As part of our socials, we decided to include Matlock, and nearby Wirksworth in Derbyshire as part of our itinerary.
Matlock is steeped in farming and mining history, before becoming a spa town, and a subsequent base for exploring the Peak District. The name is thought to translate to ” moot oak,” somewhat explaining the local Brewery’s name. In the late 17th century warm springs were discovered, leading to the construction of bathhouses, and its development as a spa town. Being situated on the River Derwent, textiles also became prominent with the water powering the Mills. Which also grew the economy locally.
Having purchased my Stagecoach Gold Dayrider, (£10.50) a ticket that allows unlimited day travel on their buses in Sheffield and Derbyshire (Even as far as Nottingham, although the train is a quicker option). I nipped in the Bankers for a swift half of Conwy – Rampart, a malty brown/English of 4.5%.
Glyn and I boarded the X17 at 11:05 in a warm, but dull Sheffield, being joined by Graham and Paul on Arundel Gate for the journey onwards. Fortunately, due to roadworks on Chesterfield Road Andrew was at his stop by the time it arrived at Meadowhead, otherwise he would have had to join half an hour later. The Journey then takes the Dronfield bypass to Chesterfield and beyond.
Our first stop was the Red Lion at Matlock Green, overlooked in the distance by Riber Castle. A nice country pub with 3 ales on the bar, but boasting plenty more at the Bank Holiday Beer Festival in the back garden. First choice from the main bar was a nice Moot – Matlock Blonde of 4.1%, brewed behind the pub! Then on to the festival beers, which were well represented from the local area and beyond. Being a mild and stout fan I plumped for the Brampton – Mild, a hefty 4.9%, then a Blue Monkey – Cinder Toffee Stout at 5%. The X17 was 5 minutes away for our journey to Wirksworth, so we hastily departed.
Wirksworth has a rich history from the Romans to the present. Even influencing George Eliot, the female author of Adam Bede, The Mill on the Floss and Silas Marner. In the 12th century, it was a major centre for lead mining, before becoming prominent in quarrying. The town saw great growth and was the first cotton mill to use a steam engine at Arkwright’s Haarleem Mill. Another claim to fame is Dream Cave where wooly rhino bones were discovered.
The purpose of this visit was a visit to the quirky The Feather Star, a pub that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Tolkien novels. A good range of beers saw me partake in a Big Trip – Soak Up the Sun, a hazy IPA of 4.2%. Next as we waited for the hourly bus was another Moot – Illumination, a tasty EPA of 4.2%. Also of note here was a collection of vinyl records racked up and available to buy.
After a democratic vote, we boarded the bus to return to Matlock itself and Titanic’s Bod bar, nicely designed as a bar and eaterie in a somewhat Scandinavian style. This had a pale I had not sampled before in Titanic – Steerage, an EPA of only 3.8. Having ordered a Chilli Sausage roll, the beer helped temper my burning mouth. Tasty, but somewhat spicy.
The next sensible decision was the one to get the bus up to the The Newsroom and The Farmacy, the 2 micropubs overlooking the town. As expected from the name, The Newsroom was a former newsagents that simply had a decline trade and simply needed a change of direction. The bar itself was quite small, but had a nice choice of beers, of which Pentrich’s – Where’s My Elephent was my choice being a sweet milk of 5%.
Round the corner was The Farmacy, as run you may deduct a former pharmacy, this is a tap for Aldwarke Artisan Ales which is run by a farming family. Again a great good choice of beer in a bustling bar. I ordered my Pale Ale, GF and 3.9%. Seating was available outside and we grabbed a table to rest before the walk to where we alighted, for the X17 bus home.
All-in-all, a very enjoyable trip in somewhere I haven’t drank before. Certainly a little tour you could do with a partner or friends for 6-7 hours.
The Red Lion beer festival took place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Bus X17 runs from Sheffield to Matlock every 30 minutes during the daytime (hourly on Sundays) with one an hour extended to Wirksworth. It operates via Woodseats, Chesterfield, Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford. Sheffield & District CAMRA has a regular programme of socials for our members, check out the diary page for details.