The Ale Stop, Buxton

Blackthorn _ left this review about The Ale Stop

Tucked away just off Buxton’s High Street, this might perhaps be described as a micropub, although then again perhaps the music playing from the record player behind the bar might preclude this. In all other aspects though, it had very much of a micropub feel to it.

It’s been opened out internally, so it’s now basically all one room, although divided in to two halves with a corridor to the loos separating them. Décor wise it’s similar throughout with sanded wooden boards on the floor and plain white plasterwork on much of the walls, although there was exposed brickwork at one end and a couple of sections of wall which were very liberally adorned with old beer mats, which made something of a feature. A small fireplace with a woodburning stove was off to one side, and next to this was a bookshelf with a fairly random selection of books and an old “music centre” (for younger readers, a long device incorporating a radio, cassette deck and record player). A window in the adjacent wall gave a view in to a small room which appeared to have a very extensive selection of records as well as other audio equipment. It almost looked like a small studio.

Beer choice was a little disappointing perhaps with only two of the four pumps in use, and both dispensing a golden ale, although the landlord did say he’d had a nightmare getting any more on for some unspecified reason. The two on this occasion were Brentwood Summer Virgin and Pennine Scapegoat. Ciders meanwhile were both from Rosie’s with their Wicked Wasp and Black Bar. Overall, despite the poor beer selection, I quite liked it in here and would be quite happy to give them the benefit of the doubt and check it out again if in the area.

On 16^th July 2026 - rating: 7
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