The Furnace Inn, Derby

The sign outside informed us that there is new management so that rather negated much of the previous comments regarding the welcoming landlord (although the chap who served us was certainly amiable enough). Despite being in a slightly run down estate (the buildings next door are all boarded up), the Furnace does not give out any unpleasant vibes and the interior is neat, tidy and as comfortable as a 20th Century Mock Tudor pub could be. We overheard that the pub had been closed so I would guess at the spotless seat covers and fresh looking carpet that it has had a bit of a recent overhaul. As a Green King pub, it is not an obvious choice for those doing an Ale Trail but, as the previous poster has mentioned, they do have XX Mild which is a bit of a GK rarity. Old Speckled Hen and Hanson & Hardy Kimberley Ale were the other 2 on offer. An interesting and not so old photo on the wall depicts a Kimberly Ales sign on the pub. It is very much a locals pub with a dart board (and decent number of trophies), TV and all the obvious necessities and whilst it was a quiet afternoon on my visit, I would feel quite comfortable here in a busy evening although I wouldn't particularly claim it to a high priority pub on a Derby visit.