New Inn, Derby

Clearly the more popular of the two pubs in direct competition here and this one is more effective at utilising its offering. It's an enticing rambling interior; the old coopered lower servery is nice though the mint and white colour scheme elsewhere is maybe less fun. Seven pumps with six cask and a cider. A decent mix of ales with choices from Dancing Duck, Titanic, Marstons Pedigree, Doom Bar and something called Wheelie Pale. Sadly though they weren't shifting and I was the only punter to order one, the Dancing Duck Ey Up being fairly serviceable but not sparkling (NBSS 3). Worth a look for the casketeers – on a cooler day with more RATs it might well punch, though I might contend they have one pump too many on the go in this day and age.

Official site of The New Inn - www.thenewinnshardlow.co.uk

Official site of The New Inn - www.thenewinnshardlow.co.uk

Well described below,this had the feel of a local boozer despite catering to the large number of tourists that visit this famous canal village.Personally ,I didn't really like the Derby Brewery ales but they were guests and you may have more luck than I.There is a small covered courtyard by the front door ,if you want a drink outside and need shelter from the weather.The pub grub was tasty and good value.

An interesting and quirky pub, next to the Trent and Mersey in the attractive village of Shardlow. The entrance leads into a small and cosy bar area with a dartboard to the right. To the left and behind the central bar are seating areas which appear to be given over to eating. There's a reasonable size seating area outside where you can sit and watch the boats go by. Food is from a long menu with standard pub grub and there's also a blackboard listing some more interesting specials. Our pub grub was good and decent value. Four handpumps offered Pedigree, Bomardier and Derby Bees Knees and Live and Let Live. The Bees Knees was fine and in decent nick. A decent spot for a lunchtime pint but not sure I'd choose it for a session.