Pubs Galore - the UK pub guide

Aqualung's review still holds for the pub, there also being a rear patio area with TVs showing the cricket. The interior TVs are a bit incongruous compared to the traditional feel - with the old poster, signs and ciggy machines still evident. Service was great, with a mixed clientele. Four real ales with a excellent Weetwood Best Bitter. Only did four pubs this trip but this was all round the best.

I'm surprised to find that I've not previously reviewed this pub, as there can't be many years in the last 15 when I've not called in. I've never cycled here - we used to call in with my mother after picking her up from the train from Euston to Oxenholme, and more recently I've used my bus pass to get here from Ambleside or Kendal. The beers brewed on site seem to be well made, though I've never seen them anywhere but here. A lot of them have amusing names like A Bit'Er Ruff for a best bitter, but perhaps only amusing to dog lovers. It's a very good beer, as is the Blackbeard mild, and reasonably priced for the area at a combined price for two halves of just £4.80. Definitely worth a visit.

Solid locals' pub in an elevated position on the main road. There is one room divided into three areas in a bit of a mishmash of styles from the last few decades but comfortable enough. One side has darts and pool and there are a couple of screens. On handpump were TT Boltmaker (in good order), Tetley's and Wainwright, plus a Lilley's fruit-based beverage. Note access to the rear car park is through a narrow and steep archway.

Tucked away just off Buxton’s High Street, this might perhaps be described as a micropub, although then again perhaps the music playing from the record player behind the bar might preclude this. In all other aspects though, it had very much of a micropub feel to it.

It’s been opened out internally, so it’s now basically all one room, although divided in to two halves with a corridor to the loos separating them. Décor wise it’s similar throughout with sanded wooden boards on the floor and plain white plasterwork on much of the walls, although there was exposed brickwork at one end and a couple of sections of wall which were very liberally adorned with old beer mats, which made something of a feature. A small fireplace with a woodburning stove was off to one side, and next to this was a bookshelf with a fairly random selection of books and an old “music centre” (for younger readers, a long device incorporating a radio, cassette deck and record player). A window in the adjacent wall gave a view in to a small room which appeared to have a very extensive selection of records as well as other audio equipment. It almost looked like a small studio.

Beer choice was a little disappointing perhaps with only two of the four pumps in use, and both dispensing a golden ale, although the landlord did say he’d had a nightmare getting any more on for some unspecified reason. The two on this occasion were Brentwood Summer Virgin and Pennine Scapegoat. Ciders meanwhile were both from Rosie’s with their Wicked Wasp and Black Bar. Overall, despite the poor beer selection, I quite liked it in here and would be quite happy to give them the benefit of the doubt and check it out again if in the area.

Under new ownership since Blackthorn’s review, below, the pub was undergoing refurbishment when we visited. The rooms’ layout hasn’t changed, there is seating at the front outside, and the small car park at the side is still in operation. The pool table has been removed but is expected to be replaced later this year. Similarly, food wasn’t available due to the kitchen being refurbished. The landlord and landlady were friendly, chatty and clearly passionate about their pub, while the locals were welcoming and happy to engage in friendly banter, and we were well looked after. Two brand new handpumps on the bar but only one cask on at the moment, Bath Gem, which was in excellent condition. Also on were Madri, Guinness, Fosters, Moretti and Thatcher’s Gold. I’m keen to come back later when it’s more established and the food is on.