August 26, 2007
I actually slept at this place for 4 nights. It’s not really an hotel, but the landlord is most excellent, chatty, relaxed, laid-back and welcoming. Obviously the best service I’ve received in any British pub. The atmosphere is laid-back, it’s a really small place when they don’t open the second room. A proper boozer with locals chatting and less popular than the neighbour (Brunswick). Still, a lovely spot and one of the city’s top 4. A solid, varying range of cask ales in good condition.

February 12, 2007
An excellent, friendly pub - full of locals, good beer, a fire in the grate, and darts being played - what more could you ask for. Other than the perfect pint of Elsie Mo that was served up.

November 1, 2006
Visited frequently as my dad lives close to Derby. Possibly just shades it as my favourite Derby pub over the Flower Pot but both are excelent. Usually has a good range of guest ales and when I last visited it also had a great selection of Bottled Beers particularly Belgian ones. Close to the Railways station and The Brunswick pub, very friendly place.

February 27, 2006
This place had very recently changed hands and has looked to receive a fresh lick of paint, new signs outside etc. Inside it looks very clean and an inviting real fire is ideal on those cold days. Landlord very friendly and approachable and the beer selection although not vast does offer a range of styles.

November 23, 2005
Belting boozer quite close to the Railway Station, plenty of choice and plenty of character. Maybe a little on the run down side or more aptly well used, it is a very friendly pub, again with little hideaway areas. Very enjoyable.

July 14, 2005
A stalwart of the Derby real ale scene and an excellent pub. Comfortable but not plush. A must for any Derby crawl and convenient for the station. Didn’t eat.

March 7, 2005
Like DeepBlack (who I had the pleasure of meeting there - he also works there sometimes) and haddonsman say: A great pub! Interior is nothing special, but the selection of cask ales is great, they also have some decent bottled beers, and the staff is very friendly. They also have accommodation (not all English pubs called "hotel" do - many of them were real hotels in the 19th century or something). The 4 twin bedded rooms are basic, but reasonably priced. I stayed 1 night only, wish I could have stayed more - I had to leave some of their beers unrated! Other fine pubs in the vicinity too.

February 26, 2005
Great pub. My Local (though I don’t live that close, I’m here more than anywhere else) Belvoir Star, Yorkshire Terria, Castle Rock Harvest Pale (or Nottingham Gold) are regulars. Always a Mild on. Usually 3-5 ever changing guest ales. A few Belgian & german bottles, Paulaner & Pilsner Urquell on draught. Always a Trad Cider in the celler. Occational food (usually Lunchtimes & Sundays) also a monthly curry night. Gets busy on match days.

February 24, 2005 [ Updated December 30, 2007 ]
UPDATE DECEMBER 2007brbrThe continental bottle stock is being run down - still some Arcobrau there but plenty more of Brahma... on the upside, Thornbridge beers seem to be on whenever I drop in.brbrUPDATE OCTOBER 2007brbrChange of landlord - it’s Alan, brother of Brunswick landlord Graham. No food served btw but maybe plans for Sunday lunchesbrbrUPDATE JULY 2006brbrStowford Press and Westons Old Rosie now on draught. Exapnded continental bottle range. Belvoir Star no longer regular - Castle Rock beers feature strongly but emphasis is on guest beers. More draught Belgian fruit beers offered in the summer. brbrUPDATE FEB 2006: New landlord with new broom aiming for six beers on handpump through the week, up to nine at weekends, Maisels and Veltins replace Paulaner, no cider as yet. Food now served at lunchtimes. brbr Two roomed pub close to railway station, Castle Rock Harvest Pale and Belvoir Star are regulars, good guest beers, some foreign bottles, Paulaner on draught, good on midweek evenings when it’s quiet and no football at nearby Pride Park.