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.
17. The Angry Bee Micropub, Godfrey Street, Heanor
Five changing beers are served by hand pull and six ciders by gravity in this micropub which is open five days a week, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Angry Bee scores 4.8 out of 5 based on 155 Google reviews. Mij Lewetta posted: "My favourite pub of all time. Great beers and clientèle and simply the best pub owners you could ask for." Photo: Google
18. The Angels Micropub, Market Place, Belper
Cask ales and traditional ciders are specialities of this micropub which opens Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Angels Micropub scores 4.7 out of 5 based on 270 Google reviews. Chris H posted: "One of the quirkier places in Belper, tucked away in the corner of the marketplace. You'll find a great selection of craft ales, indoor and outdoor seating and some of the best prices around." Photo: Google
19. Belper House, Church Street, Belper
Changing cask ales and a good range of craft keg is served every day of the week in this smart micropub which is based in a listed building. Belper House scores 4.6 out of 5 based on 96 Google reviews. Mark Smiles posted: "An excellent pub with an aim to please ale drinkers from convivial service and quality products along with good grub." Photo: Google
20. Burnt Pig Ale 'Ouse, Market Street, Ilkeston
Five frequently changing traditional cask ales, cider, wines and bottled beers are served in this CAMRA award-winning micropub every day of the week. The Burnt Pig Ale 'Ouse scores 4.8 out of 645 Google reviews. Alan Smith posted: "The best micropub in Ilkeston, and one of the best I have ever been to. Excellent choice of beers, friendly atmosphere and staff. Give the chilled cabinet a look, and get proper cheese, pork pie and other deli delights. Brilliant!" Photo: Google