The Needlemakers Arms, Ilkeston

When i visited the Needlemakers Arms it wasa proper old fashioned pub with a basic bar and a comfortable lounge. This pub used to be a Shipstones tied house and there were two real ales on here both Shipstones bitter and mild were very nice drinks here. I first went in this pub in 1980 and have been it quite a few times since then and i always enjoy having a dink in here. Pub visited 1980 Photo taken 23/6/1988

A buzzing local with much going on and a good atmosphere. Four ales on: Brains Milkwood, Hook Norton Hooky Gold, Bath Ales SPA and St Austell Tribute. A disappointing selection given the numbers of excellent local breweries close by. The one beer we didn't try was the Tribute which was subsequently recommended by a local as being excellent and seems to be a regular. Not one I'll come back to.

Set back from the Nottingham Road,there is a central bar with rooms arranged around .This is a community local ,well used by local residents and on our visit there was a quiz.There are few original features inside and there are seating benches around most walls with all the stools having iron legs which was a little odd. There four ales drawn from the Punch list,so a somewhat dull selection but my Bath Ales SPA was in reasonable condition.Not sure this pub deserves a GBG listing.