The Smithfield, Derby

Traditional pub, a little basic inside, Big tented outdoor space, sadly doesn't give views to the river & park. Friendly, well run and good beer

The Smithfield has a dartboard to the left of the entrance, a jukebox that was supplying some background music and seating up the right that is faced by the bar counter. Standard keg and Birra Moretti were available, but most of the afterwork crowd had come for the cask ales available from ten hand pumps. The options during my Tuesday afternoon visit were Three Brothers Brewing’s Hazelnut Latte Milk Stout, Big Hands Pili Pala, Durham Brewery’s Avyanna, Torrside Brewery’s Subtle Hustle, Empire Brewing’s Charlie Don’t Surf, Rivington Brewing’s Walking in Circles, Fownes Brewing’s Mermaid’s Tale, New Invention Brewery’s Windmill, Sarah Hughes Brewery’s Dark Ruby and Bass. The barmaid was friendly, but I wasn’t a fan of the Pili Pala Pale Ale, tasted a bit like burnt tire. The bar area was starting to fill up so I sat in the small back bar to make my notes. From here I could see the riverside beer garden at the rear that was half full, even though it was a bit showery. This is a decent pub that I’ll be revisiting for a longer period of time when next in Derby.

Tremendous pub just a 10 minute walk from Derby railway station. A worthwhile walk, partly through a pleasant park and across the river, and if planning to break your train journey to do the pubs near the station, think again and take a longer break to do this one (too, or instead - your choice). There are 10 hand pumps with a variety of beer styles. Bass seems to be ever present and in very good condition. Should have taken my own advice and a longer break in my train journey to try some others. Maybe next time.

Visited 30.4.21 and was shown to an outside table by the river. Al covid regulations applied. Young lady did a grand job bringing the beer menu list and giving prompt service. Very popular and a good ale choice here. We had beers from Nomadic, Thirst Class, Liverpool Brewing and Blue Bee, and all were in good condition.