Who’d have thought it? Not content with voting the Thorn Tree their “Autumn Pub of the Season” in 2003, Chesterfield CAMRA members have voted it their 2004 “Summer Pub of the Season”!

The Thorn Tree, on Jackson Road, Matlock has under Sue and Alan Parkinson achieved the record breaking feat of getting the award twice in the fifteen months that they have kept it (following their tenancy of the Royal Oak, Coal Aston and the Derwent Hotel, Bamford).

The Thorn Tree is owned by the New Century Pub Group which seems to give its tenants the opportunity to stamp their style on its pubs, and Alan and Sue have maintained the pub as a clean and bright locals’ pub. If you call at midday (but not Monday or Tuesday – as it’s shut) you’ll find mostly County Office staff with a few locals enjoying the excellent beer and freshly made sandwiches and snacks. In the evening, it’s food from 7.00 to 8.15 (except Sundays) and curry night on Thursday.

To sit outside the Thorn Tree on a warm summer evening, looking over the Derwent Gorge and Bonsall Moor with a pint of Black Sheep or Bass or a guest beer is a pleasure not to be missed. If you wait until dark, you may see the bright light of Matlock.

On 19th May, Nigel Mower, Chesterfield CAMRA Branch Chairman congratulated Sue and Alan on their commitment to Real Ale (pictured) and their skill in keeping a perfect pint, and presented them with their second Pub of the Season certificate. On accepting the award, in retaliation, Alan announced that for the remainder of the evening, Real Beer was to be only £1.00 a pint.

If you visit Matlock and come away without calling at the Thorn Tree you’ve missed a treat.

Mick Portman