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Exploring the Best Pubs in Belper and Derbyshire
I visit various pubs and breweries in Belper and Derbyshire, exploring their histories, atmospheres, and drink offerings. Beginning with The Railway, established in 1868 and recently renovated, it became a community hub known for its ales. Arkwrights showcases a classic micropub vibe, promoting conversation without distractions. Crich Brew Co focuses on sustainable craft brewing. The Bottle Bank, housed in an old bank building, offers wines and ales in a stylish setting. Other venues like The Cross Keys, Angels Micro Pub, and Belper House add local charm, while newer places like Scran and Barrel and The Riflemans Arms emphasise community atmospheres.
Belper is a small town in Derbyshire, which has roots going back to the 13th century, but it really came to life during the Industrial Revolution. Jedediah Strutt built one of the first water-powered cotton mills here in the late 1700s, putting Belper on the map as a key player in the textile industry. The town grew fast, with worker housing, schools, and a strong community vibe. It’s now part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. While the mills have quieted down, Belper’s mix of industrial heritage, green spaces, and friendly charm keeps it buzzing with local pride and character.
The Railway
First up in Beloer is The Railway. This has been around since 1868, originally built by the Midland Railway Company as the “Railway Hotel” to serve travellers from the nearby station. It’s had a few name changes over the years—becoming the Railway Inn in the 1920s and finally just “The Railway” in the ‘60s. After a big refurb in 2019, it turned into a buzzing community pub with a warm, relaxed vibe. In 2024, it even bagged the title of Best Pub in Derbyshire. Not bad for a place that started out serving Victorian train passengers!
Outside, it’s full of character—classic brickwork, sash windows, and a tidy little beer garden round the back. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, welcoming space with wooden floors, comfy seating, and a mix of vintage charm and modern touches. It’s perfect for a relaxed pint, a decent meal, or a night of live music. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s the kind of pub that makes you feel right at home with its laid-back atmosphere and timeless feel.
On the bar a great selection of real ales from Lincoln Green Brewing Company alongside guest ales along with a selection of keg beers. I went with “Wanderlust” from Folly Road Brewery. A delicious hoppy tropical pale ale.
Arkwrights
Next up is Arkwrights — named after 18th-century mill pioneer Sir Richard Arkwright — is a classic micropub: small, sociable, and all about good conversation. Tucked just off the High Street near the train station, it’s based in a single-room space that once housed a members’ club and later a shop. Since opening in the mid-2010s, it’s stuck to micropub principles — no loud music, no TV, just a relaxed, welcoming vibe where locals and visitors chat shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s regularly featured in the Good Beer Guide and remains a much-loved part of Belper’s independent scene.
Arkwright’s is easy to miss — a tucked-away doorway between shops leads into this cosy little spot. Outside, it’s low-key and unflashy, but inside it opens up into a warm, room full of character. There’s a small bar counter to the left, where regulars chat with the staff, and chalkboards show what’s on. Wooden tables keep things simple, and the atmosphere makes it easy to settle in — even if you just popped in for one.
On the bar a selection of 7 cask ales alongside keg options and an impressive range of 27 ciders. I went with the beer produced for the days Pride event by Crich Brew Co. “Fruity Little Number” was a fantastic fruity, easy drinking and refreshing pale ale.
Crich Brew Co
Over the road brings me next to Crich Brew Co. This is a small-batch craft brewery that started brewing in Crich, Derbyshire around 2022, and quickly outgrew that original site. Due to rising demand, they expanded into a microbrewery and taproom in Belper, Derbyshire, where they now design, brew and package everything on-site. They’re all about hop-forward beers, using locally sourced ingredients—from Nottingham hops to cans from Stafford—and focus on sustainability, recycling water and giving spent grain to a local farm. Their Belper taproom opened mid‑2024.
The taproom is a hidden gem tucked behind Tyler’s on Campbell Street in Belper. It’s small, rustic, and super welcoming, with wooden benches, exposed brick walls, and brewing tanks right there in the room. There are a few outdoor tables for sunny days, and dogs are totally welcome.
On the bar today 8 keg beers alongside a cask beer and a range of real ciders to choose from. I went with their other beer produced for the Pride Festival. “No Label” is a super juicy, super tasty New England IPA. Full of flavour and delicious.
