Following on from our series of guide to Peak District pubs in our branch area served by bus, attention turns to a bus that links Sheffield with a bit of the Peak District that isn’t on our patch (Owler Bar is Dronfield branch and Baslow/Bakewell is Chesterfield branch) but passes a few often overlooked Sheffield pubs along the way as well as providing useful connections within the Peak District.
TM Travel bus 218 runs from Sheffield to Bakewell via Sharrow, Banner Cross, Ecclesall, Totley, Owler Bar and Baslow. You can change buses in Baslow onto the Andrews 257 to Calver, Stoney Middleton and Eyam whilst in Bakewell you can pick up the Andrews 173 to Great Longstone, Monsal Head, Wardlow Mires, Litton, Tideswell and Bradwell. Some journeys operate via Chatsworth House and in the summer you can join the Peak Sightseer open top bus tours there.
The 218 runs every half hour in the daytime, seven days a week. There is also a limited evening service Monday to Saturday with the last departure from Bakewell to Sheffield at 11:10pm.
A single fare is capped at £3 per ride, alternatively a choice of all day passes are available – a day ticket just for TM Travel services costs £7.90 whilst a Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket that includes all buses in the area (except for the open top sightseeing tour) costs £9.
Beer Engine, Cemetery Road
A traditional style multi roomed pub with large beer offering, reopened in 2015 following a sympathetic refurbishment. The changing beer range is sourced mainly from local and regional micro breweries, with six cask beers and up to 11 craft keg beers. There is also a quality spirits offering. The large beer garden has a heated, covered area.
Stag’s Head, Sharrow
Operated by Thornbidge Brewery. Formerly three rooms around a central bar but now opened out but retaining distinct areas. A conservatory leads into the pleasant garden. A total of eight cask ales are offered, with two regular Thornbridge beers, an additional six changing Thornbridge beers, and two guest beers. Small library in the front left corner. Card payment only
Itchy Pig Banner Cross, Banner Cross
Micropub which has six hand pumps and 12 keg lines, serving a rotating list of guest beers, often locally sourced. One hand pump is usually for cider. Two of the keg lines are dedicated to a cider and a low alcohol beer. Outdoor seating is available.
Dark Horse, Banner Cross
Latest addition to Ecclesall Road drinking scene, opened January 2022 in former Lloyds bank building from which it derives its name. Open plan room micropub. Modern style layout with a mixture of booths and high tables. Three cask pumps on the bar.
Banner Cross, Banner Cross
Two roomed locals pub retaining a traditional two room taproom and lounge format. Upstairs there is a games room with pool tables. Refurbished 2016. Several large HD screens showing sports, including a big 10 foot screen.
Prince of Wales, Ecclesall
Large suburban dining focused pub operated by Mitchells & Butlers. Several different seating areas on varying levels around a central L shaped bar. Quiz nights Mondays and Wednesdays.
Rising Sun Hotel, Parkhead
Former Stone’s pub, now part of the Ember Inns chain, in an upmarket area close to Ecclesall Woods. Now open plan but retaining several distinct seating areas around the central bar. An extension to the rear provides a restaurant area.
Tunnel Tap, Totley
Small micropub on two floors – the bar is on the ground floor with the majority of the seating downstairs. There is a single handpump offering a changing cask ale plus a range of other beers on keg – a mixture of craft and mainstream, plus a decent selection of cans and bottles. Pies are available at the weekend whilst stocks last.
Cross Scythes, Totley
Imposing pub, hotel and restaurant operated by the Northern Collective who also have food & drink venues in Dore, Hathersage and Castleton. Smart and food led but still welcoming with a relaxed atmosphere.
Crown, Cricket Inn and Shepley Spitfire are also in Totley, these are a short walk from the bus route.
Peacock, Owler Bar
Grade II listed 19th century turnpike inn, now a refurbished dining pub. A good choice of four real ales are offered. Part of the Longbow Hospitality group.
