Dronfield is a small town just south of Sheffield over the county boundary in Derbyshire. It can be reached by train in about ten minutes or Stagecoach bus 43/44 provides a regular service from Sheffield with a “Silver Dayrider” ticket offering good value all day travel on Stagecoach services.
The town centre is in two parts, “Dronny Bottom” in the valley where the rail station is, from there head uphill via Church Street past, you’ve guessed it, the church and onto the High Street where the more modern civic centre has been built alongside the historic buildings.
There are a number of pubs and bars in the town centre plus more in the suburbs and surrounding villages, which are linked to Dronfield Civic Centre by local rural buses 15 and 16, also operated by Stagecoach.
The area is surprisingly good for real ale and craft beer, partly down to having its own local CAMRA branch which was previously part of a mixture of Sheffield & District and Chesterfield branches; and partly down to being home to some great enterprising publicans and brewers, some of who jointly put on a beer festival every June.
DRONFIELD TOWN
Beer Stop, Callywhite Lane
Small, specialist independent beer shop. Massive selection of craft beers in bottle and can, many of which are bottle conditioned ales. They also have interesting craft beers on draft on their keg taps, available to drink in or takeaway.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 which stops outside.
Blue Stoops, High Street
The Blue Stoops reopened in November 2016 after being closed and becoming near derelict. After two years of closure True North Brew Co bought this historical pub and gave it a completely new lease of life, by completing an extensive refurbishment including a function room, restaurant and beer garden. It has since been leased on and is now operated by The Chilled Out Pub Company and has a selection of more well known national real ale brands.
Getting there: buses 15/16 to the Civic Centre or bus 43 is a short walk away outside Sainsburys.
Coach & Horses, Sheffield Road
Small, cosy pub located next to Sheffield F.C, (the world’s oldest football club}’s ground on the northern edge of Dronfield. It is operated by Thornbridge Brewery and showcases a good range of their beers and guest ales across a wide range of beer styles. The large outdoor drinking area is particularly popular when Sheffield F.C. have a home fixture, or when live music is being played.
Getting there: bus 43 stops outside
Dronfield Arms, Chesterfield Road
The Dronfield Arms became Dronfield’s first brewpub when a brewery kit was installed downstairs in the former restaurant in 2015. This is on display to customers through a glass panel in the floor of the main bar. The original brewery name was Hopjacker which has been disbanded although the name still appears around the pub. A new brewery Temper are leasing the kit and is brewing without tie to the pub. The Arms features a very long bar with the real ale dispensed at the top end which has a large comfortable seating area. Also on the bar are several keg fonts including KeyKeg. There is an outside raised seating area at the rear of the pub.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office
Green Dragon, Church Street
Cosy historical pub with the addition of a heated outdoor drinking area constructed alongside the car park. Selection of well known real ales both local and national. Operates as a traditional local midweek and has quiz nights Monday and Thursday whilst it becomes a livelier town centre venue at the weekend with a DJ Friday nights and entertainment Saturday nights.
Getting there: train or 44 bus to Dronfield station or bus 15/16 to the Civic Centre
Manor House Hotel, High Street
The Manor House is a beautiful 15th Century Grade II listed building, full of original features and olde world charm, and located in the centre of the historic town of Dronfield. The vibrant bar and restaurant are both very popular with local residents and hotel guests. DJ plays on most Friday nights – either in the bar or the heated outdoor drinking area behind the hotel. Abbeydale Moonshine available on handpump.
Getting there: buses 15/16 to Civic Centre
Pioneer Club, Stonelow Road
A family orientated, award winning club where all visitors are welcome. Membership is not required to drink in the lounge bar although members enjoy a discount. Satellite sports channels are available. A varied programme of entertainment is planned for the Concert Room. Extensively refurbished to provide a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere, 4 real ales on the bar including some local beers.
Getting there: buses 15 and 44 stop at the end of the drive
Underdog, Chesterfield Road
Following an extensive refurbishment of the former Smiffy’s bar (previously a cafe) the Underdog opened its doors in Sept 2019. It is a large single room with a very high ceiling, wooden floors and is furnished in a contemporary design. The long bar hosts five real ales, four ever changing, and several keg lines including some interesting craft options alongside a varied selection of spirits. The bar welcomes dogs and children (check times restrictions) but not vaping.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office
Victoria, Stubley Lane
Traditional, friendly street corner boozer. Although the Vic is in the town centre it is a proper local featuring reasonably priced real ales, comfortable corners, pool table, darts and football on the TV.
Getting there: buses 15 and 43 stop around the corner outside Sainsburys.
