Derby’s Glorious Love Affair with Beer: the Pubs and Microbreweries of Derby
Let’s be honest — if Derby had a flag, it’d probably be a hop vine on a background of amber foam. Nestled at the heart of England, Derby isn’t just another Midlands city — it’s a brewing stronghold, proudly clutching the title of the UK’s real ale capital. But while that might conjure images of traditional pubs and crusty bar stools, Derby’s pub and brewing scene is anything but stale. Let’s explore the pubs and microbreweries of Derby.
The Old Guard: Derby’s Pub Icons
Any pilgrimage to Derby’s drinking dens must begin at Ye Olde Dolphin Inne, reputedly the city’s oldest pub. With beams older than the USA and whispers of ghosts in the corridors, it’s part time machine, part pub — and still serves a cracking pint.
Just around the corner, The Old Bell Hotel stands out not only for its Grade II-listed status but for its sense of occasion. With its mock-Tudor charm and theatrical flair (literally — it has performance spaces), this is where you come to drink like a lord, or at least like a very lucky local.
Then there’s The Flowerpot, which flips the pub script by being a full-throttle live music venue. A pint in hand, a band in the background, and a crowd of regulars who know good music and better beer—what’s not to love? It also has great rooms upstairs.
Over on the fringes of sophistication and hearty indulgence is The Exeter Arms. You don’t just drink here—you dine. Gastro pub? Maybe. But with a comforting lack of pretension. The beer’s cold, the food’s creative (Derbyshire rarebit, anyone?), and the atmosphere buzzes. Credit where it’s due: that electric blend of craft and character is thanks to Martin Roper, Derby’s own punk-turned-publican, who also runs the revived Old Silk Mill — another jewel in the city’s pub crown.
And then there’s The Brunswick Inn, which deserves its own sonnet. Just steps from the train station, it’s famous for its impressive range of real ales and ciders, many brewed onsite. Bonus points for its legendary beer festival, a beery bacchanalia that draws ale nerds from every corner of the country.
The Microbrewery Movement
Now, you might think a city that prides itself on real ale wouldn’t bother with microbreweries — but Derby’s scene is more innovative than it gets credit for.
Take Shiny Brewery, for example. Not just a great name — it’s a rising star in the local beer constellation. Their bold, flavour-packed creations are found in many Derby pubs and beyond. If you see something shiny on tap, don’t hesitate.
Then there’s The Tiny Tap, a microbrewery and taproom that feels more like your beer-obsessed mate’s living room (if your mate also happens to make fantastic beer). Intimate, inventive, and friendly, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to quit your job and learn how to brew. Try splitting the G and see if you can beat the Hairy Traveller’s gulp.
Derby: Where Tradition Meets Hops
Derby’s secret sauce? It’s not just that it does real ale well — it lives it. From historic coaching inns to punk rock landlords and cutting-edge microbreweries, this is a city where beer isn’t just a drink — it’s a lifestyle.
So next time someone mentions Derby and you picture train lines and a Premier worst football team, smile politely and hand them a pint. Then take them on a crawl they’ll never forget.
