Our District Pub of the Season award is handed out four times per year and aims to recognise those pubs in the Derbyshire part of the branch that consistently serve quality real ale in a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. It is our pleasure to announce that the very deserving winner of the Summer 2018 award is the Monsal Head Hotel, Little Longstone.
Extremely popular with walkers and cyclists traversing the Monsal Trail, this traditional country inn offers a combination of locally brewed cask ale, good food and comfortable accommodation. The drinking area of the hotel is the Stables Bar to the rear, a delightfully rustic building which originally housed the horses that carried passengers from the railway station at the bottom of the valley. Nowadays though, you’re more likely to find hand pumps than horse tack.
The beer garden at the rear of the Stables Bar
The bar features three real ales: the house beer Stables Best Bitter is provided by Stancill and is joined by two rotating guests, often including breweries such as Pennine and Ashover. When the weather is nice, these can be enjoyed in the extensive beer garden while taking in the breathtaking views over Monsal Dale and the Monsal Viaduct.
We are running a minibus trip out to the Peak District to present the award on Saturday 20 October. We will be picked up at the Old Queens Head on Pond Hill at 1pm and visit the Pioneer Club in Dronfield and a couple of pubs in Tideswell before making our way to the Monsal Head Hotel for the presentation. Places on the minibus cost £5 and should be booked in advance via our social secretary, Andy Cullen.
Meanwhile, nominations are now open for next season’s competition so if you are a CAMRA member who regularly visits any of our Derbyshire pubs, please get involved by nominating your favourites! This can be done via our website or at any branch meeting.
Dominic Nelson
