The Speedwell Inn, Chesterfield

Traditional town pub in Staveley on the outskirts of Chesterfield. Whilst the original brewer of Townes beers has moved on, the current owner still continues brewing on the premises using the original recipes. The Pynot Porter, Speedwell Bitter & Staveley Cross are still the regular 3 ales. We had a good chat with the landlord/brewer about business. He is reluctant to brew any more than the 3 beers, as others simply don't shift. The beers we had were good, albeit a bit on the cold side. The pub doesn't open until 4:30 during the week (4 on Friday and Saturday) and at midday on a Sunday. We had arrived within 30-40 minutes of opening and were the first customers. The single room is spacious and comfortable, with a pool table on one side. Parking is on a dead end side street to the side of the pub, where you'll need to do a several point turn or reverse into or out of the main road. This place doesn't look much from the outside, but is worth popping in.

Covered with scaffolding; and, from what you could see of the façade looking distinctly ropey, I was convinced that it was going to find the place in the process of conversion to residential use. Indeed, it was closed when I first walked past in the late afternoon, but a small notice advised that it would open at 18:00. Returning a bit later, the locals were starting to fill the partly opened-out bar and its various seating areas. Old fashioned furniture and decor, and very cold - this turned out to be an attempt to clear the very strong aroma from brewing earlier in the day at the Townes micro-brewery out back. Four of the six handpumps were working, all in-house beers: Speedwell, Staveley Cross, Double Bagger and Pynot Porter (£2.50). Some very oddball rules, including a 'Camra surcharge waiver scheme', and a 'no jukebox, no pool table, no bandit, no draught lager, no idiots' mission statement, but well worth making the effort to call in (provided you don't mind having your leg pulled a bit).

Official site of the Speedwell Inn - www.speedwellinn.com

Official site of the Speedwell Inn - www.speedwellinn.com

Introduced to this pub by Lord Burgin. As an occasional visitor the clientele are varied and …….er …… interesting. The décor is 1930’s style, not in an ironic way. The beer is absolutely first class. Go there now.

Contrary to passing motorists this Pub as not closed down. It's vibrant and brews it's own beer in the garage.