Millies Bar, Ilkeston

Excellent pub this one and well worth a visit. As soon as we entered through the doors, we got a friendly welcome at the bar. The owner told us that when they bought the pub 2 years ago, they took up the flooring to find the original 1930's floor, which is now in its full splendour in the front room. There were seven ales to choose from, so I went for one of my favs Abbeydale Deception.

There are very few well preserved art deco pubs around so the General Havelock really stands out. It's a geometric red brick building which has been very nicely done inside as described by Mr Fastard. I was impressed with the period fireplace to the left, complete with real fire, above which hangs a large painting of Campbell's Bluebird on the desert flats surrounded by figures in pale colours. Very art deco. The pictures are all in keeping with many being framed posters advertising historic motor racing events and either side of the fireplace, in the corners, are two strikingly colourful umbrella stands. With the 80's disco on, there were plenty of barstaff, all in costume and service was friendly and efficient. It was busy but not ridiculously so which made for a vibrant atmosphere. Beers on: Holdens Golden Glow, Blue Monkey Marmoset, Oakham Citra and Bishops Farewell, Castle Rock Black Gold and Sarah Hughes Ruby Mild. A great selection which would have been even better had the Ape Ale advertised on the chalk board not run out. It isn't though the 17 cask beers including Marble, Whim, Blue Monkey, Magic Rock and Oakham beers as described by Adrian Tierney-Jones in his review for The Daily Telegraph in March 2012 just after the pub first opened. Seven of these were offered in a bar in the cellar and although the room behind the bar is signed Cellar Bar, there was no indication of its former use. I'd guess that the business model may have shifted slightly from full on real ale emporium to quality beer whilst appealing to a wider customer base with, for example, 80's discos. It's difficult to take issue with that given the ale range available on our visit as well as the liveliness of the pub. The first place I'd head to in Ilkeston.