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Autumn Pub of the Season 2003
Part of the New Century portfolio, the pub serves Black Sheep Bitter and Draught Bass, alongside the distinctive Whim Hartington Bitter, sourced direct from the brewery. With a compact two-roomed layout (lounge to the left, public bar to the right) the accommodation is effectively doubled by the front patio. From here, a 180 degree panorama can be enjoyed, taking in Matlock Bath and Riber Castle – the foreground is considerably enhanced by the floral displays. After stints at the Royal Oak, Coal Aston and the Derwent Hotel at Bamford, Sue & Alan arrived in February 2003 and have built a strong local trade, ably assisted by Mel and Katy (Becky is currently in Oz) … not forgetting Moses the dog! Closed on Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes, the pub offers food 12.00 - 1.45 and 7.00 - 8.15 (except Sundays), whilst Thursday night is curry night. The darts league is in action Tuesdays, with a new quiz every Monday, hosted by Sue – Matlock’s own Anne Robinson!
The Thorn Tree was chosen from – in my opinion, at least – a particularly good shortlist of pubs as yet unrewarded by the branch. From CAMRA’s standpoint, the major campaigning plus here is that Sue & Alan have persevered with previous tenants Karen & Phil’s initiative of selling a local micro brewery’s ale, not on the pubco’s list. A beer festival next summer is a possibility, not that you should need any more convincing to go & seek out this tucked-away gem! John Hassall
This webpage was last updated on Sunday, 07 October 2007 |
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Copyright © 1996 - 2007 Chesterfield & District CAMRA |
Small in size, yet big on hospitality, the Thorn
Tree on Jackson Road at Matlock has scooped the Autumn Pub of the Season award,
as voted by local CAMRA folk. And to the delight of drinkers on presentation
night, hosts Sue and Alan Parkinson offered Real Ale at £1 a pint