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oldboots
21-11-2009, 10:40
Legless in Derby 1

Quarter past 12 on a very wet Wednesday in November my phone receives a text “they've got Hobgoblin and Deuchars what do u fancy” followed by the immortal words “I'll get them in”. My stride instantly increased as I texted back “Deuchars Please” . A few moments later I pushed open the door of the Station Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7230/) in Derby to be greeted by the sight of Soup Dragon clutching a pint of Hobgoblin as if his life depended on it and guarding my pint of Deuchars. Initial pleasantries dispensed with we set to on the serious business of the day, a grand pub crawl of Derby's finest boozers - as a grand as a couple of beer geeks could manage anyway. Deuchars is not normally my favourite but in here it was well kept and very welcome after suffering the worst the railways could chuck at me that morning. With only the landlord and his wife in the plain Victorian pub we drank up and went up the road to the nearby Brunswick (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7022/). First time for both of us in here but as soon as we saw the dark wood, lincrusta and traditional fittings not to mention the 16 handpumps we knew this was a pub in a different league. It is also home to a microbrewery. Much deliberation followed with Soupy settling on two halves, one dark one light, I plumped for the Nethergate Holy Smoke as their beers are usually excellent. Neither of us were disappointed at our first tastes as we made our way to find a seat in one of the many rooms. Stumbling into one with what looked like an old fellers lunch club we made our excuses as we moved to the next room. Seated on proper chairs at brittania tables enjoying some fine beers and admiring the old pub ambience of the place we were reluctant to leave but time was moving on so we did too. Next port of call was the Alexandra just round the corner, then disaster struck – pub closed till 3pm, :eek: calamity!! but as resourceful drinkers we soon were off towards the city centre and the Olde Dolphin with the church tower as our marker. Crossing the ring road and passing some interesting and some dreadful looking pubs, Soupy was the first to spot the Old Silk Mill (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7173/) so we instantly decided on a detour across the road as it was open and it would have been churlish not to. Besides which we were both hungry and a nice bite of pub food would be welcome. Another battery of handpumps, eight this time, so there was much debating on which microbrewery to try first. We both decided that a half of this and a half of something else was in order, I told you we are beer geeks. No food on sale so that would have to wait. We both went for the Brentwood Hope and Glory while I had a Blue Monkey Cathedral Quarter and Soupy had Cairngorm Stag Stout. All very good beers, the Hope and Glory especially so, a nice fruity bitter with the Blue Monkey being a Golden Ale in style. I later learned the Blue Monkey is brewed up the road at Ilkeston and the Cathedral Quarter is a special for this pub. Briefly admiring the thirties and Victorian fittings and we were off to the Olde Dolphin (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7285/) a short step over the road. Billed as the oldest pub in Derby it still has a lot of old timber and is dark and low inside. Gently bobbing barmaids and a range of regional ales plus a couple of micros on the eight pulls, another first for me was Morfe's Ales and a beer called Y Not, this was certainly a winner in the taste stakes. No food on sale here until 4 so we still continued to starve and took a seat to discuss our favourite subject, well history rather than beer. One of the locals joined us in our wide ranging discussions, that's one of the great things about the pub, someone will always put you right with their own view of things. Sadly we had to leave in search of the Flowerpot.
To be continued :glass:

oldboots
21-11-2009, 10:49
Our two heroes :rolleyes: have just staggered from the Dolphin.....now read on

This was the point when Autoroute let us down, no sign of the pub or even the street, a passing young lady was accosted and asked the whereabouts of King St, blank looks from said young lady, however once the pub's name was mentioned she instantly pondered how she usually got there and pointed us in the right direction, that's my kind of gal :love:. As a bonus we had to pass the Blessington Carriage (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7010/) , specially recommended by Hopwas so we couldn't really miss it out. Only two ales on sale in a more yoof oriented bar, Youngs Winter Warmer and McMullen's Rocket which was my beer of choice and excellent it was too. Swiftly finishing up here we found the famous Flowerpot (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7080/) and relaxed with a couple of pints from the superb choice on offer, so superb in fact that I can't read in my notes the name of the ale I drank; no food and lots of beer were beginning to tell on my constitution. More chat on historical trivia found us in a long discussion with a keen local on the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Derby being where he ended his march south before losing the home leg at Culloden. Almost time to catch our trains back so just time for a quicky in the Alexandra (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/6999/), now open, an honest boozer with yet another wide choice of ales on seven pumps. Being a mild drinker Soup Dragon was horrified when I went for a bottle of the Belgian Maradsous but only the 10% rather than the 12% in deference to his sensibilities. And that was it, a fine days drinking in Derby was had by all and we shall return. I would recommend a trip to Derby for any one, plenty of decent ale and decent pubs with usually friendly natives.

hopwas
21-11-2009, 11:00
Excellent reading!! Bought back memories drinking in Derby. I was suprised you did went to Station Inn! :eek: Is their Landlord got white hair and slobbish looking? If yes thats one I had unpleasant experience..