The Bottle Bank
Around the corner brings me to The Bottle Bank in Belper. This is a stylish wine bar with a unique past. Housed in the old Royal Bank of Scotland building on King Street, it was originally a bank dating back decades, with names like Williams Deacon’s and Williams & Glyn’s above the door. After the branch closed in 2019, it reopened as Bank at Belper in 2022. In 2024, new owners gave it a five-week revamp—turning the vault into a wine cellar, adding a kitchen and garden courtyard, and relaunching it as The Bottle Bank.
Inside The Bottle Bank, it’s a mix of old charm and modern style. The high ceilings and big windows from its bank days let in loads of natural light, while warm lighting and soft tones make it feel cosy and welcoming. There’s a long bar where the old bank counter used to be, now serving wine, rotating ales, and cocktails. Comfy booths and quirky touches make it feel laid-back but smart. Downstairs, the old vault has been turned into a cool little wine cellar, and out back there’s a chilled garden courtyard perfect for sunny days.
Drinks wise a choice of 2 cask ales today alongside a selection of keg beers. “Jaipur” from Thornbridge Brewery was my beer of choice in here. A delicious citrus American IPA packed full of flavour, well balanced and tasty.
The Cross Keys
Up the hill brings me to my next 3 calls, the first being to The Cross Keys. This pub dates back to at least 1748 and was rebuilt in the 1800s. Over the years, it has hosted Druid meetings, travelling theatre troupes, and even witnessed the occasional scandal. Today it remains a familiar landmark in Belper’s Market Place. Now run by a small group called Pub People and refurbished in 2024, it continues to serve the local community while preserving its long and colourful history.
Inside blends historic charm with a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. Inside, it’s warm and traditional, with low ceilings, original beams, and a central bar serving locals and visitors alike. There are two main rooms for socialising, plus a pool table and dartboard for a casual night out. Outside, there’s a tucked-away beer garden that’s perfect for relaxing, offering a quiet spot just off the busy Market Place.
Drinks wise a choice of 4 cask ales on the bar alongside a number of ciders to choose from. “22” from Dancing Duck was my beer choice. A fantastic, well balanced and easy drinking Bitter.
Angels Micro Pub
The Angels Micro Pub in Belper sits in a former cottage on Market Place, once home to a café and hardware shop. It opened in the late 2010s as the town’s first micropub and takes its name from the old Angel Inn, a historic pub that stood nearby for centuries. With its cosy, stripped-back feel and community vibe, Angels quickly became a local favourite.
Inside offers a cosy, no-frills interior with wooden floors, simple seating, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Inside, murals of Belper North Mill and the historic Angel Inn add character to the otherwise minimal décor, while the compact space encourages friendly conversation among locals. Outside, the stone cottage blends naturally into the town’s historic Market Place, with a small outside area offering a few tables for relaxed outdoor seating. It feels like a hidden gem: unpretentious, community-focused, and ideal for a quiet drink and a chat in a genuinely local setting.
Drinks wise a selection of 9 cask ales alongside a great choice of ciders. “By Default” brewed by Lenton Lane Brewery was my selection. A bright golden ale brewed using Simcoe, Chinook and Cascade hops. Lovely citrus notes and a very smooth beer.
Belper House
Belper House is a pub on Church Street in Belper that opened in 2021. The building was once a hardware and bicycle shop, and had been empty for years before being brought back to life as a pub. It’s now a popular spot in town. The transformation gave a new purpose to a long-unused space, adding to Belper’s growing pub scene and bringing more choice to locals and visitors alike. Despite being fairly new, it’s already made its mark on the area.
It has a clean, stylish look from the outside, with pale stone walls, big windows, and a few tables out front where people often sit with drinks. Inside, it’s cosy and welcoming, split into two main areas with a central bar in the middle. The floors are tiled, the lighting’s warm, and there are nice touches like polished wood and nods to the building’s past as a hardware and bike shop. It feels modern but still full of character.
Drinks wise a choice of 6 cask ales, alongside a choice of keg beers and other options. Here I went with “Crackendale” from Thornbridge Brewery. A delicious single hopped pale ale using Citra. Refreshing and easy drinking.
