The Old Bell, Derby

Undergoing a major renovation project at the moment and the whole front of the pub looks closed. However there is an old coach entrance at the side which leads to the back bar which has been refubished in Tudor? style. There's a large fireplace with 1700 carved in it and stained glass windows and screens. There are now 4 handpumps on the bar serving Draught Bass and 3 changing guests which included one from Cross Bay brewery which was in very good nick. This is a work in progress at the moment, but it's already an improvement on what it was before. We'll call in again next time we're in Derby to see how it's coming along.

Stumbled on this pub as a coach pick-up deadline approached and we had to cut short our crawl, just about open as it's nearing the end of a renovation. It may not be ancient but it's not without a certain mawkish charm. Only two beers on one from Marstons and a Dunkel (!) from Derby Brewing. Not one of the brightest stars in Derby but ok for a quicky and a look at the better excesses of pub architects.

I have visited this pub a few times now. It is mainly aimed at the 'Rocker' crowd as it does play loud rock music from the speakers both inside and outside. The Clientèle are also of a similar description in regards their appearance and general mannerisms, note however that one should rarely if ever try to enter here if you are wearing sports clothes as you will get at least the brutish stares from the patrons. Inside the pub itself is a small bar serving what I believe to be overpriced drinks: £3.00 for a John Smith's that is in a plastic pint rather than glass (That alone should ring alarm bells as to the safety of the place). There is 1 pool table with various types of stain adorning it, the inside is only a small room really and looks very scummy in places. Also of note is that as of writing there is unwashed and unclean toilet facilities, the toilet facility reeks of urine and of the two toilet cubicles one does not have a lock and one does not have a door! One can however circumvent this by using one's knee to keep the door shut, upon doing this however you will notice the various faecal matter adorning the walls of the cubicle. Despite appearance however I have never experienced trouble here and indeed most of the patrons do turn out to be very friendly and welcoming to almost make up for the dire state of the pub. A pub only for the most forgiving person.

Don't be fooled by the admittedly stunning exterior which may look like a beautifully preserved and spectacular piece of Tudor workmanship. It apparently only dates back to the 1920's although the building itself does have a 300+ year history. Unfortunately, other than the impressive façade, there is little in the Old Bell worthy of passing beyond the front door. The interior is little more than a modernized, knocked through lounge room with half a dozen sofas and annoyingly low ankle height tables. A pool table fills one end and a modern bar crowned by a plasma screen is at the other. The pub makes a pitiful effort in keeping up the city's reputation as the Ale Capital of the UK with 2 pumps, one of which has London Pride and the other being redundant. At the rear is a large live music room with 2 bars but little thought appears to have been given to its heritage. One claim to fame (although I cannot find anything to confirm it) is that Derby County were apparently formed here in 1884. Save yourself the price of a pint by admiring the exterior, take a peek down the passage to the side and then move on. A complete waste of a lovely building in a great location.