The Honeycomb, Derby

A large estate pub in a smart housing scheme to the north of Mickleover. Surrounded by a well-maintained garden, this appears to be a community facility that is well used by locals. The interior has several rooms, opened out to some extent, but with doors between a couple of them, and a change in level too. There are several hand pumps on two or three stretches of bar counter, with four beers repeated once or twice: Everards Tiger, Pitch Black (a milk stout) and Sunchaser, plus Brunswick Caramild. My half of Tiger was in excellent condition, and I instantly regretted not getting a pint. I was going to take a seat inside as I normally do, but the background music was insistent and unbearable, so I made a move towards the garden. But they'd thought of that, and there were loudspeakers out there too; and when I say loud, I'm talking pulsating. I've given this pub a 6 for the smart appearance, pleasant and friendly service and excellent beer, which would normally warrant a 7 or 8 in my book; turn the music down and ditch the external speakers and I'll go back and give it a higher mark.