The Shoulder At Hardstoft, Chesterfield

Will Larter left this review about The Shoulder At Hardstoft

Originally the end building of a terrace of cottages, the pub has been extended massively and now faces a large car park on the Chesterfield Road (B6039). The interior doors and walls have been removed as far as is safe, and the bar counter faces two ways, a smaller stretch in the passageway from the car park entrance via the reception desk, with one hand pump, and the larger part in the original building, with two hand pumps. Peak Ales Bakewell Best was on twice, with the other beer from the same brewery, Summer Sovereign. As the latter was new to me I had a half of that and a half of the Best, which is an old favourite. The young barman was coping admirably with a busier bank holiday Monday afternoon than he had expected, with cups of tea and coffee to make as well as beers to pour, and the used glasses were piling up all around him. He made a good attempt at apologising for the wait, with English not being his first language, and my beers were well served and came to £4 for two halves. I went and seat on one of the picnic benches that line the car park, with some pleasant trees coming into leaf. The Summer beer was not in particularly good nick (NBSS 2.5) and was also a little warm, but the Best was at the right temperature and very good (NBSS 4). I was here on a bike ride from Chesterfield to Clay Cross and other villages, but the 55 bus stops right outside so this would make a good destination, although the beer range is a little limited. Hardwick Hall is a half hour stroll away.

On 9^th May 2024 - rating: 7
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