Scran and Barrel
Scran and Barrel in Belper opened in October 2024, taking over the space formerly known as the Belper Tap and later Bang in Belper. Located on Bridge Street, it quickly became a popular local spot with a relaxed, welcoming feel. Open Thursday to Sunday, it serves up a rotating mix of street food and regularly hosts live music, giving the place a lively community feel. With its fresh look and laid-back atmosphere, Scran & Barrel has carved out a new identity while still nodding to its past, becoming a favourite stop for locals and visitors alike.
Inside you’ll find a sleek, compact space with a modern yet relaxed feel, ideal for a catch-up or casual night out. The L-shaped interior features wooden floors, big shop-style front windows, and a bar running down the left side. A large chalkboard displays what’s on, and seating is simple, with tables, chairs, and ledges by the windows. The décor is minimal but thoughtful, with bits of art, mirrors, and quirky touches adding charm without overdoing it. It feels easy going and welcoming, just the kind of place to unwind, grab a bite, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Drinks wise a fantastic selection of keg beers alongside a cask option and a number of ciders. I went with a sour beer from Vault City Brewing in collaboration with Dois Corvos from Portugal. “Peach & Apricot / Pastel De Nata” is a fruity, tart and tasty sour beer.
The Devonshire
Over the road to The Devonshire in Belper. This has been around since the 18th century, originally serving as a coaching inn for travellers passing through the town. Back then, Belper was a booming mill town during the Industrial Revolution, and the pub sat right in the middle of all the action. Over the years, it’s seen generations of locals come and go, and even changed names a few times, once known as the Duke of Devonshire. In 2018, it got a new lease of life under a new local owner, transforming into the vibrant, friendly pub it is today.
It blends old-school charm with a fresh, modern feel. Outside, it’s a classic 1700s stone building with big old windows and a welcoming front—you can feel the history as soon as you see it. Inside, it’s cosy but stylish, with exposed beams, snug corners, and quirky décor that gives it a cool, relaxed feel. There’s plenty of room to relax with a pint or tuck into a proper meal. Whether you’re stopping by after a walk, out with mates, or just grabbing a quiet drink, it’s got that perfect mix of historic pub warmth and modern comfort.
On the bar a selection of 5 cask ales and a cider, plus a selection of keg beers to choose from. “Ay Up” from Dancing Duck was my selection in here. A very easy drinking, light and full of flavour Pale Ale.
The Riflemans Arms
The Riflemans Arms in Belper has a long local history. It reopened in April 2024 after a big revamp, keeping its traditional charm while adding a modern touch with craft ales and light bites. The pub was originally built in the early 1800s and was first known as the New Inn, before being renamed in the 1820s in honour of local Rifle Volunteers. Over the years, it became a popular meeting spot and even picked up a quality award back in 1994. Today, it’s once again a welcoming place to enjoy a drink and soak up some local character.
From the outside, it’s got that classic black-and-white timber look with red brick and a slate roof – full of old-school charm. Inside, it’s been tastefully revamped, blending exposed beams and wooden panelling with a splash of modern art and punk-inspired touches. There’s a friendly, relaxed vibe throughout, whether you’re having a chat at the bar or just soaking up the atmosphere. It’s a proper local spot that mixes the old with the new in a way that really works.
Drinks wise a selection of 4 cask ales alongside a cider, plus a selection of keg beers. “Taj Mahaze” from local Little Brewing Company was the beer I chose in here. A super hazy and super tasty New England IPA.
George & Dragon
A short walk brings me to George and Dragon in Belper. This is a historic pub with deep roots in the town’s industrial past. Belper itself thrived during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly due to the Strutt family’s textile mills. The pub likely served as a meeting place for mill workers and locals, offering rest and refreshment. Its name, common across England, references the legend of Saint George and the dragon, symbolising courage and victory. Over the years, the George and Dragon has evolved, retaining its traditional charm while serving as a social hub for the community and visitors exploring Belper’s rich heritage.
It has a classic stone front with big old windows and a grand porch that gives it a traditional, old-school pub look. Inside, it’s warm and welcoming, with exposed stone walls, dark wooden beams, and cosy red benches. The bar area is open and relaxed, with plenty of space to sit and chat. There are old photos on the walls that show off a bit of Belper’s history. It’s the kind of place that mixes a bit of history with a proper friendly vibe.
