THR, on 23 September 2012 - 06:19 AM, said:
Agree. I really miss the Druid at Birchover. It's still there of course - but when the previous owner, Mr Bunce, left they tried to turn it into a bit of Kensington or Chelsea in the Derbyshire hills - and it doesn't work.
You used to walk into that pub and be greeted by a roaring fire and floor to ceiling menu on blackboards with all the different dishes. I've still never seen anything quite so extensive as that - and what's more, the food was really good as well, no matter what dish you went for.
Another place, not too far from Monsal Head, used to be the 3 Stags at Wardlow Mires. Now, Pat and Geoff used to turn out some really good home-made food back in the day - although the pub is a bit of an acquired taste. As is Geoff. But we had some great meals there and great company.
Yes, Brian Bunce was a good host, when sober...
3 stags has seen some people take it on. In the 80s an old lady ran it and left an honesty box by the bar for anyone who wanted a drink after 10.30pm bless her. It used to attract a fair crowd from chesterfield years ago - a lot of old Barley Mow crowd from the 80s I believe.
Fischers has been mentioned which is of course excellent although the sort of place where your not supposed to ***** - so that rules me out. A few other lesser known pubs in then hills worth a jaunt are The Cock & Pullet in Sheldon for a liquid lunch. The lathkill in Over Haddon is just a terrific pub and Jason who is always behind the bar is a town fan and The George in Alstonefield, perfect pub in perfect village. Brilliant base for walking or just getting drunk or trip to Dovedale and then getting drunk.