White Swan, Chesterfield Road
Reopened following refurbishment in 2018, this is a classic town centre pub. Two rooms – one a comfortable lounge and the other containing a pool table with sport on TV. Two real ales available. Beer garden accessed via a door at the back of the lounge.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE
Jolly Farmer, Pentland Road
A former Shipstone’s house, the Jolly Farmer was renamed in the late nineties from the Gorsey Brigg and retains much of the artificial rustic character it was given then. Different levels and alcoves give this large pub a very intimate feel. Up to six real ales available, usually including some local guests.
Getting there: bus 43 stops close by.
Miners Arms, Carr Lane
Situated in Dronfield Woodhouse this Pub serves the local community. The Miners reopened late August 2022 after a two-year closure. Entertainment Thursdays and Fridays. Real ale is usually Timothy Taylor Landlord.
Getting there: bus 16 stops right outside.
Gosforth Fields Pavilion, Bubnell Road
Dronfield’s Premier Field Sports Facility – open to the general public. 2 Bars 4 Screen HD Sky/ESPN Sports – Function room available for hire. Opening times are approximate and may vary according to times of televised sporting events! The facilities are jointly owned and operated by Dronfield Town F.C., A.F.C. Dronfield and Dronfield Rugby Club. Two real ales available.
Getting there: bus 43 a short walk away on Stubley Lane
DRONFIELD HILLTOP
Hyde Park Inn, Hilltop Road
A traditional country inn on the western outskirts of Dronfield. Food served until 9pm. Nice beer garden in summer months. Quiz night Thursday.
Getting there: bus 43 a short walk away on Gosforth Lane
UNSTONE
Drone Valley Brewery, Unstone Industrial Complex, off Main Road
A brewery run by a community interest society, their tap room operates in a marquee next to the brewery at the weekend.
Getting there: bus 43/44 stops on the main road at the end of the drive.
COAL ASTON
Cross Daggers, Brown Lane
A comfortable and welcoming true village local tucked away in the heart of Coal Aston. The Cross Daggers is a 19th Century pub which has been home to Landlord, Anthony Hutchinson since 2000. A viewing window in the floor shows the immaculate cellar below.
Getting there: Bus 15 stops on the main road nearby.
Royal Oak, Eckington Road
A traditional village local, also known as the Pond.
Getting there: Bus 15 and 44 passes the pub.
Yew Tree, Holmley Lane
A large one room pub, split into two levels. Traditionally, old style decor, clean and spacious. Pool table. Live music some weekends. One real ale.
Getting there: Bus 15 a short walk away on Green Lane.
APPERKNOWLE
Travellers Rest, High Street
A constantly changing range of cask beers and cider/perries are a feature of this traditional country pub at the edge of the village. The outdoor drinking area provides sweeping views over the Drone Valley – one of the best views in Derbyshire. Good quality food is available at all times, with the cheese platters and pork pies being noteworthy.
Getting there: Bus 15 passes the front door and stops close by
HUNDALL
Miners Arms, Hundall Lane
A compact, cosy and comfortable wet-led traditional pub with a well-appointed beer garden. Multi-award-winning pub at local and regional levels which hosts up to five quality real ales, including the nearby community Drone Valley Brewery and numerous ciders and perries. Extremely dog friendly, games and TV sports areas. Oversized lined pint glasses used, limited bar snack served at all times.
Getting there: Bus 15 will drop you outside the pub
HOLMESFIELD
Rutland Arms, Main Road
A popular traditional village country pub with open fires and low wooden beams which offers a relaxing, warm and snug atmosphere. Up to six well kept cask ales available. A handsome collection of Wards breweriana is contained throughout the pub. Extensive outdoor seating area with grassed children’s play area.
Getting there: Bus 16 stops outside the pub
George & Dragon, Main Road
Popular refurbished (2020) stone built pub opposite the church with a main bar plus comfortable snug featuring a log burning stove. Outdoor decking area popular in summer. Four upstairs rooms converted in 2021 for guest accommodation including one pet friendly room and one family room.
Getting there: Bus 16 is a short walk away
Angel Inn, Main Road
Traditional freshly prepared gluten and dairy free pub food and at least one gluten free cask beer always available. A comfortable bar area for non-diners is available in addition to the main dining room and conservatory. Beer terrace at front and beer garden at rear popular in summer.
Getting there: Bus 16 is a short walk away
MILLTHORPE
Royal Oak, Cordwell Lane
A delightful traditional stone built country pub with the main bar and small separate room.
Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by
BARLOW
Peacock, Hackney Lane
Large pub, smart and comfortable. Extensive menu available starting with breakfast from 9:00 am. A Micro Brewery (Collyfobble Brewery) to supply in-house needs and those of the nearby Tickled Trout opened in July 2017. Guest Accommodation is available. Charging point for electric cars installed in the car park (Purchase tokens from the bar).
Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by.
Tickled Trout, Valley Road
Recently re-opened after an extensive refurbishment and enlargement. Food locally sourced with Italian inspiration.
Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by