On the bar a selection of 6 cask ales, alongside a range of ciders and keg options. In here I went with “Arbor Light” from Whim Ales. A light, sharp and thirst quenching blonde ale.
The Holly Bush Inn
The Holly Bush Inn in Makeney is one of Derbyshire’s oldest pubs, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century. Originally part of the Strutt Estate, it was once a farmhouse with its own brewhouse. It became a coaching inn thanks to its location on the old Derby–Sheffield turnpike, before the A6 was built in 1818. There are even local legends that infamous highwayman Dick Turpin once stopped by. Today, it’s a well-loved village pub known for its traditional charm, historic setting, and long-standing role in the local community. It’s still going strong after centuries of history.
It is a picture-perfect Derbyshire pub, full of old-world charm inside and out. It’s a classic stone‑built building framed by a simple beer garden and ancient cottage-style gutters. Inside, the focal point is a large inglenook fireplace with roaring fires in winter, surrounded by thick stone walls and low oak beams overhead. The flooring is rugged stone flag with snug corners and creaky wooden floors in places. There’s a small, polished bar area and worn wooden tables that give the place a lived-in feel. Dim lighting from vintage lanterns adds warmth, making it feel just like home.
A great selection of 8 cask ales alongside a range of ciders and keg beers. I opted to go with their own house beer “Makeney” brewed by Thornbridge Brewery. It was brewed to celebrate businesses coming together during the COVID Pandemic. A fantastic, tasty American Pale Ale.
Shiny Brewery / Shiny Tap
Shiny Brewery started in 2012 when founder Pedro Menon brewed his first beer—Launchpad, a 3.9% pale ale—in the beer garden of the Furnace Inn pub in Derby. It took off quickly, and by 2015–16, he’d expanded into a proper 12-barrel brewery on an industrial estate in Little Eaton, Derbyshire. What began as cask ales for one pub grew into a full operation with a taproom (Shiny Tap) and a beer wholesaler (Beer Metropolis). Known for its bold, modern pump-clips and inclusive vibe, Shiny now brews everything from cans to kegs, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
Shiny Tap is a relaxed, modern taproom next to Shiny Brewery in Little Eaton. It’s got a warm, welcoming vibe with wooden tables, exposed brickwork, and plenty of natural light. Inside, there’s a mix of benches and bar stools, shelves stacked with brewery merch, and a simple, unfussy layout that keeps things casual. Outside, a small beer garden with tables and lights makes it a great spot for a sunny afternoon pint. It’s dog- and family-friendly, popular with locals, and feels like a down-to-earth mix of craft beer bar and proper community pub.
On the bar a fantastic line up of both cask and keg beers, with even more choice in the fridges. I went with one of their Pale Ales. “These Jorts Were Made For Walking” is a fantastic New England IPA. Juicy, hazy and tasty and very quaffable.
Little Brewing Co / Little Tap
Little Brewing Co in Derby, started in 2015 as Littleover Brewery, founded by a group of local beer lovers with a passion for traditional brewing. Originally operating under the name Littleover, they focused on creating classic, approachable ales with a modern twist. In 2020, the company restructured and later rebranded in 2022 as Little Brewing Company, marking a new chapter while staying true to their roots. Known for their vegan and gluten-free beers like King George’s Bitter and Epiphany Pale Ale, they’ve built a loyal following through consistency, craft, and a deep connection to their local brewing heritage.
Step into The Tiny Tap and you’ll find a bright, open space tucked inside a converted industrial unit on the north side of Derby. It’s unfussy and welcoming, with bench seating and wooden tables inside, and a decent outdoor area for when the sun’s out. The bar greets you as you enter, and just beyond, the brewing kit is fully visible—giving the place a proper working brewery feel. It’s relaxed, dog-friendly, and full of local character. There’s no fuss or frills—just a warm, down-to-earth spot where regulars and newcomers alike can enjoy a proper pint in good company.
On the bar a fantastic selection of both cask and keg beers alongside a range of cans in the fridge. Here I went with “Bloomer” brewed on site. A fantastic New England IPA packed full of flavour and very enjoyable.
Micropub Adventures 