The Feather Star, Matlock

Very imposing Georgian coaching inn, still operating as a hotel, with a central arched entranceway and a courtyard beyond. The main bar is furnished in the 'Baronial' style, with a variety of seating areas available. Five real ales on handpump: Doom Bar, Directors, Pride, 6X and Landlord (£3.20). However, I felt that the atmosphere was somewhat lacking during the busy Wirksworth Festival weekend - probably explained by the place being for sale (although continuing to operate normally).

A classic 18th century coaching inn on the market square, with the entrance on the left through the central archway. It has been fitted out rather eccentrically with light fittings made of antlers, a collection of stoneware jars on a very high shelf and window displays of twigs in vases. To the rear is a pizza oven. On the bar are three hand pumps serving a less than inspiring choice of Sharps Doom Bar and Courage Directors. The latter is a beer that I enjoy when it is well kept, but this was just OK. This was my third pub in Wirksworth, with three others being closed (two for time of day/week, the third for refurbishment), and I hadn't found one that I liked. The best around here is probably the Malt Shovel, a mile out of town up a hill, but worth the effort.