Live Music — Pubs in Derby

Horse & Groom

48 Elms Street, Derby DE1 3HN

A traditional community pub that has morphed from a small house into a larger establishment by knocking through into two adjoining properties. In the heart of Derby's West End, this family owned and run free house, is noted for its regular Draught Bass and interesting range of three guest beers. Free live music at the weekend, open mic Thursday evening and jazz last Wednesday of the month.

Mason's Arms

1 Etwall Road, Derby DE3 0DL

The Masons Arms is situated on the square at the heart of Mickleover and is a traditional pub dating back to the 17th century. The licensee Trevor and his family have run this pub for over 14 years and can call on 30 years experience in the licence trade. The pub is split level and consists of a traditional bar and a lounge with an outside patio. Fresh food is prepared daily for the menu. Popular quiz nights on Thursday and Sunday, occasional live music and outside barbeques (bank holidays). Currently [August 2021] under temporary management.

Maypole Inn

42 Brook Street, Derby DE1 3PH

A traditional pub interior operating a cafe bar style business, with a theater to the rear. Emphasis is on a cafe society serving light breakfast and brunch from early morning. There is a good range of craft beers and two changing real ales. The bar has a tempting range of cakes to complement. Instagram: Themaypolederby

New Zealand Arms

2 Langley Street, Derby DE22 3GL

The New Zealand Arms offers a fine selection of hand pulled ales, served by pleasant staff, in a large and friendly back-street establishment. There is a full range of beer styles and also a good range of ciders on draught. The popular games night on Monday, encourages people to bring their own games to play but the pub also has its own good selection to choose from. Entertainment is provided by a quiz on Tuesday, open mic session on Thursday and live music on Saturday night.

Noah's Ark

23 Morledge, Derby DE1 2AW

This is a real traditional boozer, unchanged in many years, and catering mainly for an older generation of men and women, who still like to have a good time and a bit of banter. There are two rooms, separated by an island bar, with lots of dark wood and framed press cuttings and photographs reflecting past glories. And where else in Derby can you get karaoke from 2pm on Friday, Sunday and Monday afternoons and into the evening? Saturday evenings are devoted to live music.

Village Club

13 Chapel Street, Derby DE21 7JP

The Club was formed in the late 1800's as the Spondon Conservative Club but has now transformed itself into the Spondon Village Club. It has a very nice interior which is very well decorated. The long bar serves a good range of real ale along with an extensive range of beers, lagers, wines and spirits. Live music acts provide good entertainment. Derby CAMRA Club of the Year 2019.

Rolls-Royce Leisure Association

Moor Lane, Derby DE24 9HY

With a large car park, good dance floor, comfy seating, food available all day and welcoming staff behind the bar serving a range of interesting drinks including 3-5 real ales, the Rolls-Royce Leisure Association's Pavilion bar has something for everyone. As well as hosting many social activities for all RR employees, this bar welcomes members of the public to it's various Tribute, Rock & Roll, Big Band, Northen Soul and Motown nights. It also caters for families with the popular Family nights and Quiz nights. The Pavilion can also be hired for private parties, wedding's and conferences.

Oaklands

Oaklands Avenue, Derby DE23 2QL

The Oaklands is a large bungalow style public house in the Littleover suburb of Derby. It is split into a public and a lounge bar and has a car park at the side. It features good food for a wide range of customers. It has just undergone an extensive refurbishment and is well decorated. It supports the local community and provides Sports TV and live entertainment

Orange Tree

5 George Street, Derby DE1 1EH

The pub is described as a Jazz and wine bar and is available for private hire 7 days a week. The pub is created by removing the interior from a traditional terrace house to leave the shell and then creating a two story mezzanine interior. Business lunches, conferences or parties can be hosted. Having two floors it can cater for any occasion. It can get busy at weekends as it has some live music but also DJs.

Emerald Wine Bar

6 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SN

The Emerald Restaurant and wine bar is a contemporary establishment It is situated in the up and coming Midland Road area of Derby. It consists of a wine bar with leather stool type seating, they serve a full range of wines and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is made up of booths and the walls are decorated with modern photography. They serve from a full range a la carte menu.

