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Branch Trip to Derbyshire, March 2005 Three years after our previous trip to Derbyshire, Birmingham CAMRA set off once again for an area which is blessed with a seemingly endless list of classic pubs. A full minibus left the Anchor just after 9:30am, heading firstly to two pubs in the central part of the county. The Steam Packet Inn, Swanwick, was the first point of call, which opens for breakfast at 10am on Saturdays. The pub's open fire quickly warmed the group, after a long journey couped up in a small bus. Several fellow travellers took advantage of the extremely reasonably priced breakfast menu, some opting for a quick snack to start them off on the right track, while others went for a full English, hopefully avoiding the need for lunch. Beers available included the excellent Black Sheep Bitter (3.8% ABV), Young's Bitter (3.7%), Adnams Bitter (3.7%), Charles Wells Bombardier (4.3%) and Morland Old Speckled Hen (5.2%).
After a relatively short stop, the bus was on the move again to nearby Alfreton. Apparently, both destinations are well-served by local public transport, if you are ever feeling adventurous. The Victoria on Nottingham Road opens at 12 noon on Saturdays, which required military precision timing to avoid an embarrassing arrival before opening time. The welcome was very friendly and everyone (eventually) discovered the presence of Acorn Legend, a must for the 'tickers' amongst the group. The pub also had Taylor's Landlord (4.3%), a decent regular beer, if ever there was one. There was an illuminated aquarium in the lounge and a long bar with a large-screen TV system.
Leaving the Victoria, the group headed to the Old Stables Bar in Denby, home of the Leadmill Brewery and its brewery tap. There was an impressive range of Leadmill beers, 10 in total, plus a real cider, Cheddar Valley. The stable door entrance, sawdust on the floor and memorabilia dotted around the walls enhanced the atmosphere, although it was pretty much full with a bus-load of Birmingham's finest inhabiting the bar. The brewery and bar are also reachable on the Derby 91/92 bus service that serves the first two pubs.
On then to the Old Oak Inn, Horsley Woodhouse, also a Leadmill pub, who rescued it from demolition. This was a chance to sample beers missed out on at the brewery tap, but there were also others from their range available. Seven Leadmill beers (including Marehay Mild (3.6%), IPA (4.5%) and B52 (5.2%)) were supplemented by Vale Black Beauty Porter (4.3%). The pub was patrolled by a very small and inquisitive dog. Very friendly, but easy to trip over, the dog eventually settled into a chair near the fire, leaving everyone to enjoy their beer.
Heading for the White Post Inn, the bus passed the Bell at Smalley. This pub had been dropped from the original itinerary, but it was decided to have a swift half as we were passing anyway. We were glad we did, as as there was quite a range of beers available and some members of the group were reluctant to leave. Beers included Oakham JHB (3.8%), Mallard Duckling (4.2%), Whim Hartington Bitter (4.0%) and IPA (4.5%), Adnams Broadside (4.7%), Marston's Pedigree (4.5%) and extremely rare for the area, Newby Wyke White Squall (4.8%).
The White Post Inn at Stanley Common provided the first setback of the trip, as it did not open as per the hours quoted in the Good Beer Guide 2005. Disappointed, but not yet downhearted, the group decided to make an additional call at the Brunswick Inn and Alexandra Hotel in Derby, leaving time for an extended stop in Burton-Upon-Trent. These two Derby pubs are always sure to rejuvenate the spirits of a weary CAMRA member looking for refreshment and so it proved to be the case. One or two indulged in a meal at the Brunswick, struggling to finish off the last few peas as the bus prepared to depart.
The group pressed on to the famous John Thompson Inn at Ingleby. This was meant to be the main food stop for the evening and a long stay had been planned. Another setback - the pub was not doing food that evening. Everyone wished that they had remained at the Bell, where food had been available, or the Brunswick..... or, for that matter, anywhere that did food. Heading for Burton, it was heaven to read in the Good Beer Guide that the Devonshire Inn, Station Street, 'serves food all day Friday and Saturday' and it was decided to stop there, before heading down to the final pub on the schedule. The Devonshire provided a good range of beers including Burton Bridge Golden Delicious (3.8%), Bridge Bitter (4.2%) and Stairway To Heaven (5.0%). The food menu proved to be wide ranging and good value for money, so Britain's brewing 'capital' saved the day and several members of the group from starving.
Back on track, the bus headed for the Thomas Sykes in Anglesey Road, housed in an old brewery of the same name. The pub just happened to be holding a beer festival, one of the reasons it was included at late notice. The range of beers available was too many to mention, but the author remembers drinking Windsor Castle Saddlers Bitter (4.3%), Peak Ales Swift Nick (3.8%) and Blythe Sykes Original (4.0%). Sadly, the experience was proving just too much for some people.
Whether it be the Chairman grabbing 40 winks, or another group member finding himself 'Lost in Space (or Burton ?!)', the final mission was to trawl the streets, looking for an absent crew member, before making the trip home. Arriving at Colmore Row in Birmingham just before 10pm, many of the trip's participants headed for the nearby Wellington for a final pint or two. I am sure everyone who took part had a great day out and it was good to see that the trials and tribulations of navigating around an unknown area did not dampen anyone's spirits during the trip. Thanks go to the driver, Tony from Walsall CAMRA, who did us all proud. Here's looking forward to the next Birmingham CAMRA outing. © Richard
Reynolds, March 2005 |
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Last modified: 03/11/07 |
