RedWillow, Buxton

For some reason this bar is still insisting on table service, the only pub we visited in Buxton that was doing. It was also the only pub that was dead as a post. I think there may be some correlation there. I went to the bar anyway, just to see what they had on. I got told off for doing so as the barman said that they would supply a beer list to the table. They did, it was wrong. It had 5 cask beers listed, but they only had 2 on. I ended up with a pint of their own Simcoe/Strata, which was a nice pint. No atmosphere, slightly snotty bar staff, not impressed at all on this visit. What a shame. we love their bar in Macclesfield, so we were very disappointed with this one.

Brewery tap housed in an old bank branch, with booth-like tables along the side walls opposite the bar. There are also three more small, high tables nearer the counter plus some more seating up on a compact mezzanine. Three of their own real ales - Lazy Hazy Days (£3.59), Extra Special Bitter and Breakfast Stout - available from the five handpumps, with seven of the 18 keg taps also dispensing various other beers from the range. Good atmosphere, with a mostly younger clientele.

Pick of the places in Buxton for me - something for everyone. Its in the Good Beer Guide 2021 and a showcase/taproom for the Red Willow Brewery. Their west coast IPA was very good. Also a Gin Bar - with several different varieties on display. The building is a former bank - with wooden panneling, a lovely little alcove with Chesterfields and a Mezzanine Floor. The service was exceptionally good in these allowed indoors covid times.

A bank conversion standing by the pelican crossing just before the roundabout, so handily placed for the railway station. We called in as our last Buxton pub before catching the train to Disley and New Mills, and were glad that we did. It's been very nicely repurposed by Red Willow brewery of Macclesfield, and by the looks of it they've left it pretty much as it would have been as a bank, with stylish wood panelling everywhere. Beers are listed on a video screen mounted on a chimney breast: four of their own beers on cask and one guest, plus numerous keg beers (see photos). My half of Red Willow Feckless was fine, and I would certainly make a point of coming here next time I'm in Buxton for a beer. Date of visit: 17th April 2019