Peacock Inn

87 Nottingham Road, Derby DE1 3QS

A stone built roadside pub with two rooms and a large covered garden courtyard. Entrance is directly into the center of the front bar with actual bar in front of you. The back room is around half a meter lower than the front and runs away from the bar. Entrance to the back bar is via the rear courtyard. Two ciders and/or perries are always available. Ownership changed to the Hartshorns Brewery in August 2021.

Hairy Dog

1 Becket Street, Derby DE1 1HT

The Hairy Dog is a lively music pub with a live music room to the rear with a capacity of 500 and a main bar to the front featuring a varied selection of beers. The premise will suit blues, rock, punk, ska and reggae fans, particularly those who like real ale and cider - see website for their gigs.

Spondon Liberal Club

2 Moor Street, Derby DE21 7EA

The Spondon Liberal Club is situated on Moor Street, Spondon just a short walk from the village centre. It is a friendly club which has a large function style room and a best lounge style room. it is used by the community and has a decent range of beers. Parking is available to the side of the club. The club is open to non-members who must sign in and make themselves known to the bar staff on entry.

Last Post

1 Uttoxeter Old Road, Derby DE1 1GA

This former post office was Derby's second micro pub. At least one of the four changing beers is usually dark. A warm welcome is guaranteed from staff and locals in this intimate venue where live acoustic music can be heard every evening Thursday to Sunday. The small rear yard is a dedicated smoking area. Beer festivals coincide with those of the local CAMRA branch.

Blacksmith's Lounge

19-20 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NH

Steakhouse set back from Sadler Gate in a former yard. https://forgereservations.eatpos.co.uk

Jubilee Club

155 Chaddesden Lane, Derby DE21 6LJ

The Jubilee Club is a large friendly members only club in Chaddesden. The main bar is well appointed with a large seating area and a segregated section for darts. There is also a large function room with its only bar, where regular events take place. Visitors can be signed in for £2.00 (Jan 2018).

Seven

Wheelwright Way, Derby DE24 8SQ

Seven is a fashionable modern contemporary Bar Restaurant on the Pride Park. Food is served throughout the day starting with breakfast in the morning. It is well furnished and welcoming and also features two separate 16 people dining rooms which can be reserved. A real ale is served from Derby Brewing Company and a guest ale is to be added soon.

Osmaston Mens Social Club

Church Grounds, Navigation Bridge, London Road, Derby DE24 8UW

Formally a wooden hut built in 1921 to welcome troops back from the First World War. The club has since been rebuilt in brick. The club focus is on families with a wide range of facilities. The club supports local charities with fund raising nights to support the chosen charity - this year [2018] it is Dementia and Help for Heroes Membership [2018] is £8.50 for the 1st year then £5.00 annually thereafter. OAP'S £5.50 for the 1st year, £2.00 annually thereafter.

Fairholme Club

15 Thornhill Road, Derby DE23 6GA

A private club set back from Thornhill Road and just a short walk from Littleover shops. The interior was heavily refurbished in 2016 and now features two separated rooms with a mixture of seating to suit all tastes. The upstairs area has been leased to the Browns restaurant. There is a full sized snooker table and darts on offer. Outside a paved area offers pleasant seating overlooking the garden. There is also a BBQ installed which is used during summer months. Joining fee is £30 and there after annual membership is £20 (2017 prices). Guests are welcome up to 13 times a year.

Creaky Floorboard

179 Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1FT

Micropub on the Kedleston Road in Derby, which opened in December 2018. The building is on the end of a line of terrace houses and was formally a guest house. The interior is made up of two rooms which still retain the house atmosphere. The small bar is located in the left hand room.

Tap

1 Derwent Street, Derby DE1 2ED

The Tap is a handsome building just over the Derwent Bridge from the Market Place. It has recently been refurbished throughout and given a fresh modern look. Downstairs are two pleasant drinking areas and a small yard; there are also small rooms upstairs and a roof terrace. In addition to real ales, the Tap features a wide range of interesting world drinks ranging from bottled Belgian beers, through foreign (keg) lagers, to wines and less commonly available spirits. Tasting racks and sharing boards add to the fun.

