The Brunswick Inn, Derby

This place came with a recommendation from a friend and is definitely a must visit for real ale enthusiasts, or indeed anyone interested in historic pubs. It was originally built in the 1840's as part of a railway community and was known as the Brunswick Railway & Commercial Inn. In the mid 20th C it fell into disrepair but finally re-opened in 1987 after extensive renovation of the whole area by the local historical trust. It's a real gem with lots of rooms to explore, the main bar, a snug, a smoke room and an attractive family parlour. A flagstone corridor runs through the pub leading to the on-site brewery which brews 6 Brunswick ales. Another 4-5 ales are also available and the food menu is quite popular. It's only a few minutes walk from the train station and certainly worth a visit.

A Victorian terrace brick building, with an apse end, like a church - which is what this place is; though somewhere to lift the soul and praise the good hop, rather than the Lord. It has a slight bleak northern feel to the place, which is why Mr Hackwood probably felt so at home here! The interior has a nesting of rooms; indeed, Mr H and I could have played hide and seek for half an hour, had it not been for the fact that the place was so quiet, i thought it was being ran by a family of trappist monks. There is a snug and a family parlour. Decor was white and a deep red, with a stone floor and nice fireplaces. Interest was again supplied by old railway pictures, due to the building's historic connections with the railway and some old bottles. There was a dart board. Service was fine and there was a healthy number of clients, most with a healthy age to them. Traditional and class. Beer; some tap stuff, with 16 handpulls. The place has its own microbrewery, but i stuck to Cathedral Ale's Magna Carta and Milestone's Black Pearl Stout, both were good, Just go, i can say no more.

A terraced pub with its own microbrewery, a profusion of handpumps (16) and a styllish victorian interior. Many small and large rooms, the main bar and counter is at the rear. Lots of dark wood, flag floors and half glazed walls between the various rooms. Nicely kept beers from the on-site microbrewery and various other small breweries plus the usual kegs etc. Well patronised by ale lovers, even on the very wet lunchtime I was in. The range and the style of this pub mark it out as a beer lovers must visit destination.

This is a real ale drinkers dream and really needs to be on the list for away fans visiting via the railway station.