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Real
Ales on Tap:
Shardlow Narrowboat
Batemans XXXB
Lichfiled Dr's Orders.
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Nearest
Accommodation:
Here
D: £40
S: £30.
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From the outside the 17th century coaching inn on the
road to Derby looks like it has seen better days. However, once inside you are
greeted with a well preserved public house. On the original oak beamed ceilings there are many jugs -
tall people watch your heads. Other parts of the décor are railway memorabilia
(there is a public manually operated barrier to cross the railway near Castle
Donnington further on down the road) and old brewery signs of better days in the
brewing industry. Beers are well kept and they serve up to 6 ales including the
standards like Pedigree and BASS plus the guests, with one always from the
Shardlow brewery. On entrance the bar is straight ahead and space between it and
the front door is limited so move away from the bar once served. An open plan
pub there are two main seating areas: to the right is the real log burning inglenook
fireplace and oblong
tables
and chairs, some with benches set within the wall. To the left is another
seating area with the same configuration and a view out the back to the A50 and
motorway. During weekends access is at a premium and we recommend you book if
you wish to eat. Food is served lunchtimes only and is traditional, home cooked,
though the Sunday lunch we experienced has frozen sprouts and scratchings that
didn't belong to the pork served and the cannelloni also came out of a packet.
However, it was edible and didn't detract from the experience. Outside by the
rear car park - on a different level - there is a pleasant beer garden which
avoids much of the road noise from the A50. Some picnic benches are also outside
the front of the pub. Access for the disabled is possible from the front, but don't
park at the rear. Getting to the pub is easy, just follow the road from the A50
and turn before the single lane bridge (over river Trent) traffic lights. From
Derby it is just after the bridge. Busses do come this way from Derby and
Loughborough, but not often. Accommodation is clean and pleasant
  
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