The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley

Been to the pub several times over the past few years and have seen the recent changes to it. Have to say that I don't like a pub being turned into a "gastropub" and losing its character, but if its a choice between that and closing for ever then I'd have to accept the gastro status. That said, a group of 12 of us went out hiking and called in the pub around New Year and we couldn't have been treated better. First we let the pub know we were coming and they reserved the back room for us. OK, maybe it was to keep us out of the way of the posh client�le who turn up in their BMW's and Mercs but maybe they were looking after us. Most importantly there was a good range of beer and only the Thornbridge Jaipur was more than 3 quid a pint. The ordinary soup and sandwich menu or the small portions were still reasonable value so no complaints there and we found the staff to be quite "normal" and friendly. Only minor complaint is that they insist on you removing your boots, but that's OK as they make it quite clear when you walk in. I was looking for somewhere to find fault and have a moan about the loss of character or the way they treated us as second class citizens or something but have to say I left feeling quite impressed!

7 Feb 2012 21:58

The Bridge Inn, Calver

Must say that I enjoyed this pub, despite the previous comments on here, but then again I am over 40! Most importantly the beer was extremely well kept; when I was there it was Abbeydale, Hardy Hansons and one more (might have been Landlord but after a few of the Abbeydale I didn't need to try any more).
Food was good too - a fish pie that had lots of fish and not so much potato to "bulk" it out. Landlord was friendly and welcoming so I would definitely come back again.

7 Feb 2012 21:42

The Malt Shovel, Wirksworth Moor

Called in at lunchtime in mid-January. A couple of locals and a lone walker were in the pub. Everyone was friendly there was a nice warm fire but unfortunately the beer (Pedigree and a couple of Hobgoblin beers) weren't up to much. Didn't try the food.

22 Jan 2012 19:59