The Coopers Arms, Derby

An extraordinary building, started as just one wing of a much larger building but never finished, hence its height being out of proportion to its width. In an isolated position on the edge of Weston-on-Trent, it felt like the edge of nowhere when my bus from Derby deposited me here half an hour before opening time. In fact it was meant to be open at 11:30 but there was no sign of activity until almost noon, as delivery men and potential customers came and went while I waited patiently. Eventually the doors were opened and I made my way down to the semi-basement where the pub is situated - the rest is event and conference facilities, I think. The place has the feel of the sort of large kitchens that grand houses have, with massive fire places, stone doorways and wooden beams. The bar is central and faces two different rooms. There were three beers on the several hand pumps: a house beer from Leatherbritches, a Milkshake IPA from the same brewery's well named experimental off-shoot, The Mad Brewer, and a very good Bass (NBSS 4). I liked it here but was disappointed by the background music, which was annoying, intrusive and unnecessary. Date of visit: 26th April 2023

This really is a magnificent building and not at all where you'd expect to find a pub. The pub itself is a 17th Century mansion now given over to a restaurant and pub as well as hosting large conferences etc. This is achieved without the dead hand of corporate domination. Outside there's an attractive lake at the back with seating overlooking it. Inside has been sympathetically configured on the lower floor to accommodate the pub and restaurant. I won't duplicate the various features listed by Mr Fastard below other than to reiterate that this does really feel like a boozer when drinking in the bar areas, not just a restaurant. Also worth a closer look are the two magnificent fireplaces with bread ovens and huge supporting keystones. Beers on were Bass, Doom Bar, Coopers Pale Ale and the excellent Coopers brewed by Leatherbritches. Although I didn't try anything the carvery looked excellent and fits the building. I agree with Mr Fastard that the Coopers deserves a GBG listing on this performance.

A really impressive interior to this pub located in the lower level of an old baronial hall,well worth the 10 minute uphill walk from Weston Lock if boating in the area.Although conferences and wedding receptions take place in other parts of the building ,the waitress who met us at the door did ask if we wanted to dine or just have a drink.Being the latter we received a friendly welcome at the bar to the left of the entrance with a large fireplace incorporating bread ovens opposite.Around the other side of the bar,past a few tables set up for diners ,there was a larger drinking area with fitted banquettes,some individual tables and chairs and a floodlit well with a good depth of water. The bar itself was in ornate carved hard wood,the thick stone walls and beams much in evidence and another huge fireplace in the corner would have been impressive when lit on a cold day.This bar area also had background musak and a flat screen ,so this is more than a restaurant that serves ale. Four handpumps for ale fans,with Doom Bar,Bass ,Coopers (brewed by Leatherbritches and outstanding) together with Coopers Pale Ale ,provinence unknow.Casque mark accreditation was born out in the well kept beers ,I wouldn't be surprised to see this pub in future GBG's. We didnt eat but the carvery looked good with a slight premium price indicative of likely high quality.There were other dishes available from ,I suspect,a very professional kitchen. Lovingly created by private owners,the interior of Coopers is worthy of close inspection.I look foward to my next visit when drifting through the area.Highly recommended.

I had a lovely meal here. Carvery was really good and their cheese cake straight from heaven. Service was excellent. Will visit again

Official site of the Coopers Arms, includes menus and beer list - www.coopers-arms.co.uk