The Red Lion, Matlock

A traditional looking stone-built pub situated towards the outskirts of Matlock away from the town centre, it is nonetheless well worth making the effort to get to. It’s also the brewery tap for Moot Ales, although I suspect this is quite a small scale operation. That said, there was a selection in bottles to purchase, and had I had the car with me I would have done so. It’s certainly not your typical brewery tap though, and is definitely a proper pub, with most visitors probably not even being aware that it is a tap room. Internally it’s quite a good size, arranged in an L-shape with a further extension at the rear which is used as a restaurant. Décor wise it’s fairly traditional with sanded wooden boards on much of the floor along with some carpeted areas. The right hand part was perhaps more of the public bar, with taupe paintwork on the walls, a TV screen which was turned off, and some small flags strung around, perhaps for the current world cup. They were quite discrete though, and rather added to the ambience rather than detracted from it as is often the case. I think there may also have been a pool table here, as well as a trophy or two and a shield up on a shelf. The left hand part was much cosier, almost a snug, with a fireplace stacked up with logs ready for the cold weather, feature wallpaper on one wall, blue pattered carpet and large drape curtains at the stained glass windows. The rear part had very deep red paint on the walls, and this led in to the dining area which was broadly similar in terms of décor, although with plain whitewashed walls. The food was excellent and the young waitress was superb, very helpful and friendly. There was a good selection of beers on tap, three of their own which were Matlock Blonde, Matlock Best and Giddy Edge, and these were joined by Bass, Big Trip, Northern Monk Eternal and Full Circle West Coast Pale. Ciders meanwhile were a rather disappointing Strongbow and Aspall’s.

A large and comfortable family-run pub with accommodation and its own brewery. tucked into a corner off the main road. There is one long room right across the front, with side areas off (pool one end, restaurant the other) and it is all very smartly furnished and decorated in a clean modern style. There are 3 banks of 3 handpumps serving several of their own (Moot) ales, plus a few guests including Bass; condition seemed very good. A very nice relaxing atmosphere and well worth a visit.

Official site of The Red Lion - www.theredlionmatlock.co.uk

Official site of The Red Lion - www.theredlionmatlock.co.uk