One thing puzzles me.. you went from Olde Dolphin to Blessington without passing Flowerpot? Actually you can reach Flowerpot from around the corner from Olde Dolphin!

By the way looking foward to ur second visit to Derby.

oldboots
21-11-2009, 11:25
Excellent reading!! Bought back memories drinking in Derby. I was suprised you did went to Station Inn! :eek: Is their Landlord got white hair and slobbish looking? If yes thats one I had unpleasant experience.


Short middle aged bloke, a bit miserable looking, no white hair, (gosh that could describe me) I could imagine he might get stroppy, so it may be the same LL with Grecian 2000, beer was fine though.



One thing puzzles me.. you went from Olde Dolphin to Blessington without passing Flowerpot? Actually you can reach Flowerpot from around the corner from Olde Dolphin!



I didn't say we were sober at that point and the map did let us down, thanks to the young lady we didn't lose much drinking time :glass::glass::glass:

hopwas
21-11-2009, 12:12
lol! U should have go to Smithfield not far from Brunswick. They sell mirco brewery ales. Good old fashioned pub. Bit hard to find but worth it just for ales.

oldboots
21-11-2009, 14:59
lol! U should have go to Smithfield not far from Brunswick. They sell mirco brewery ales. Good old fashioned pub. Bit hard to find but worth it just for ales.

The Smithfield, the Brewery Tap, and the Wardwick are all on the list for next time, if I can stay out of the Brunswick long enough :D

Delboy20
21-11-2009, 21:00
Hi there,

I did a pub crawl in Derby some years ago but for the life of me I can't remember which pubs we went in. We definately went in the Olde Dolphin and the 2 Wetherspoons. Also Jorrocks. The rest is a blur !!
I really wish I had kept a note of them somewhere !! I'll just have to go again

Cheers,

Del.

hopwas
22-11-2009, 10:20
Hi oldboots.. Few things to help you on your next visit to Derby

Smithfelds website.. http://www.thesmithfield.moonfruit.com/

Brewery Tap (Royal Standard).. http://www.derbybrewing.co.uk/brewery_tap.htm

Jorrocks.. Grade listed coaching inn and haunted buliding. Usually 2 to 3 casks on ale (normally Young's)

Picture on Beer in the Evening (http://img01.beerintheevening.com/0d/0dcc2c6019d223b6f1072fe4e810276b.jpg)

Just for historical looking pub.. The Brick and Tile.. Bit out of way from City Centre http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7017/

Galore Admin
22-11-2009, 12:25
Sorry had to edit the last post, when an image is embedded in a web page the site that has the image pays for the Internet bandwidth.

Whilst it is a bit of a non-issue for these forums as it wont produce many views, the image was a Beer In The Evening image, so I felt it polite to change it to a link so that it is clear the image is their work.

hopwas
22-11-2009, 12:33
Sorry had to edit the last post, when an image is embedded in a web page the site that has the image pays for the Internet bandwidth.

Whilst it is a bit of a non-issue for these forums as it wont produce many views, the image was a Beer In The Evening image, so I felt it polite to change it to a link so that it is clear the image is their work.

Sorry! :o

However Am I allowed to post image from PG through?

Wont happen again!

Ian

Galore Admin
22-11-2009, 13:00
I wouldn't really worry about it, I am guessing they wouldn't notice. The trouble I have is that BITE is a competitor, and one who I prefer to be cautious around as speaking for myself there is no love lost.:mad:

If you want to be as netiquette aware as possible it is good to credit the source of the photo as they have done the work. In the case of BITE, pubUtopia & any of the other pub listing sites I think it is probably best to link to the image or the page.

Speaking for us, we do monitor it all, so for instance we will see when the odd football forum steals a picture off us prepatory to away matches, and occasionally you take them as marketing opportunities.

