience inspired by the character from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The name “Mad Hatter” not only nods to this literary influence but also ties into the quirky history of hat-making.  

In Carroll’s classic tale, the Mad Hatter is known for his eccentric and whimsical nature, which perfectly matches the vibe they aim to create. The décor is a fun mix that captures this spirit, making it a welcoming spot for anyone looking for good food and a sprinkle of fantasy.  

Inside, you’ll find a cosy seating area with a bar tucked in the corner, while outside boasts a lovely open-air space complete with a charming log cabin that has its own bar. You can enjoy some stunning views of the River Derwent from here, and don’t forget to check out the fantastic artwork adorning the walls.  

When it comes to drinks, there’s a nice selection of keg beers and an extensive cocktail menu, plus the food looks and smells absolutely amazing! I checked out the “Stonewall Inn IPA” from Brooklyn Brewery in the US. It’s a fantastic hoppy pale ale packed with flavour!

Bentley Brook Brewing Co

The Bentley Brook Brewing Co. is my second stop, just a quick 25-minute stroll from Matlock, nestled in the beautiful Lumsdale Valley. This tap room is part of Bentley Brook Brewing Company, which kicked off its brewing journey in Spring 2018 under the name Hilltop Brewery. To clear up any mix-ups with another brewery, they soon changed their name to Bentley Brook Brewing Company. Kurt Baker, who started brewing as a fun hobby, realised his beers had real potential. With a little help from his family, he launched the brewery and opened the tap room about six months later. Now, it’s a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a chill vibe where you can sip on freshly brewed beers while soaking in the rich history of Lumsdale Valley.

Speaking of Lumsdale Valley, it’s got a fascinating industrial history, once powered by Bentley Brook. Back in the day, the valley was filled with water-powered mills that ran from the 17th century to the early 20th century, using the brook’s flow to process materials like cotton and lead. You can still spot the remains of these mills scattered around the valley, giving you a peek into its industrial heritage.       

The interior is amazing, spread across two levels and featuring a few cosy little “snug rooms.” There’s also plenty of outdoor seating that looks out over Bentley Brook, which flows right next to it. The mix of seating and tables creates a really inviting and homely vibe.  

When it comes to drinks, they offer two cask ales and four keg ales, all brewed just down the road. The warm welcome from the two bartenders makes it feel like a truly friendly spot. I tried a few beers here, kicking things off with “Nectaron Smash.” It’s a fantastic single hop and single malt pale ale that’s super hoppy, refreshing, and easy to drink. Then I switched to “Glassblowers Breakfast,” which is another light and hoppy pale ale that’s packed with flavour and just as easy to enjoy.

The Red Lion

After about a 15-minute stroll, I arrived at The Red Lion in Matlock Green. This pub has been around since at least the 17th century. The name ‘Red Lion’ is quite significant historically and has been linked to many pubs across the UK, often representing hospitality and a place for the community to come together. In Matlock, the Red Lion has been a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. Historical records show that a public house has existed here since at least the 1780s.

The building showcases classic English pub architecture, with a welcoming exterior. Inside, you’re welcomed by an open-plan design that gives it a roomy feel. The central bar is the heart of the pub, surrounded by cosy seating areas perfect for chatting and relaxing. The interior features charming décor, and a great welcoming and homely feel. A fantastic beer garden both at the front and rear.

This pub is also home to Moot Ales Brewing Company Matlock. The journey started right here, inspired by the local surroundings and heritage. The name “Moot Ales” pays tribute to Matlock’s historical roots, going back to 1086. “Moot” refers to a gathering in Anglo-Saxon England, symbolising community and discussion—values that are at the core of the brewery’s mission. The brewery kicked off behind the family-run Red Lion Pub in Autumn 2018 and runs on a 5-barrel brewing system.

On the bar theres a great selection of 7 cask ales, including 4 from their own brewery to choose from. Their own bottled ales are also available to take away. I tried out a couple of beers from Moot Ales. First up was the “Matlock Blonde,” which is a light and refreshing session pale ale. Then I switched to the “Giddy Edge IPA,” a deliciously fruity and floral IPA. I really enjoyed both of them!