Prince Of Wales, Baslow
Modern, welcoming downstairs bar with two locally sourced real ales available, along with a limited selection of interesting bottled beers. Upstairs is an award winning restaurant serving excellent food, with various deals running throughout the week.
Devonshire Arms, Baslow
Tastefully refurbished with a strong emphasis on food, although still retaining the bar area. Two changing beers, some locally sourced. Now has a house beer from Eyam Brewery.
Wheatsheaf Hotel, Baslow
18th century coaching house with large outdoor seating area and childrens’ play area. Beers from the Marston’s range. Opens for Breakfast at 08:00am
Wheatsheaf Hotel, Bakewell
Traditional pub having undergone recent major refurbishment. Emphasis on food. Serves up to four Marstons Ales.
Queens Arms, Bakewell
Grade II listed building in the heart of Bakwell. Popular with locals it is a wet led town centre Pub with a long single roomed bar, plus games room with pool table and dart board. Regular Marstons beers are served with up to four guest beers mainly from local breweries. Serves Meals Lunchtime on Mondays only which is Market Day in Bakewell.
Castle Inn, Bakewell
This very welcoming pub lies adjacent to the river bridge. In addition to the split level interior there is an outside area by the main road through the town. Very popular at mealtimes. 10% CAMRA discount now available here. Open for Breakfasts in the morning.
Peacock, Bakewell
Town centre pub catering mainly for the tourist trade. Grade II listed building.
Red Lion, Bakewell
A 17th Century Coaching Inn with oak beams and open fires, situated on the A619 in the centre of this historic market town.The pub has five en-suite double bedrooms.Real Ales include two permanent Timothy Taylor and two regularly Changing Beers typically Bradfield Farmers Blonde. Dog friendly in tap room only.
Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell
Upmarket hotel. Up to two Real Ales offered generally locally based Thornbridge Ales. Card payments ONLY.
Manners Hotel, Bakewell
Traditional Robinsons hotel and pub with separate tap room, very popular with the locals. There is a large beer garden and parking facilities, situated close to Bakewell town centre. There are three cask offerings with Unicorn and Dizzy Blond as regulars and another changing Robinsons beer. Food service at lunchtimes and early evenings. Regular live music and a weekly pub quiz. There is a range of accommodation available, check out their website for details.
Joiners Arms, Bakewell
Small friendly town centre micro pub with stylish interior and warm fireplace for cold winter evenings. Outside seating available outside on main street during warmer months. Six regularly changing cask ales and six craft keg ales available, sourced locally, as are the selection of wines, gins and whiskies. There are often vegan beers on tap.
Thornbridge Brewery Tap Room, Bakewell
The Tap Room, situated at the Thornbridge brewery features a spacious shop and a comfortable seating area. Located just a 15-minute stroll from Bakewell town centre on the Riverside Industrial Estate (buses 173 and Transpeak also go there, as does the Peak Sightseer Red route). Excellent freshly handmade pizzas are served daily. The bar showcases a selection of four cask and sixteen keg lines, with all beers available in thirds, halves, and pints, and the option for beer flights with three selections. Regular music and social events are held monthly (check website for details). Pre-booked brewery tours are also available to explore the brewing process. Card payment only.
A short bus ride from Bakewell on the Transpeak, 173, 257a or Peak Sightseer Red Tour to Ashford in the Water will bring you to the Ashford Arms and Bull’s Head.
OTHER BUSES ON PART OF THE ROUTE
- Banner Cross and Ecclesall – 65 (Sheffield to Buxton), 88 (Ecclesfield to Bents Green) and 272 (Sheffield to Castleton).
- Totley – 97 (Hillsborough to Totley), M17 (Dore to Jordanthorpe)
- Baslow – 170 (Chesterfield to Bakewell), 257 (Sheffield to Bakewell), Blue tour (Chatsworth to Castleton).
- Bakewell – Transpeak (Derby to Buxton), 170 (Chesterfield to Bakewell), 173 (Bakewell to Castleton), 257/257a/257b Sheffield to Bakewell).