Conrad

oldboots
23-11-2009, 10:38
Hi oldboots.. Few things to help you on your next visit to Derby



Thanks Hopwas, all noted for next visit (spring 2010 maybe)

Soup Dragon
23-11-2009, 17:59
An excellent account OB - a great day, sadly the beer got in the way of some good chats:D

my reviews are up after the last couple of Wednesbury ones and will be followed by Brierley Hill

oldboots
23-11-2009, 18:47
An excellent account OB - a great day, sadly the beer got in the way of some good chats:D



lubrication dear boy, lubrication

Eddie86
23-11-2009, 19:14
sadly the beer got in the way of some good chats:D



I've drunk with a couple of people where the opposite was true :moremad:

Soup Dragon
23-11-2009, 23:36
I've drunk with a couple of people where the opposite was true :moremad:

mainly me, after 9 pints or so!

Conrad
24-11-2009, 11:19
mainly me, after 9 pints or so!

Blimey, I am going to need reinforcements if I ever have a drink with you. I think they would have to pump my stomach these days if I drunk that much. :D

Yes I am that big a lightweight.

aleandhearty
25-11-2009, 15:03
An excellent account OB I always enjoy reading about road trips. They're unique but always the same! Never been to Derby. Would definitely be interested in tagging along (in the Spring) if that's OK?


I've drunk with a couple of people where the opposite was true :moremad:
Presumably only once, Eddie. :D

hopwas
25-11-2009, 15:09
I always enjoy reading about road trips. They're unique but always the same! Never been to Derby. Would definitely be interested in tagging along (in the Spring) if that's OK?

I lived in Derby for 3 years in mid 1990's. I am sure you will love Derby and its pubs is real gem. All pubs mentioned here are easy walking distance each other and real haven for serious real ale lovers.

Derby actually is where I first developed love for real ale and gave up lager not long after.

Brunswick is the first pub I would go whenever I stop in Derby :D

hopwas
25-11-2009, 15:26
Hey Soupy and OldBoots..

Heres the link you may find VERY interesting about history of Derby pubs including one about Brunswick

http://bygonederbyshire.co.uk/articles/Derbyshire_Pubs_-_Your_Stories_Wanted!

Enjoy reading!

Soup Dragon
25-11-2009, 16:59
We start at The Station, A&H, I'll have a Hobgoblin, OB a Deuchars!:glass:

aleandhearty
25-11-2009, 17:03
We start at The Station, A&H, I'll have a Hobgoblin, OB a Deuchars!:glass:
Right, better start saving!

Soup Dragon
25-11-2009, 17:05
oh! Jeez - wait till OB orders his 743% continental beer (also called meths):D

aleandhearty
25-11-2009, 17:14
oh! Jeez - wait till OB orders his 743% continental beer (also called meths):D
To paraphrase Sir Arnold Bax, I'll try anything once except incest and morris dancing. :D

Soup Dragon
25-11-2009, 18:20
To paraphrase Sir Arnold Bax, I'll try anything once except incest and morris dancing. :D

mate, after an OB drink, you will try them as well :glass:

oldboots
26-11-2009, 09:21
mate, after an OB drink, you will try them as well :glass:


To paraphrase Sir Arnold Bax, I'll try anything once except incest and morris dancing. :D

I don't know, you go to the Highlands for two days and everyone starts taking your name in vain and accusing you of misdeeds - it's not as if I was drinking keg :D

Derby is a great place to drink and we must do a second visit (starting at the Brunswick :rolleyes:), but don't forget there are lots of other places that offer a drinking challenge, some might even sell MILD.

If anyone one is planning a crawl like ours please offer an invitation on PG.

Eddie86
26-11-2009, 12:47
I'll be up in Birmingham next Tuesday (1st) having tutored tastings of 10 beers from Fullers with their Head Brewer, as part of the BII West Midlands Xmas do. The invite came with the wording 'no set finishing time, think along the lines of last man standing!' Did I mention it's a free bar? ESBs all round then!