The Remarkable Hare

A quick 8 minute stroll took me to The Remarkable Hare which opened its doors in August 2016. The building has quite the history, originally serving the hotel industry before it was transformed from the Olde English Hotel into a pub. This kind of repurposing is pretty common in tourist spots like Matlock, where older structures are updated to fit current needs. You might be curious about the pub’s name. Well, it turns out the original owners just really liked hares! After brainstorming a bunch of quirky names, they decided on “The Remarkable Hare” because they wanted to create something truly special. It closed in 2019 and went into liquidation with new owners taking over to make it what it is today.

They envisioned The Remarkable Hare as a unique spot that would stand apart from the usual chain pubs or overpriced apartments that could have popped up in the area. They wanted to revitalise the old hotel while keeping a strong link to the local community and its culture. Their hard work led to a stylish renovation that kept the building’s historical charm while adding modern touches. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a smart front bar and a cosy side room, plus a spacious dining and function area at the back. 

There’s an awesome selection of 6 cask ales at the bar, plus some keg choices too. You’ve got a great variety of styles and strengths to pick from. The food menu looks amazing, and since it came highly recommended, I had to give it a shot. I ended up going for a tasty open steak sandwich with peppercorn sauce. I went with a beer from Shiny Brewery, which is based in Derbyshire. Their “Plot Armour” is an awesome super hazy and super juicy pale ale, made with Sabro and HBC1019 hops. It’s a really tasty brew!

bod Matlock

Over to road to bod Matlock. This is a fresh bar that opened up in February 2022. It’s part of the Titanic Brewery family, who brew in Burslem, Staffordshire, and has a solid reputation for crafting top-notch ales. The building has a cool backstory too; it was originally built in the 1920s as a Boots Dispensing Chemist. This historical touch gives the pub a unique vibe, blending its Art Deco roots with a modern café bar feel.

Titanic Brewery kicked off in 1985, founded by John Pazio in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. After a rocky start, brothers Keith and Dave Bott took the reins in 1988 and turned it into a thriving microbrewery, known for standout brews like Plum Porter and Captain Smith’s Strong Ale. Over the years, they expanded their reach, adding several pubs and café bars to their portfolio, all while racking up awards for their beers. Nowadays, Titanic Brewery is celebrated for its quality craft ales, producing over four million pints each year and holding a strong position in the UK brewing scene.

Inside, you’ll find some of the original features, like exposed brickwork, which really adds to the place’s charm. The layout includes a main area and two smaller rooms, making it perfect for different group sizes and occasions. It’s a welcoming spot for the local community, designed to be a social hub where folks can come together for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or just to kick back with a drink in a laid-back atmosphere.

A great selection of beers on the bar with 6 cask ales alongside a huge keg wall at the back featuring lots of different styles and strengths. And if that isn’t enough there’s a fridge packed full of cans and bottles. I went with “First Class” for my beer. It’s a fantastic traditional English Bitter that’s hoppy and nicely balanced. Super easy to drink and perfect for a good session.

Twenty Ten

I checked out Twenty Ten next which is a couple of doors down. This pub is located in a spot that’s really changed a lot since the railway came through in 1849, bringing visitors and helping Matlock grow into a spa town. It’s tucked away amongst a bunch of antique shops on Dale Road and used to be a commercial space. 

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a warm welcome. The pub has a split-level layout, featuring a raised section at the back that has a pool table. It has a really cozy vibe, thanks to the wooden floors everywhere. You’ll find a combination of high tables and chairs, plus some comfy armchairs gathered around low tables.  

At the bar, there are three cask ales on tap, along with 20 keg lines offering a variety of styles to choose from. I tried “Loop” from Little Brewing Company in Derby. It’s a fantastic pale ale that combines Mosaic and Citra hops, resulting in a hoppy, light, and super refreshing brew.

