Six must-visit Derbyshire pubs in final of Great British Pub Awards

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Unless you've been living under a rock - or just unfortunate enough to not live in Derbyshire - it'll come as no surprise to hear that the county is well represented in an upcoming national pub awards. The finalists for a number of categories at the Great British Pub Awards have been released, with the awards set to reach a climax at a glamorous ceremony in September.

Six Derbyshire pubs have made the cut across five categories, ranging from Peak District country pubs to town centre and suburban watering holes. The awards look to recognise the best pubs across the country for a variety of different purposes, whether you're fancying a drink out in the sticks after a countryside walk, or a fancy meal with critically-acclaimed food.

Six pubs from across the country have been put forward for each category, which includes best country pub and best sustainable pub, as well as chain awards including Admiral Taverns pub of the year and Marston's pub of the year.

You can see the full list of six Derbyshire pubs up for awards below:

The Ashford Arms: Best country pub

A well-oiled local pub chain opening a disused pub in the heart of one of the prettiest Peak District villages was always going to end in success. Rob Hattersley's Longbow Bar and Restaurants Ltd took over The Ashford Arms, in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, back in February last year, since transforming it into the bustling village hub it once was.

A £1.6 million investment saw a complete makeover and revamp of the pub, which has since become renown for its high-quality food offerings and broad range of ales in the last 17 months. Longbow owns a number of other succesful pubs and restaurants, including The George in Hathersage, The Peacock at Rowsley and The Maynard in Grindleford.

The restaurant at The Ashford Arms can accommodate 107 diners at a time, with award-winning chefs at the helm. The hotel also offers nine new hotel bedrooms for overnight stays.

Binary Bar and Restaurant: Best town pub

Binary Bar and Restaurant opened in Limes Avenue, Mickleover, after a reported £1 million investment from the owners. Independent pub firm Bespoke Inns welcomed the first customers into Binary back in January 2022, and has since been named on Tripadvisor's 'Traveller's Choice' list - with it boasting a 4.4/5-star rating on the website from nearly 500 reviews.

It serves breakfast from 9am each day, bottomless brunch on Friday and Saturdays and a normal lunch/evening menu, where diners can expect fancy plates such as tom yum salmon, chicken parmigiana and gnocchi - but also classic such as fish and chips and beef and ale pie.

It also has a vast wine and cocktail menu, as well as more than a dozen ales and ciders on draught - so it's a cracking pub as well as a fancy restaurant.

The Gasoline: Admiral Taverns pub of the year

With the words "American Bar" plastered to the front, it's clear they offer a niche experience at The Gasoline in Saltergate, Chesterfield. Formerly The County Music Bar, it now hosts regular live music and shows, and sporting events such as football, F1, and boxing.

It also pays many not-so-subtle nods to our friends across the pond, serving jars of (legal) moonshine and smoking hot wings, all while guests are invited to showcase their line dancing skills, with regular classic taking place each week. It's clear The Gasoline is doing something right, and while no one does bars like the British, it's nice to see some variety in this north Derbyshire town centre.

The Tavern: Admiral Taverns pub of the year

Derbyshire Live's beerhunter, Colston Crawford, labelled The Tavern in Hatton as a fine example that "proves traditional pubs can thrive" when he paid a visit in November 2023. The Station Road boozer, which used to be called The Railway Tavern, prides itself on serving a variety of real ales, as well as a "huge" rum and gin selection.

Guests are entertained via regular live music sets or by joining the pub's darts and dominoes teams. It also hosts events throughout the year, making use of its large car park and beer garden, both of which provide space for bouncy castles and other attractions when the weather plays ball.

The George (Castleton): Best Sustainable Pub

One not to be confused with the countless other pubs with the same name, The George in Castleton has been shortlisted for the Best Sustainable Pub award. The pub has all the traditional hallmarks of a great boozer, from the cosy aesthetic to the regular quiz nights.

It prides itself on its sustainability and has put "procedures in place" to ensure the pub is environmentally friendly. A spokesperson for The George said: "Many customers will already be aware of the procedures we have put in place over the last year to try and be more sustainable as a business going forward.

"We have been rather busy installing sensor lighting, building a kitchen garden with 35 raised beds, a polytunnel, rooftop garage garden and three large greenhouses to grow produce to use in our small pub. We've also installed timer plugs to shut down electrical items overnight.

"Any excess herbs or veg will be dehydrated down to use later as dry goods. The carrots and parsnip trimmings are sometimes turned into dog snacks for our great four-legged friends when they visit."

The Grapes: Marston's pub of the year

Describing itself as a "proper British pub" The Grapes in Belper seems like the no-nonsense boozer many of us dream of. It lies just a stone's throw from the award-winning King Street in the town, often named among the best high streets in the UK, and no doubt quenches the thirst of many tired shoppers all year round.

It has plenty of ales to explore as well as your usual lagers and ciders, both of which go down a treat alongside the roaring open fire inside. It also offers some classic British meals inclduing nine different pies from Pieminster, hand-pulled pizzas, and fresh cobs.