Counting down the days until your favourite pubs start to trade again
THERE are 19 days until Derbyshire pubs can open their beer gardens... not that anyone is counting!
Pubs have been closed since the beginning of the third lockdown in November. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in his roadmap that pubs and restaurants should be able to reopen outdoors from April 12, though it’s looking like May 17 for opening indoors, with the rule of six restrictions.
Readers have told us of the pubs they’re missing most.
■■The Neptune: The home of Derby County fans, in Osmaston Road, is top of the list for some drinkers. The pub is run by Steve Kirk. John Swindell says: “proper people, proper pub, proper landlord.”
■■The Smithfield: The riverside pub, in Meadow Road, Derby, has been delivering beer during lockdown to help fans through a dry patch. Emily
Bowler and Ben Miller’s pub has been crowned the best by CAMRA for two years in a row. Elizabeth Lucy Sowa said: “Best beer, best atmosphere, best company, simply the best pub.”
■■Jorrocks: Craving 80s bangers and Jägerbombs? Try this lively pub in Iron Gate. Gayle Chadwick is looking forward to “throwing a few shapes.”
■■The Boathouse: Previously Smithy’s Marina Bar, the Shardlow venue was taken over by Sara Mitchell and Neil Barker at the end of 2019, just weeks before the pandemic. It has a large outdoor space. Steve Tickner said: “I’ve had some incredible nights of live music and great beer there.”
■■The Coopers Arms: Has been keeping spirits up during lockdown by introducing takeaway and drivethru menus. A large garden overlooks a wellestablished fishing lake. Eileen Pashley said: “I want to enjoy the view and sun.”
■■The Brunswick: Regarded by some drinkers as the best pub in the city, it won Derby CAMRA’s Pub of the in 2016 and 2017. Adam ThompsonNash added: “Excellent beer range, best pub in Derby.”
■■The Jonty Farmer: A friendly welcome and a good pub atmosphere awaits at the Jonty Farmer, in Kedleston Road, Derby. Sarah Victoria Leppingtone said: “Lovely friendly staff make you feel welcome and I love their pizzas.”
■■Little Chester Ale House: Derby’s first micropub, in Chester Green Road, keeps it simple with no music, no TV, and no fruit machines. Mark Jeffery said: “Little Chester Ale House is a lovely place for a drink. Looking forward to trying Triple B’s micropub when that opens, too.”
■■Old Talbot: The characterful village pub, in Hilton, is located in a Grade II-listed building from the early 1500s. Rich Elliott says: “I want to have a pint with my dad, who I haven’t seen for a year.”
■■The Falstaff: Widely regarded as one of Derby’s hidden gems, with its own microbrewery in Silver Hill Road. Stephen Cudworth said: “Best pub, beer, staff and customers in Derby by a mile.”
■■The Flowerpot: Music lovers can’t wait for it to reopen in King Street, Derby. It is renowned for its eclectic range of live artists. Phil Allen said:
“The Flowerpot was great last summer in between lockdowns.”
■■The Railway Inn: The Sawley pub has been running the Diary of a Publican on its Facebook page during lockdown about the trials and tribulations of having a pub during a pandemic. Mark Lee said: “The landlord Andrew Marshall runs a fantastic pub that looks after a great pint of real ale.”
■■Exeter Arms: One of five Derby city centre pubs featured in the 2021 Good Pub Guide. The traditional, cosily-lit pub, has a beer garden. Marc Holmes said: “The Exeter Arms, lovely place with some excellent food and beer.”
■■The Wilmot Arms: The oldest pub in Chaddesden, dating back to the 1700s. Rob Bobble Parker is looking forward to getting back to the Wilmot Arms. “No explanation needed,” he said.