10 of the Derby pubs named in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2025 as 94 Derbyshire pubs make the cut

Pictured is The Old Silk Mill
-Credit: (Image: Derbyshire Live)


For beer enthusiasts across Derbyshire and the UK, the wait is finally over. The Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide has finally been released, with more than 4,500 pubs across the UK being recognised for their ability to serve great real ale in a traditional British pub setting.

Up to 94 Derbyshire pubs have made the cut, 16 of which are from Derby itself, making Derbyshire the county with the second-most inclusions in the Midlands, after Lincolnshire with 110. The information in the Guide is collated by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who give up their time every year to select the best of the best across the UK.

The guide, which is the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide, is celebrating the release of its 52nd edition and is available to order now with two covers featuring the country's favourite fictional locals: Coronation Street's Rovers Return and Emmerdale's Woolpack.

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ITV's executive producer for continuing drama, multi-award-winning Iain MacLeod, has written the foreword of the guide, in which he says: "...the story which threatened one of our pubs the most was also the one which most resonated with our times.

"In 2023, the Rovers Return closed its doors. A combination of the lingering legacy of the Covid lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis meant that landlady Jenny Bradley couldn’t afford to keep it open. The characters – and the viewers – lamented the news like the loss of a loved one.

"If it were needed, it was a timely reminder of the central place the nation’s pubs have in our lives and in our affections.” Despite the tough trading environment facing a lot of landlords and ladies across Britain, they continue to battle against the odds and the 2025 Guide boasts more than 900 pubs that are new to this edition.

10 Derby pubs listed in CAMRA's 2025 Good Beer Guide

The Alexandra Hotel

Nestled on Siddals Road near Railway Terrace, this traditional boozer has long been known for its fine ales and cosy environment. The Castle Rock pub has six changing beers, according to the guide, and is known among Derby drinkers for railway memorabilia - particularly the big locomotive cab that calls the beer garden home. Read more by clicking the link here

Brunswick Inn

A classic watering hole often frequented by passengers journeying from Derby Railway Station across the road. They have a seemingly endless stock of ales - many of which are unique and quirky - and the building itself is the oldest purpose-built railway inn in the UK.

It was restored in 1987 before the creation of the Brunswick Brewery in 1991. It's a firm favourite among Rams fans on matchday and also offers private hire of its function room upstairs. Read more by clicking the link here

The Smithfield

Described by Derby Telegraph's Beer Hunter, Colston Crawford, as a "near-legendary pub", The Smithfield claimed the title of the 'best pub in Derby' for the sixth time in March, cementing it as one of the city's greatest spots for a quick pint - or five. The guide has cited the pub's "eclectic range of ever-changing impressive beers" as a major draw to the boozer, which is housed in an imposing building near the banks of the River Derwent. Read more by clicking the link here

Old Silk Mill

The Old Silk Mill is a pub that you don't need to enter to appreciate, with its stunning and colourful mural appearing prominent to shoppers heading along Queen Street and down Full Street in the city centre. Inside, the pub is just as wonderful.

The exact date that the Silk Mill pub was constructed is disputed, but there are reports that the first record of its existence dates to around 1874. It can be found near the Museum of Making and is described by the guide as "tastefully decorated throughout". Read more by clicking the link here

Hoptomist

One of the three Derby micropubs on the list, the Spondon pub was converted from a hardware store in the centre of the village before it opened in 2021. A small bar can be found upon entering and provides a selection of comfortable high and low seating.

Beer Hunter Colston once said, following the opening of the pub back in 2021: "The beer choice is wise and varied, mostly local. It is never a bad idea to stick Thornbridge Jaipur on a bar but at the weekend the offering also included King George Best Bitter from Derby’s Little Brewery, Raspberry Porter from the renowned Acorn Brewery in Barnsley and Sickle Mounted Souls, a 5% pale with a pump clip remembering the classic film Easy Rider from the small RBA Brewery in Oakwood." Read more by clicking the link here

Victoria Inn

Another proven favourite among Derby folk, Victoria Inn was crowned the best pub in the county by Derbyshire Live readers back in February. Emma Middleton and John Smith reopened the Victoria Inn, where the cost of a pint starts at around £3.50, in July 2022.

They pride themselves on having a great lineup of real ale - and ciders - as well as putting on regular live music events from the atmospheric back room. It is one of the few pubs that made up our 300-year pub crawl back in March, joining the Waterfall, The Merry Widows and the aforementioned Alexandra Hotel and the Brunswick Inn. Read more by clicking the link here

Creaky Floorboard

The domestic home off Kedleston Road was lovingly converted and partitioned in 2017 to make a fantastic micropub near the University of Derby. The micropub operates in a total floor space of just over 33 square metres and is adorned with unusual decor and a pleasing atmosphere.

Despite being just a small venue, they operate with three changing beers, all of which are sourced locally. Read more by clicking the link here

Exeter Arms

A spokesperson for the pub, found on Exeter Place, said: "Open the door to the Exeter Arms and step back 100 years in time with its cosy dimly lit rooms and the laughter of regulars at the bar, that make this one of, if not the best, traditional pub serving modern-day food and drink in the city."

CAMRA notes that the low ceiling and long single room make the pub feel "comfortable" and "welcoming", with a paved area to the rear providing ample outdoor seating. There is also an upstairs function room and a cocktail bar. Read more by clicking the link here

Standing Order

Often the meeting point for hundreds of students getting their supply of cheap beer ahead of a night on the town, Wetherspoon's The Standing Order certainly needs no introduction. The Iron Gate venue has 11 changing beers scattered around the horseshoe bar and the high ceilings are fitted with a wealth of high-quality paintings linked to the city. Read more by clicking the link here

Flowerpot

Known for its real ale and live music, Flowerpot hosts Sunday sessions every week and serves curry on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The pub is divided into several different rooms and it also has an aesthetic outdoor area to the rear, a hit with the locals when paired with its five changing beers.

You can find the Flowerpot on King Street near the bridge over St Alkmund's Way. Read more by clicking the link here

The Good Beer Guide 2025 is set to be published on September 26 2024, and is available to order now from https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2025/