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Timekeeping
Masterpiece
After wandering down the riverside walk and past the ugly
newspaper building, we stumbled on The Smithfield, an unusual-shaped building
that was once operated by Offiler's Brewery. The Smithfield is a fairly new name
for the pub - it was originally called The Cattle Market. No doubt the place was
once packed with farmers and stinky Wellington boots. The bar in this free house
had arguably the best selection of golden beers I have ever seen in a pub.
Deciding what to order was a bit of a problem when I clocked the pump clip array
of: Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted, Oakham JHB, Hopback Thunder Storm, Burton
Bridge Bitter, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Fuller's London Pride, Oakham Bishop's
Farewell, Hartington IPA and Leatherbritches Hairy Minger. The pub has a large
bar with the curved exterior wall. The two items that lodged in my memory bank
were the flagon from the Three Tuns at Bishops Castle and the massive clock
above the counter - probably to remind farmers years ago that it was time to
haul their arses back home and milk the cows. The smaller rear lounge has some
old settles, a display of brewing memorabilia and an old time recorder - they
like their timekeeping in here! Another room is a bit of a games area. There is
a beer terrace that overlooks the river. Judging by the roster on the bar board,
The Smithfield looks like a venue for bluesy/pub-rock bands so I'll stick to the
lunchtime sessions ta very much. Apparently the nosh is filling but we weren't
enamoured with the menu card which was filthy. Indeed, the pub itself is a bit
riffy so if you're a fussy type then don't go in with an army barrack room
inspection mentality. Apparently, the place is going to be refurbished soon but
I hope they don't lose what makes this place such a good boozers pub. We were a
tadge Hank Marvin and needed some stodge to soak up the beer so we ordered chip
butties which were excellent. All in all, an fine boozer with a top selection of
beer. Note: The Smithfield scooped Derby CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2003.
Kieron McMahon
25th May 2002
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