Cross Keys, Belper

I've been to Belper many times, but this was the first occasion I've found this pub open. Just two beers available among the four hand pumps: Batemans XB and Gold. A few pump clips testifying to the pub's former guest beer policy were also seen. We were the only customers at what we would guess might be soon after opening (5:30pm) but much earlier times are stated on WhatPub and the Batemans website. The XB was in shockingly bad condition, but we decided not to complain about it as the only member of staff, although friendly and welcoming, seemed likely to be new to the business and it wouldn't have been his fault that the beer was so bad. Besides, what would we have drunk instead? So, apart from beer and customers, this was a fairly pleasant pub, with pool table, darts, beer garden...and loud background music. I mentioned the state of the beer in this pub when chatting about how variable beer quality can be, coincidentally with the licensee of another Belper pub a few weeks later. "I wouldn't even drink Guinness in that pub," he said. Date of visit: 20th July 2022

The Cross Keys page on the Batemans website - www.bateman.co.uk

The Cross Keys page on the Batemans website - www.bateman.co.uk

Probably the worst of 13 pubs we visited on a daytrip to Belper and surrounding villages. One of my pet hates is pubs that fail to adhere to advertised opening times. Their own website states they open at midday, their Facebook page also states midday. Google says they open at midday and so does Whatpub. As you can guess, we arrived some time after 2pm and the pub was still closed. We returned again shortly after 4pm and it was still closed. Various people we spoke to in local pubs confirmed that the opening times are very erratic and they often don't open at all. As we left the Black Swan just opposite shortly before 5pm, some lights had been switched on which suggested it might open soon. We eventually arrived again at around 6:45 and finally found it open the third time of asking. Unlike other pubs in Belper, it was very quiet. With a reputation for unreliability locally, this was hardly surprising. The interior has two rooms, with a pool table in one. We stood at the bar alone in the second room. Being a Bateman's pub, the beer choice was also uninspiring - Gold, XB & XXXB are the regular beers. Rosey Nosey was a seasonal addition. They no longer serve real cider. Disappointing.