Derby Ale Trail with friends Lisa and Andy. 16/4/2011

We met up in the Old Silk Mill which is Derby’s current CAMRA pub of the year. It had an impressive amount of ales on, including a separate area in the back bar which had 12 barrels of ales! The selection was immense. I had an Ay Up from local brewery Dancing Duck. The pub was very pleasant but quiet so it didn’t have the best atmosphere. I think it is worth a return visit, possibly at a busier time of day. 6/10

We didn’t have to venture far for our next pub, The Olde Dolphin Inn. This pub dates back from 1530 with low ceilings and wood beams. It is the oldest pub in Derby apparently. Again it had a good selection of handpumps but most were pretty dull such as Bass, Pedigree. It did though have some local ones which we enjoyed and one gave a donation to charity which is a nice touch. It was pretty busy and I liked the place. A good 7/10. 

The Flower Pot was our next pint. This was a large pub with many rooms and a little outside bit. It had a good selection of beers but not all were on at the time we went. Still there was enough choice to keep us all happy. It seemed to be very cheap for food and had bands on in the evenings. It was a nice friendly pub and we all really took to it. I think I especially liked the painted walls! An 8/10.

Andy decided to take us on a lengthy walk through a park and housing area (think he got lost) to The Abbey. By the time we got there we all deserved a drink not to mention loo stop! This was a Sam Smith pub so unfortunately I had to avoid the ales. It was a great pub though, built from stone and as the name suggests like an Abbey! Very busy as I think everyone was after their cheap beer! A good call Andy and it scores 8/10.

The final stop was the Royal Standard/ Brewery Tap. It has a large horseshoe bar with a high ceiling and an upstairs if I remember correctly. It had wooden floors and due to the openness didn’t seem very pubby but it had a nice feel to it and was very popular. It has quite a few ales, most from the Derby Brewery. I was recommended the Business as Usual which was a pleasant pint. Again another good ale pub and another 8/10.

I was very impressed with Derby and the high standard of good ale pubs. A return visit will definitely be required!