Hipsters In Shelton Lock

Shelton Lock sounds like a New Zealand rugby player but, in fact, it is one of those Derby suburbs just off the A514. (Crown, Crown & Arrows, New Bridge Inn and House of Darwin in pub order) Sandwiched in between Allenton and Chellaston it is arguably lesser known than its two near neighbours but it…

Allenton’s Crown Jewel

Yes, yes it’s all good fun promoting this #NationalBassDay but I know Martin really wants me to post about edgy estate style boozers that are rarely visited by CAMRA. In fact Martin often suggests there are some pubs where CAMRA send in their quickest member – usually Stafford Paul – to check what’s on the…

Pubs Galore On The A514…No Thanks To Lidl

I love it when a local boozer takes on the corporate might of both Marston’s and Lidl and appears to win! I’ve already waxed lyrical about the merits of the A514 from Swadlincote to Derby on this blog so it will come as no surprise to see that I’ve unearthed another little drinking den on…

Get Your Kicks…On The A514!

Mick Jagger sang optimistically about ‘getting his kicks’ from the two thousand mile stretch from Chicago to LA on Route 66 back in the day.  I’m not quite sure what Mick and the rest of the Stones needed to give them a ‘kick’ back in the day (I could take an educated guess) and whilst…