The Rutland Arms, Chesterfield

A fine traditional pub as described below. Very comfortable interior and although there is the odd tele and fruit machine dotted about, you hardly notice then and they certainly do not get in the way of the main attraction which is the line of ale pumps on the lower bar section. Six ales were on for our visit as detailed in Mr Fastard’s review below and I went for the Ossett Barghest stout, which was on fine form. No disagreement from me, a fine pub to be included on any beer crawl of Chesterfield and handily not that far from the station.

The sign frame seems to indicate that this was once a Whitbread house which as mentioned, is close to the church with the wonky flèche, the UK’s only member of the Association of the Twisted Spires of Europe. The interior is pleasingly traditional, with some dark wood panelling. There were six pumps, though given the early start, I didn’t partake. A must-visit on a crawl of the town.

A smart paint job since my last visit, and a return to the old name of Rutland Arms - though the glass panel above the street door says Rutland Hotel. An additional beer on too - now six cask beers on a Sunday afternoon. The lass behind the bar was welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Beers were all from Derbyshire or nearby counties: Dancing Duck, Little Brewing, Lenton Lane, Little Critters and Pheasantry. I had halves of Quack Addict and Tup from the first two named, and they were both very good (NBSS 3.5); all the beers - listed on a blackboard - were between £3.90 and £4.50. Definitely one of the top pubs in Chesterfield.