The Smithfield, Derby

Tremendous pub just a 10 minute walk from Derby railway station. A worthwhile walk, partly through a pleasant park and across the river, and if planning to break your train journey to do the pubs near the station, think again and take a longer break to do this one (too, or instead - your choice). There are 10 hand pumps with a variety of beer styles. Bass seems to be ever present and in very good condition. Should have taken my own advice and a longer break in my train journey to try some others. Maybe next time.

Visited 30.4.21 and was shown to an outside table by the river. Al covid regulations applied. Young lady did a grand job bringing the beer menu list and giving prompt service. Very popular and a good ale choice here. We had beers from Nomadic, Thirst Class, Liverpool Brewing and Blue Bee, and all were in good condition.

This was my first port of call when joining the PuG tour of Derby and initially I wasn’t expecting much due to its out of town location in what on the map looked a bit of an industrial estate. But it was actually quite a pleasant two roomed pub with a decent situation on the river which it utilises well with a pleasant enclosed riverside patio area out the back of the pub. Internally it maintains a public, saloon vibe with a plain utilitarian wooden floored front bar where the main decoration comes from several chalk boards and then a more comfortable carpeted lounge section to the back of the main bar. The bar supports 8 real ale pumps and five were in operation for our visit with Sarah Hughs Dark Ruby, Oakham Citra, Whin Ales Arbor Light , Derby Brewing Co The Smithy and Draft Bass available and could not complain with a well kept pint of Oakham Citra. And there seemed to be a very decent low cost traditional pub grub menu that quite a lot of the locals were utilising on this particular Friday lunchtime. No CAMRA discounts available but there is a loyalty card scheme operated which obviously benefits said locals. Not the best pub encountered on the day but a solid enough start and wouldn’t hesitate to include again when in town.