Famous old Derby pub known as city's cheapest to finally reopen

The Abbey pub, Darley Street, Darley Abbey, in its heyday with locals enjoying a pint in the sunshine
-Credit: (Image: Councillor Martin Repton.)


The Abbey pub, famous for its cheap pints in a historical setting, is set to make a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus.

It closed its doors in 2019 to outrage from locals and the wider Derby community. Since then it has been at the centre of a campaign to revive the old Grade II* listed pub, with requests ignored for years.

The Abbey was a thriving establishment in its heyday, with people seen waiting to get in before the doors opened each day. The pub is situated in a prime location on the edge of Darley Park on Darley Street, also boasting a historical significance, holding the claim that it was the cheapest pub in Derby.

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The pub has just announced its reopening, with its doors to reopen for the first time in five years on Thursday, September 26, (depending on whether the beer arrives in time). The new landlord and landlady of the pub have a lot of work to do, according to Councillor Martin Repton, who shared his excitement at the announcement.

The councillor has been campaigning for the pub’s reopening since it called its final last orders five years ago, with Cllr Repton regularly appearing in the media to share why this “heart of the community” should be opened to the public again.

He said: “It’s taken a number of years, it's a Grade II* listed ancient monument. We were concerned with the upkeep of the building and people were worried about the old pub falling into disrepair. The new landlords gave me the impression that they are a hard working, dedicated couple that want to make it a success. I will be there at the opening, raising a pint to this historic Grade II* listed building and the reopening of the heart of the local community.”

The Samuel Smith brewery has owned the property for a number of years now, but after years of trying to find new management it has finally found a new couple to take over. There have been numerous attempts to get the pub back up and running, with a petition one year collecting 3,000 signatures.

Mike Wood bought it in 1977 and transformed it into what it is today. He said: “Me and my late wife Vivian sank our life savings into this place, I was so sad when I saw it would be empty for so long. It needs upkeep as it is an ancient monument of the area. I am just so happy it's going to be back. I can’t wait to step through the door again.”

Mr Wood had originally bought the building as a ruin before transforming it into the popular pub, and in his work renovating the pub Mike received a number of national awards for his work such as RICS/Times Conservation prize, the Civic Trust award and the East Midlands Craftsmanship award. Mike and his wife then opened the pub in 1979 and ran it as a free house for 10 years before selling it on.

Cllr Repton added: “Many hundreds of people are talking about their excitement. It's an integral part of our community. It is of immense national importance, and I am just excited to hear it is back. I met with the new managers and I am sure they will do an amazing job. I went down to help this morning with my grandson to clear away some of the debris.”

So, after years of campaigns, candlelit vigils and petitions - locals can now rest easy as the prestigious Darley Abbey pub makes its return.