ELTIPS AV R T

But when a little bird told me it was laying claim to be the best place in the country for real ale and great pubs, I felt compelled to take a look. And what a revelation it was. Forget any preconceptions you may have about it being the poor relation to its bigger, brasher neighbour Nottingham.

It is one of the friendliest places I have ever visited, full of wonderful, pubs, walks, galleries and museums that are worth a trek from afar.

The warm welcome began a few miles outside the city, in the small and sleepy village of Dalbury Lees.

Here I spent two nights at The Cow, a fabulous boutique inn with 12 wonderfully appointed rooms and food to die for.

The delicious British tapas menu was quirky, different and impeccably cooked.

All of the rooms are individually styled with luxury furnishings, bedding and smart TVS.

As perfect for a business traveller as it is for those on a weekend break, The Cow is probably one of the best places of its kind in the

VISIT The

Pyclet Parlour in the

Victorian Market Hall. Here they have resurrected and reinvented one of Derbyshire’s greatest food traditions.

THE Post House, housed in the one old Post Office, is a funky indoor street food market featuring eight independent bars and food stalls under one roof.

STOP by the multi-million pound arts centre, the QUAD.

It has three cinemas and

an art gallery.