New Engine House

Built in 1969 as a Shipstone pub on the old brick works site in Carlton, this type of estate pub is fast disappearing. Great to see this one still going ... complete with skittle alley team who were meeting when we arrived on Sunday lunchtime. They even thought we were there to play.

 

Bakersfield

Formerly the Tally Ho. New management and name. New signs. But otherwise the same. Although the Sharp's Atlantic was very nice.

Inn For a Penny

This pub in Carlton has character. They were serving chip butties and sausages for the football team when we arrived. It's smart, apparently buzzing on a Saturday night with a DJ and karaoke. And the Hardy and Hanson Best Bitter was great.

Westdale Tavern

A traditional estate pub, now owned by Greene King. Serves a decent pint of IPA, had a friendly welcome and was smart. But it's a chain. So you know what you're getting. TV is on, plenty of diners. Pleased it's going strong though.

UPDATE MARCH 2019 :  CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED 2017

Coffee Grinder

Here we have a classic Home Ales pub, reopened. Only, when it closed as a pub it became a coffee house. And now it's a pub again. And its identity sits somewhere between the two. Blue Monkey is a top end local real ale brewery so rest assured that the ale is of a high standard - the BG Sips was great - but the focus is just as much on coffee as beer. And the ambience feels more like a Costa than a pub. So mixed emotions about this one. Still, good to see a classic pub trading in 2016. 

Running Horse

Finally I made it to this classic corner pub. Still retaining the exterior green tiles, this is one of the last remaining pubs on Alfreton Road. It's a gig venue and looks like it; music memorabilia on the wall, a small stage in the corner and it's dark. The bar is at the rear down some stairs. 2 real ales on when we went. Both fresh on. The Black Sheep was very nice.

Cock and Hoop

Very pleased to see the Cock and Hoop and the adjoining Lace Market Hotel open again. The pub is just as it was before the recent closure - wood panels, wing back chairs and quality ales. The regular menu looked great but the Sunday roast was incredible. One of the best I've had. With service to match. We also had the downstairs to ourselves. Well it was January. Couldn't have wished for a better experience.