Harlequin

August 7, 2008
Old fashioned coach party type of pub. Mildly amusing in a twee retro manner. 10 different cask ale compensate - almost - for the lack of atmosphere or self-awareness. This is like the lounge bar of an old people’s home. Or one of those hotels used for cheap holidays. It’s all the bad jokes about Northern Working Men’s Clubs. Check to see if there’s a pair of false teeth in your beer before you drink it! There’s some of the board games you’ll find in a Blackpool guest house. This is just off Kelham Island, but shares their situation of being poorly located.

March 7, 2008 [ Updated September 29, 2008 ]
much improved range, usually a selection of rare micro beers. The festivals are well worthwhile. Decent, filling food though sadly only at lunchtime.

August 26, 2007
An excellent first stop in Derby, this authentic, welcoming pub by the river, in a neighborhood that was quite damaged by the floods would be one of the best pubs in most other cities. Here, it’s a welcoming place, totally worthy of the detour, but you won’t want to spend much time if you only have a day.

May 6, 2007
Previously called the Manchester Hotel, this pub will be easy to walk to from the Fat Cat once the new road has been finished! It’s a roadside pub serving up to eight beers, mainly from Yorkshire, with some surprises. Worth a look-in if you have time.