Devonshire Arms, Bakewell

Great tourist pub - offering entertainment for kids and typical pub grub. Three real ales on and my black sheep was immaculate. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2l9L2cM

Devonshire Arms official site with menus - www.devonshirearmsbaslow.co.uk

A large stone-built hotel just off the main road, with a triangular green in front and an interesting circular lounge at the rear. The main room has been opened out, with wooden beams and pillars, bare floorboards and tiles, and a long and very smart wooden bar, which is perhaps spoiled by the retro-style 1950s lampshades - a matter of taste, I suppose. There are four hand pumps, but just three ales on for my quiet afternoon visit: Timothy Taylor Landlord and Marstons Pedigree, plus Bakewell Best Bitter from the local Peak Ales brewery. There was a sort of pub newsletter on every table, describing plans for an extensive refurbishment, converting the hotel into an "inn and kitchen". Work is planned for mid-November and may involve the place closing - watch the website for updates. I thought it already looked pretty smart, and I'm not sure how much will be gained. A cheaper option would be to throw out the CD player, or perhaps just the ghastly CD that was playing while I was here. There are some rather nice monochrome photos of local landscapes on the walls; I hope they don't fall victim to the improvements.

Devonshire Arms official site with menus - www.devonshirearmsbaslow.co.uk