Ryan's

56 St Peter's Street, Derby DE1 1SN

Traditional town centre pub with an entrance of a passage adjacent to St Peter's Church. Formerly two pubs, the Green Man, which dates back to the 17th century and the Eagle, Ryan's is now one large room on two levels and features live music on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. There is a full menu of lunchtime meals (including generous portions of beef roasts) every day. For those who like old buildings, it's worth having a look at the pub from the churchyard.

Bell & Castle

92-96 Burton Road, Derby DE1 1TG

Converted from a row of cottages close to the city centre, this welcoming pub has been refurbished with modern decor. There are four open-plan areas and a separate meeting room. The largest area is used particularly for meals including stone-baked pizzas. The bar has a constantly changing choice of up to five guest beers from micro breweries and cider on hand pump. A large garden is hidden away at the rear as are the toilets, in a separate cottage. Just a short walk from the main shopping area.

Sitwell Tavern

19-21 Sitwell Street, Derby DE1 2JT

This small back street pub has a history for live music but struggles to sell any form of real ale on a regular basis for economic reasons.

Smithfield

Meadow Road, Derby DE1 2BH

A handsome riverside pub with a central bar serving the main bar and separate quiet back bar. The pub is situated opposite Trent Barton's bus garage about 10 minutes walk from the bus station. The Railway Station is also 10 minutes walk across Bass's Recreation Ground. There is a car park to the side of the pub. On a fine day the large outside terrace overlooking the river is very pleasant. The beer range is very varied with a strong emphasis on new breweries. There is also a good selection of craft keg beer. Derby CAMRA Pub of the Year 2018, 2019 and 2020. East Midlands Pub of the Year 2019. The pub has a large curved frontage which once served as a corner between Meadow Road and the road bridge (now removed) over the river which rose up from the side of the pub. The pub once boasted a two-story hotel block block which occupied the space now taken up by the car park.

Tavern

123 Nottingham Road, Derby DE1 3QR

The Tavern lies on the old Nottingham Road and once close to an arm of the Derby canal and also the Nottingham Road station of the Midland Railway. Hence the pub's former occupation as a station hotel. The pub is finding its feet after it has been extensively and expensively redecorated [June 2016] and opened up to one large L-shaped bar. New toilets and bar transferred from old location. Attracts pool players.

Tiger

Lockup Yard - Cornmarket, Derby DE1 2DT

The Tiger is tucked away down Lockup Yard, which leads from the Cornmarket to the Guildhall (Victorian) Market. A long standing Derby institution, it remains very much a community pub though in the heart of the city. The pub was originally part of one of Derby's major coaching inns and features in Derby's annual Bonnie Prince Charlie weekend. More frequent weekend activities include it as a starting point in local Ghost Walks (Lockup Yard may be a clue here), and on a more cheery note, there are DerbyLIVE! shows, and happy hours.

Slug & Lettuce

11 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3FJ

One of the well-known Slug and Lettuce chain of bars. The Derby version is big and shiny, catering by day for shoppers and visitors seeking something to eat or just a quiet drink. By night, especially at weekends, it transforms itself into a lively venue on Derby's vibrant Cathedral Quarter circuit - tables and areas can be reserved for parties. Real Ale was discontinued in Summer 2016 but they continue to serve keg beer.

Vernon Arms

21 Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AL

The white painted brickwork of this pub stands out from its neighbouring buildings. There is roadside seating to the front and a small patio and beer garden to the rear. The interior has been opened up into a single room with a games area to the left and the bar on the right. The regular Pedigree is joined by two other beers from the Marston's range, often Hobgoblin or Sunbeam. To the rear of the bar is a passageway that leads to the function room, which is home to their Folk and Acoustic Club every Tuesday evening (Entrance is one pound for performers and two pounds for audience).

Victoria Inn

12 Midland Place, Derby DE1 2RR

The Victoria Inn locally known as the 'Vic' is situated on Midland Place just across the road from Derby's Railway Station. The walls of the bar depict the long history of the bands that have performed in the music venue at the back of the pub. One of the few live music venues in Derby. The bar features a real fire and comfy leather seating. The walls show many pictures of old Derby. Pub refitted during 2020.

