The Devonshire, Belper

Official site of The Devonshire - devonshirebelper.co.uk

Official site of The Devonshire - devonshirebelper.co.uk

Another pub on Belper’s main drag, this one felt like a compromise between a proper boozer and something more gastropub in style. The pub is split between a number of rooms, some of which have been partly opened out, with the focal point being the quarry stone floored main bar area. This space offers ample seating either side of the centrally positioned servery, with lots of wood panelling painted in dark shades and a part mirrored, part white tile bar back with all of the keg taps mounted in the middle. A large number of flowers brightened up the room, including some in very large vases on the bar and in the front windows, with others hung from the ceiling beams and a collection of twigs nailed to the ceiling itself. The dark colour scheme coupled with the muted lighting helped make the place feel quite cosy, especially if you could grab a seat in one of the pub’s more secluded nooks away from the main walkways. This was further enhanced by traditional décor such as old paintings, stone fireplaces and candles on most tables. The pub appears to extend back into a dining room area - I heard some people with table reservations being directed that way – but I didn’t get around to exploring for myself. 70’s rock tunes were playing quietly in the background and despite the food-led feel of the place, plenty of dogs were coming and going past my seat near the entrance. There was a good cask selection at the bar, comprising Dancing Duck Ay Up, Abduction and Dark Drake, Little Brewing Taj, Marstons Pedigree and one real cider. Three craft kegs were also available, including Thornbridge Jaipur. The staff were nice and friendly and my pint of the Ay Up was very drinkable. The gastro stylings of this place didn’t quite work for me and I found this to be one of my least favourite pubs of those I tried around Belper, but I can’t really fault the beer or service and whilst it would probably be one I’d drop from future crawls, I wouldn’t want to put anyone off from giving it a try, as its still got plenty to offer.

A respectable pub with quite a trendy interior, the walls were painted in a dark grey colour,blue and mustard coloured upholstered chairs, fairy lights in the original stone fireplaces and sheepskin rugs over the backs of some of the bar stools, for some reason. The main bar as you entered was the main feature and had a certain gothic look, which I liked. The low window openings and original flagstone floor gave the pub more of a cottage feel. Five ales and one cider, three ales from Dancing Duck and two from Marston's 61 Deep and Pedigree. We all went for the DCUK. There was a decent sized patio area at the rear, so we took advantage of the good weather. One of our pals told us that forty years ago you wouldn't recognise the place, especially on a Tuesday night, as it was known as topless Tuesday, when the barmaids served you your beer topless. Ha! how things have changed, can't imagine social media getting to grips with that today.