The Peacock, Derby

The Peacock is a bit of a trek through underpasses and over roads from the main drag, but the journey isn’t as bad as Google Maps would have you believe. The entrance opens into the front bar where there is a serving counter across the rear wall and a dartboard. During my recent midweek visit the two locals in attendance were discussing the demise of the dart team with the barman, this explained the dart player recruitment poster in the door. There is a lower rear bar with some seating and a long tarmacked courtyard up the right faces some outhouses, one of which is the gents. Back in the front bar five of the seven hand pumps were in operation drawing Gwynt y Ddraig’s Black Dragon, Bass, Pedigree, Milestone’s Loxley and Lilley’s Mango Cider. Unfortunately, the Loxley was like vinegar. I waited a couple of minutes for the friendly barman to return from the cellar, but the awful repeating R&B music did me in so I decided to cut my loses and leave. A seemingly popular pub, it’s either changed hands or I caught it on a very bad day.

This former Marstons pub has been acquired by the owners of Hartshorns, a Derby microbrewery, who have been running the nearby Little Chester Ale House and have also done a nice job with the Belper House (in Belper). Their Ignite 3.9%, a blonde ale, was in superb condition when I was here today, and was joined on the bar by three other real ales and a couple of ciders. Apart from removing any Marstons signage from the front, there doesn't seem to be much change to the pub, inside or out. I prefer this to the Tap or the Exeter Arms, though it's got to be said that the latter pair are a lot easier to get to from the station.

Another GBG entry. This one is more of a locals pub. Good, but unusual music (warm leatherette) greeted my arrival. I left to the Skids Into the Valley. Traditional feel to the pub with plenty of Derby County Football Nick Nacks around the place. Good beer - I had a breakfast at Tiffanys - but after a long day, failed to record the brewery! Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2w1lOlC

Traditional wood floored pub on busy road, nice front bar open out, some padded benches & pub stools. There is a back bar, covered terrace & beer garden. Toilets are also outside. Lots of football memrabelia (Derby County) on the walls. 6 real ales, though served slightly warm.

An c.18th stone-built Marstons-branded pub in a thoroughly unpromising position by a 70’s concrete ring road underpass. However on entering via the rather nice stained glass peacock motif door there was only Pedigree on from Marstons, with five other ales from the likes of Hartshorns, Stancill, Leatherbritches, Newby and Hartington (also a couple of ciders). I went for a half of the Stancil and it was in decent nick. Interior layout is pretty simple, a flat, knocked-through front room bar and a small lower rear room (accessed through a door on the right). A couple of stove burners kept us warm. Also a large rear courtyard leading to the gents. Some Derby County FC ephemera spotted. Best find of the day were jumbo pork pies (half £2.50 and whole one for £4). I shared a black pudding topped pie (in reality the BP was layered within) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Also a selection of cobs for a slightly healthier option. A good little no-frills boozer, this.