The Feather Star, Matlock

This micropub (and record shop) has been well described below, as far as the pub side of things is concerned. I noticed a handful of records in a rack near the bar, which are not for sale but for playing; one was an Island Records sampler called Bumpers which I remember well from about 1971. I was prompted to see what vinyl delights there might be upstairs, so left my beer for a few minutes to peruse the racks. There is further seating upstairs, with a couple of chairs squeezed in between the LPs and more seating in a small front room. Between the two rooms is the unisex toilet cubicle. I chose a couple of discs and returned to pay for them at the bar, along with a second half. The two beers I had were in excellent condition. I liked it here, and there were some local people here too who obviously also find it a congenial place to spend some time drinking and chatting.

This nice little micropub is also a record shop, apparently. Unlike a lot of micropubs this one has the bonus of keeping opening hours more in line with traditional pubs, making a lunch time or afternoon visit possible. At the bar were four hand pulls for cask, at the time of my visit today offering Chocolate Milk Stout by Shiny Brewing (my choice at £1.60 for a half), Brickworks Bitter by Silver Brewhouse, Endeavour (Blonde) by Bingley Brewery and Affinity by Shiny. There are six keg taps on the wall, five of these were on and included Aspall Cider, Krombacher, and beers by Shiny, Beavertown and Moor. Another couple of ciders were listed separately on a chalk board, so it's fair to say there is probably something to please everyone here. Snacks are sold in the way of pork pies and usual bar snacks (nuts, pork scratchings etc) but you are welcome to bring food in purchased from other local establishments. A real fire was going today. The presence of a dog suggests the place is obviously dog friendly. Music was playing with a record player behind the bar being the source, tying in nicely with the place also being a record shop (according to a sign I saw). The front room is very small, in true micropub style. I am not sure if there is additional seating in a back room or upstairs. The front room consists of two long bench seats. I imagine this place soon fills up but was comfortable at the time of both my visits to date. A nice friendly relaxed place, but without forced conversation. The best beer selection in the area and the best prices too, from my experience.

Important to note that this quirky micropub is actually in Wirksworth as there is also a St Johns Rd in Matlock some 15 mins drive away