Vine Inn

20 Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE3 0DA

The Vine Inn at Mickleover is a traditional brick built pub consisting of three separate cosy rooms. Two served by the bar. The back room also features a real fire. It also has a covered room to the side with pool and darts, which leads to a covered smoking area. The pub has a regular friendly customer base.

Vines

51A Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ

Bless

11-17 Chapel Street, Derby DE1 3GU

The Bless is situated on Chapel Street and is a very lively venue at weekends mainly with students and young people. The pub is essentially one large open space, but has a number of segregate area, which were formally rooms. The long stretched from the front deep into the pub. There is an outside partially covered area as well. It has regular music and bands on. Food is available featuring Aberdeen Angus 6oz burgers.

Bess of Hardwick

15 Wardwick, Derby DE1 1HA

Historic Public House on The Wardwick which has a main single front bar. Originally offices for Alton brewery, then for many years the Wardwick Tavern. Refurbished and reopened July 2020 as Bess of Hardwick after a long period of closure. Now has a rooftop garden at rear with huge sports TV.

White Swan

Shepherd Street, Derby DE23 6GA

The White Swan is a community-based local pub with two rooms, one dedicated to dining, the other a pleasant bar. Both have sports TV on view. A choice of six real ales usually available with at least one LocAle. The dining area is nicely decorated and can get quite busy even at lunchtime. No food is served on Sunday evening. There is a pleasant outside area for those warmer days.

Woodpecker Hotel

Woodford Road, Derby DE22 4EF

The Woodpecker Hotel is a large brick built community pub on Derby's Mackworth Estate. To the front of the pub is a large open area which has recently been paved and extra seating added. The interior consists of a single large room with wood themed finish. Despite the single room there are quiet areas. A lot of seating is provided which gives different styles from booths to table for two. The long single bar is directly in front of you when entering the building. A good range of Keg products are on the bar and they now serve a real ale. Reopened under new management on 31st May 2021.

Olde Dolphin Inne

5a Queen Street, Derby DE1 3DL

Claimed to be Derby's oldest pub and certainly looks the part with a number of small rooms, including a traditional snug which has fires in winter and conversation all year round. Well patronised by all sorts of people, who enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perhaps a bar meal, or even a visit to the reputedly haunted cellars. There is live music from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and in the warmer months in Sunday afternoons. There are quizzes on Tuesdays and Sundays. There is a large outside drinking area. On Derby's real ale drinking circuit and with it's own beer festival.

James Wyatt

Keldholme Lane, Derby DE24 0RY

The James Wyatt is situated on Keldholme Lane and is a large estate style pub. They have just reopened after a major refurbishment and serve food and real ale. It has a large open plan bar room with large screens available for sporting fixtures. Has a good local customer base.

Alfie's Bar

Station Road, Derby DE21 7NE

This Public House near this site was originally called the Canal Tavern, it's name changed to the Station Inn on completion of the railway in 1839. The old building was demolished in 1929 when the current building was built 30 yards away as the Moon Hotel. The Canal Turn Public House has just undergone a major refurbishment (October 2016) relaunching itself as a Restaurant & Sports Bar. It is a large suburban style public house with two large bars and a function room.

Brunswick Inn

1 Railway Terrace, Derby DE1 2RU

The Brunswick is owned by Everards, while the on-site brewery is managed separately. A wide range of regular beers can be expected, plus White Feather, Triple Hop, Second Brew, Railway Porter from Brunswick. The building is part of the original Midland Railway Village, threatened with clearance in the 1970s and saved as part of the 'Railway Conservation Area' in the 1980s. It reopened as a real ale pub in 1987 after much restoration, with the addition of the brewery in 1991. There are sixteen handpumps on the bar counter in total in banks of 6, 5 & 5. The two banks of 5 have (at Spring 2014) been fitted with dual outlet nozzles for each individual pump - one with a swan neck and sparkler and the other with a straight tap with a screw fitting for an optional sparkler. The units were manufactured by CFBS (Colin Farrar Brewery Services of Keighley). Winner of the Derby CAMRA pub of the Year 2016 and 2017.

