Enjoy a mini pub crawl in Derby

If quaint parks and inspiring cathedrals appeal to you, look no further than a trip to the south of Derbyshire. Boasting a palette of scenic walks and untampered countryside, it’s easy to say 'no' to driving about, providing you’re fed and watered first! Whether you’re after trendy craft beer or English pub grub, here’s our pick of the best pubs in Derby.


The Exeter Arms
Craft beers in a pub

Try some new brews when you visit The Exeter Arms

With award-winning food, rich cask ales and candle-lit rooms, The Exeter Arms is a firm favourite of residents and Derby newbies alike. Each dish at this pub has its own little twist – the monkfish scampi is equipped with a side of caviar and the children’s ice cream comes with a dashing of popping candy! As for drinks, it would be rude not to sample a ‘Dancing Duck’, Derby’s number one brewery brew (if you’re of age, that is). It’s recommended you book in advance as this urban treasure gets full, fast!

Exeter Pl, Derby DE1 2EU


The Greyhound
The Greyhound pub in Derby

The Greyhound serves freshly-cooked food and local ales

Although Derby locals swear by their pack-ups and pop, you won’t find anything so basic here. The Greyhound is a beautifully-renovated 18th-century pub best known for its real ale, craft beer, and house-smoked food. Lip-smacking delights such as nachos with pulled pork and pecan sticky toffee pudding appear on the menu, alongside locally-brewed bevvies. Those who are vegetarian or gluten-free will be happy to know they can dine here, too.

75-76 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1FN

Ye Olde Dolphin

History buffs, this one is for you. The 1530-built Ye Olde Dolphin exists as the oldest pub in Derby; it thrived back then and the buzz can still be felt in the air today. There’s every reason why this tourist hot spot has been featured in Lonely Planet. The Tudor styling is worth a visit alone, and that’s before you’ve set foot inside and ordered a perfectly-poured pint of Doom Bar! We’ll let you in on a little secret – if you feel a ghostly presence dwindling over your shoulder, it’s unlikely to be your imagination…

Ye Olde Dolphin Inn, 5 Queen St, Derby DE1 3DL


Take a real ale tour of Ye Olde Dolphin

Read more about Derbyshire

Image credits: ©Amie Johnson/Unsplash; Chris Perfect/Derby Brewing Company; Rido/stock.adobe.com; Video: Let the Drink Talk/YouTube

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