Chesterfield boasts the county’s oldest micropub in The Real Ale Corner which is the second oldest in the UK. Elsewhere, Derbyshire is brimming with such watering holes where beer made by microbreweries pulls in the customers.
The Micropub Association says: “A micropub is a small freehouse which listens to its customers, many serve cask ales, promotes conversations, shuns all form of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks.”
Micropubs were championed by real ale consumer organisation CAMRA in its 1976 edition of the Good Beer Guide and have since gone from strength to strength.
5. Maggie May's, Breckland Road, Walton, Chesterfield
This community micropub doubles as a coffee shop and is open every day of the week. It has been known as Maggie May's since 2021 after being acquired by Donna Vaughan who refurbished and rebranded the premises formerly known as Walton Dam Nation and Coffee Nation. Maggie May's scores 4.7 out of 5 based on 142 Google reviews. Jonathan Nadin posted: "Great community focused cafe and bar. Really friendly and helpful staff. Wide choice of drinks and also offer food." Photo: Google
6. The Byron Tap, Station Road, Bolsover
Bolsover resident Chris Christopher opened The Byron Tap in August 2023 and serves cask and keg beer, gins and wines. The Byron Tap scores 4.7 out of 5 based on 19 Google reviews. James Clarke posted: "Top class service, best pub in the area." Photo: National World
7. Hasland Hops, Mansfield Road, Hasland
Hasland's smallest drinking den serves craft beer and real ales, spirits, ciders and wine five days a week, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hasland Hops scores 4.9 out of 5 based on 55 Google reviews. Craig Gilliver posted: "Absolutely love this place. A micropub that serves a great selection of beers, is dog friendly and has a really great atmosphere." Photo: Google
8. The Farmacy Real Ale Bar, Smedley Street, Matlock
This split-level micropub is an Aldwark Brewery tap, serving four real ales every day of the week. The Farmacy Real Ale Bar scores 4.7 out of 5 based on 214 Google reviews. James Towle posted: "Great little venue with friendly staff. Plenty of locally sourced beers. Dartboard is spot on too." Photo: Google