Revolucion de Cuba

9 The Strand, Derby DE1 1BJ

Revolución de Cuba is a large bright bar located on The Strand, right in the heart of Derby. Patrons can drink, dine and relax in the spanish-ish/cuban-ish interior. The interior retains some original features, but it has lost some of its original dignity. The cocktail menu and the Cantina style menu are nice alongside live music and late night partying. if you want to slow the pace, there is the Havana Club Bar and you can enjoy some of the world’s finest rums and table service all night long.

Bar Sport

1 Queen Street, Derby DE1 3DL

This sports bar situated near the Cathederal is well placed in the city center for sports lovers. The large room is an open plan design featuring sport on large screens. It boasts over 35 HD and 3D TVs enough for everyone. Meals are available from the menu all freshly cooked with inspiration from American Sports Bars. There is also late night entertainment.

Friary

Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1FG

This large imposing Grade II listed building was formerly the Friary Hotel. The building stands back from Friargate near the inner ring road and features a grand pillared entrance. It is now a two part venue with the main covered entrance leading to the Friary bar. To the left is the entrance to Scream, a late night music venue. Beers also include keg beers from Brewdog.

House of Darwin

221 Chellaston Road, Derby DE24 9EE

The Golden Pheasant is a welcoming pub which supports community life with something for everyone. The regular real ales are complimented by two guest beer with no ties. If you are after a tasty meal, the menu should have more than enough to tempt you. The pub has a good sized grassy garden, ideal for those with children and an outside smoking area separate from the garden. The pub changed ownership in July 2017, and had a refresh to a more traditional "rustic" interior, but retaining the same layout. The beer cellar is now visible behind the bar in a glass walled separate room.

Lawns Hotel

23 High Street, Derby DE73 6TB

The Lawns Hotel building was originally known as The Lawn and was built as a family home between 1871 and 1879 by Ralph Foreman. The Foreman family were residents of Chellaston for more than 200 years. The site was also once used as a bakery for the local area. The current owners took ownership of The Lawns in October 2009 and have since refurbished the building in its entirety.

Metro Bar

5 Albert Street, Derby DE1 2DS

This is a bar right in the middle of the City center offering seventies, eighties and nineties music. The bar has good prices for decent beers and spirits. Entertainment is provided by Sky and BT sports and also live music on Friday nights. The metro is always full of of people of all genders & sexualities, it is bursting with friendly people who thoroughly enjoy the music.

Crescent Inn

83 Wild Street, Derby DE1 1GP

The Crescent Inn on Wild Street is a traditional pub with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. It has a friendly local customer base and used by local dog owners who often stop by for a refreshingly cold lager and a cold bowl of water for their four legged companions. It is a great place for good conversation, good hospitality and a relaxing drink.

Tiffany Lounge

1 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SN

This is a large city style pub that has just undergone a major refurbishment but has kept the Tiffany style lamp shades from which the name is derived. The entrance gives access to the bar on the right and the larger lounge to the left. At the rear of the pub there is a small enclosed courtyard for smokers. The bar has a selection of four changing real ales from local and national breweries. On Thursdays from 5pm onwards, all real ales are £2.50 to CAMRA members, also free snacks available. In the bar, Friday night is open mic and Saturday night has music from a DJ.

Bar One

1 Newland Street, Derby DE1 1JD

A city centre pub tucked away on a back street, popular for its music and other types of entertainment. The regular house beer brewed by Brampton is called Buddy's Best, named after the pub owner's dog. The annual comedy festival in July features Edinburgh festival previews.

Ferrers Arms

District Centre, Derby DE24 3DS

The Ferrers Arms is an Everards pub next to Asda in Sinfin. It is a community pub with a quiz night every Wednesday, live music every Saturday night, bingo every Sunday night and karaoke every other Friday night.The sports bar to the rear has a wooden boarded floor and a smaller bar. The front lounge is a large room with a long bar.