There is a lovely pub called Bacchus in Birmingham, underneath a fancy hotel by a rolex shop :eek: (I wouldn't want to eat there though)

Does anyone have any suggestions of other pubs worthy of dragging myself away from a free bar for? I like Fullers beers, but a whole day of drinking from only one brewery seems a bit of a waste! I should have mentioned - it's in the Old Joint Stock Click Here (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55708/)

Soup Dragon
26-11-2009, 13:22
I'll be up in Birmingham next Tuesday (1st) having tutored tastings of 10 beers from Fullers with their Head Brewer, as part of the BII West Midlands Xmas do. The invite came with the wording 'no set finishing time, think along the lines of last man standing!' Did I mention it's a free bar? ESBs all round then!

There is a lovely pub called Bacchus in Birmingham, underneath a fancy hotel by a rolex shop :eek: (I wouldn't want to eat there though)

Does anyone have any suggestions of other pubs worthy of dragging myself away from a free bar for? I like Fullers beers, but a whole day of drinking from only one brewery seems a bit of a waste! I should have mentioned - it's in the Old Joint Stock Click Here (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55708/)


If you at the OJS (try naming the statues!), Ed, and assuming you dont want to venture too far, then the Wellington on Bennetts Hill, is on the way to the Bacchus (the former Midland hotel bar, i think), along with a couple of Spoons - Briar Rose and another! the Joint Stock often does a microbrewery (Beowulf often). Alternatively, or as well, you can go down newhall st to the Old Royal and across to the Old Contemptables would be a manageable walk. If too merry, then stick to the welly - has 10 or so real ales. Depends on how many you want to try - you drunk! Also be careful, we have electric light in Birmingham, so you dont need to bring candles:p

hopwas
26-11-2009, 13:29
I'll be up in Birmingham next Tuesday (1st) having tutored tastings of 10 beers from Fullers with their Head Brewer, as part of the BII West Midlands Xmas do. The invite came with the wording 'no set finishing time, think along the lines of last man standing!' Did I mention it's a free bar? ESBs all round then!

There is a lovely pub called Bacchus in Birmingham, underneath a fancy hotel by a rolex shop :eek: (I wouldn't want to eat there though)

Does anyone have any suggestions of other pubs worthy of dragging myself away from a free bar for? I like Fullers beers, but a whole day of drinking from only one brewery seems a bit of a waste! I should have mentioned - it's in the Old Joint Stock Click Here (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55708/)

As regular visitor to Brum, I would avoid Bacchus if I was you.. Too tacky and bit dated. One of pricest in Brum, pint of ale would take you back £3.10!

Ah.. Very good choice sir, The Old Joint Stock.. Most Northerly Fuller's pub. Converted from bank to pub. Two floors with bar in centre of the room. Beautiful ornate decor. Do sell Fullers ESB, London Pride, Fullers porter plus others. Beware: pub wont admit you if you wearing boots, football shirts or caps. When you finished ur drink, go to beer garden at back, go through the gate and enter door front of you.. The Wellington awaits you.

This is my favourite pub in whole of Brum.. 15 ales on sale.. yes you heard it right! You can bring your own food inside pub. Look out for resident cat!

http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37946/

Other pubs worth seeking out in area is..

Old Contemptibles (Behind Snow Hill Station) http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37755/

Shakespeare, Lower Temple St

Not far from New St station. Nice pub with couple of real ales with Timothy Taylor regular fixture. Gets packed after 5pm as workers finishing their work. http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55025/

Oh on 1st Dec.. we will cross path as I am going to Kidderminster via Birmingham!

hopwas
26-11-2009, 13:37
Old Royal

Never liked Old Royal. Its decor is somewhat shocking by standards in City Centre.

How about Tap & Spile (Gas St) off Broad Street. Great Boozer with mirco brewery ales on sale.

EDIT: How I could forget The Prince of Wales (Cambridge St)?! Hidden behind Symphony Hall on Broad St. Had pleasant chat with landlord, even offered me free tasting for every ale on sale! Plenty of real ales on ale. Proper boozer for drinkers. Shame about the location.

Conrad
30-11-2009, 15:50
As an experiment I tried chucking this into our pub crawl system.

History Boys on Tour

Let me know if you want me to edit/remove it as it is complete plagarism of your work.

oldboots
30-11-2009, 15:59
Let me know if you want me to edit/remove it as it is complete plagarism of your work.

feel free, as they say "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"

Actually I had done it as a pub crawl already:

Derby1 (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/crawl/viewcrawl.php?crawl=436)


great minds and all that eh?

Conrad
30-11-2009, 16:05
Gods, I am blind as a bat, so I will remove mine.