The Alexandra Hotel, Derby

Just before an obligatory visit to the nearby Brunswick and a return visit to the Victoria Inn, our party of 10 decided to drop in at the Alexandra. For some reason, the Alexandra doesn't seem as popular as the Brunswick. But I'd forgotten how good this pub actually is. The real ale selection is good, there are real ciders, bar snacks are nice, the welcome is warm and it is a cosy, well-run pub. As a Castle Rock pub, Harvest Pale is a regular. Also on from that brewery were Our House, Preservation & Steal My Sunshine. However, there were a few guests too - Abbeydale Menelaus, North Riding Walnut Porter, Wilde Child Uncontrollable Occurrence & Torrside Technical Sunset. Ciders were Lilley's Lemon & Lime and Snail's Bank Biscoff Cider. Both the Walnut Porter and the Biscoff Cider were very enjoyable. On reflection, I think this is my favourite pub in Derby.

Very obviously a railway-themed pub - there's an old Network SouthEast digital clock hanging from the ceiling, the stools are covered in a grey moquette I remember from train journeys many years ago and there's any number of old station signs around the place. The bar supports multiple pumps, from which I selected a Coffee Porter from Pentrich. This was as reasonable as most of their beers. Definitely a better "station" pub than most. If you're visiting Derby for the ale, you'll probably have it on your list as an easy stop to or from the station, and rightly so.

A classic two roomed pub just a few minutes walk from the train station, lots of old railway related pictures adorn the walls. Nine hand pumps in the comfortable public bar with a good range of beers, I had a couple from Pentrich brewery over the two seperate visits I made to the pub during my short stay in Derby. One of the best pubs in town.

Visited 30.4.21 and was able to get a table outside. All covid regulations applied. Menu brought to the table and a good selection of their Castle Rock plus guest beers available. Enjoyed Bad Seed, 2 x Torrside beers and a North Riding beer. Lovely cobs full of cheese and onion, plus sausage rolls and pies available too.