I explored several traditional pubs and breweries around Derby, highlighting their unique histories and offerings. Falstaff Pub & Brewery, originally a hotel from 1886, features a cosy atmosphere and four cask ales. The Smithfield, established in 1840, boasts ten cask beers and multiple accolades. The Old Silk Mill and The Flowerpot showcase attractive interiors and local brews. Other notable stops include The Furnace Inn, Shiny Brewery, and The Hoppy Place, each offering a range of beers and welcoming environments alongside others. The tour concludes at The Victoria Inn, known for its music history and diverse beer selection. Each venue reflects Derby’s rich pub culture.
Tag Archives: travel
12/10/24 – Derby #1
Today I explored various micropubs and real ale establishments in Derby, starting with The Royal Standard, a historic pub with Victorian architecture and ties to Queen Victoria. Following a visit to The Greyhound, with its rich history and modern enhancements, the journey continues to The Last Post, a cosy micropub showcasing local ales. The Pothole and The Creaky Floorboard offer unique atmospheres and selections, highlighting the community spirit. Five Lamps stands out with its spacious layout, while the Little Chester Ale House, Derby’s first micropub, presents a warm ambiance. The day concludes at 189 Allestree, offering a vibrant selection of craft beers.
10/10/24 – Beeston, Attenborough and Long Eaton
Today I visit various pubs in the Beeston and Long Eaton areas, detailing their histories, atmospheres, and available beers. The Victoria Hotel, dating back to 1899, showcases local cask ales and delights with its Victorian charm. Along the way, I explore establishments like The White Lion, known for its Art Deco style, and The Star Inn, noted for its connection to TV history. Additionally, there’s a tour of Micropubs in Beeston, Attenborough and Long Eaton, emphasizing unique brews like “Murmuration” and “Reign O’er Me.” Each location offers a warm atmosphere, various cask ales, and delectable food options, showcasing the local brewing culture.
9/10/24-10/10/24 – Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival
The Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, now in its 48th year, has moved through several locations before settling at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. This historic venue, the world’s third oldest test ground, enhances the festival’s charm, offering guided tours to explore its rich history. This year’s layout boasts significant improvements, featuring multiple bar sections with a diverse range of UK and US beers, including a special focus on breweries with female participation. Attendees can enjoy various food options, live music, and a dedicated cider area. Overall, the festival creates a vibrant atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to reconnect and explore new brews.
03/10/24-04/10/24 – Dublin
The Ultimate Dublin Pub Crawl: History, Beer, and Atmosphere Upon arriving in Dublin, I explored numerous pubs, starting with the iconic Temple Bar, known for its live Irish music and excellent Guinness. I also visited J.R Mahon’s, a historic venue with an extensive beer selection, including in-house brews. Tapped Late Bar impressed with its modernContinue reading “03/10/24-04/10/24 – Dublin”
26/09/24-29/09/24 – Fylde Coast
The three-day exploration of the Fylde Coast included visits to various breweries, micropubs, and pubs in locations such as Cleveleys, Blackpool, and Lytham. Highlighted establishments featured diverse selections of cask and keg beers, showcasing unique flavours and atmospheres.
27/09/24 – Lake District
Today I headed to The Lake District, I visited several unique pubs and breweries, starting with The Crafty Baa in Windermere, known for its eclectic décor and impressive drink selection. Next, I explored The Watermill Inn in Ings, home to Windermere Brewing Company, offering a delightful variety of ales. In Kendal, I discovered Lakes Brew Co, Bowness Bay Brewing, The Factory Tap, Indie Craft Beer, Handsome Snuff Bar, The New Union, and Fell Bar. Each venue showcased distinct atmospheres and exceptional beers, including pale ales and IPAs, making for a rich and enjoyable experience in the local brewing scene.
14/09/24 – Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour
Today, I find myself returning to Chesterfield to participate in the Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour organised by Shaun. Renowned as both “The Heart of Industrial England” and “The Gateway to the Peak District”, Chesterfield originated as a Roman fort at the fringes of the Roman Empire, benefiting from excellent transport connections that facilitated its development into a thriving market town during the Middle Ages. The tour will guide me through several pubs, including one that is currently closed, each rich in history and narratives. It promises to be an exceptional experience that I wholeheartedly recommend if the opportunity arises.
07/09/24 – Louth
Today, my journey leads me to Louth, a charming Georgian market town commonly known as the “Capital of the Woods.” This town is located at the foot of the Wolds, where they meet the Lincolnshire Marsh. The River Lud meanders softly through the town, and the Greenwich Meridian line is indicated on Eastgate. During my visit, I had the opportunity to explore four breweries and brewery taps, in addition to a variety of scenic and historic pubs. I concluded my day in Grimsby with a visit to “Docks Beers.”
31/08/24 – Huddersfield and Brighouse
The day commenced in Huddersfield, the birthplace of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, where a statue commemorating him stands prominently at the Railway Station. This town is also renowned for its pivotal role in the establishment of Rugby League in 1895 and its significant textile industry. Today, I participated in the “Huddopoly” event, which highlights independent venues across Huddersfield, and I explored a few additional locations. On my return journey, I made a stop in Brighouse, celebrated for the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, one of the most distinguished brass bands in the United Kingdom. During my visit, I explored four venues, enjoying a diverse array of pubs, taprooms, café bars, and micropubs throughout the day.
Micropub Adventures 