The Newsroom

A huge uphill walk next (and I mean big hill!). The Newsroom has an interesting backstory that shows how it evolved from its original role to becoming a favourite micropub. It started out as a newsagents, focusing on selling newspapers and various items. But as newspaper sales dropped, the place shifted gears and began selling beer, eventually transforming into a pub. This change was finalised around July 2018 when it opened its doors as The Newsroom.

Inside, The Newsroom has a warm and welcoming vibe, featuring exposed brick walls and a cosy layout that encourages mingling among guests. The décor blends rustic elements with modern touches, making it a great hangout for both locals and tourists. The pub has an L-shaped room with updated sash windows and a bar that’s over a century old, adding to its charm. The owner is also working on reviving the bottled beer selection to match the days when it was a newsagents, currently offering a wide variety for customers to enjoy on-site or take home.

It was fantastic talking with Mark and a few others here. The bar has a nice lineup of 4 cask ales and 11 keg options. Plus, there’s a big selection of bottles and cans available for sipping in or taking out. After that uphill trek, I was definitely in the mood for a beer, so I grabbed a “Former Clarity” from Torrside Brewery in New Mills. It’s a quad hopped West Coast pale ale that’s super clear, crisp, and just plain awesome.

The Farmacy

A minutes walk away brought me to The Farmacy,. This opened on June 13, 2019. It’s a cool micropub that serves as the tap for Aldwark Artisan Ales, started by Jenny Lomas and Ian Mauraccheea in 2017. The name “Farmacy” is a fun twist that nods to Ian’s background as a pharmacist and the building’s past as a pharmacy. Before it became The Farmacy, the spot was known as Stanley’s Ale House, but it actually has roots as Bailey’s Pharmacy. This shift from a pharmacy to a microbrewery tap is part of a larger trend where old places are revamped to cater to the growing love for craft beer and social hangouts.

Aldwark Artisan Ales Brewery kicked off by turning an unused milking parlour on their farm into a microbrewery. They started out by focusing on local markets with bottled beers, but eventually expanded to include this pub as a place to showcase their brews. Over the years, the brewery has grown naturally, adding kegging, bottling, and canning gear to up their game.

As soon as you step inside, you get this awesome warm and cosy feel with the wooden floors and a bar that really catches your eye. The split-level seating gives the place a cool twist. Plus, the dog portraits on the walls are just hilarious and unique. There’s also some seating out front!

There are 4 cask ales and a cider on tap at the bar, plus 3 keg beers. You can also grab some bottled ales from their brewery if you’re interested. I enjoyed a couple of beers from Aldwark Artisan Ales while I was here. The first one was “Hare of the Hill,” a delightful light and hoppy brew that’s bursting with flavour and super easy to sip on. The second was “Aldwark Bullet,” named after the New Zealand Green Bullet hops. It’s a crisp, smooth, and really tasty New Zealand Pale Ale.

The Thorn Tree Inn

Last up is The Thorn Tree Inn. This boasts a fascinating history that goes back to the 1800s. It started out as a classic English pub and has become a beloved gathering spot for both locals and tourists. Perched high above Matlock Town, it offers breath-taking views of the Derwent Valley and Riber Castle. This beautiful setting makes it a go-to spot for anyone wanting to soak in the stunning Derbyshire scenery while enjoying a drink or a meal.

Inside, the Thorn Tree Inn has a cosy charm that reflects its long history, featuring two separate rooms that create a warm vibe. The décor showcases classic English pub elements, like exposed beams and comfy seating. One standout feature is the heated outdoor terrace, perfect for sipping drinks while taking in the amazing views of the landscape. The pub is known for its friendly atmosphere, making it a great place for families and dog owners to relax together. A great number of portraits cover the wall also.

Beer wise a choice of 6 different cask ales to choose from, a nice mix of styles. I wrapped up my day in Matlock with a “Bass.” It was a really tasty golden pale ale, full of aroma and just the right amount of hops.

Duke of Wellington

A spot I missed was the “Duke of Wellington”, ignore the Greene King signs at the front as it is no longer operated by them. An offering of 4 cask ales and a delicious food offering.