Spring Pub of the Season 2005
The Lathkil Hotel - Over Haddon

As we sat in the Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon, on Saturday night I could see why it had just won Spring Pub of the Season. It really gave us everything we wanted from a pub! A friendly welcome, a warm open fire, dog friendly and a lovely cosy, relaxed atmosphere…but, what about the beer? Well, the impressive bank of hand pumps confronting you as you enter is a very good sign. As is the attached pump clips; all different and, on the night we visited, the selection was interesting ~ Whim Hartington Bitter, Anglo Dutch Best, Bass, Cottage Golden Arrow and Phoenix IPA. The Phoenix was cracking and the Whim Hartington Bitter is ALWAYS a pleasure.

In fact…the whole pub is a pleasure! It has been in the Good Beer Guide since 1983 and is usually busy. People vote with their feet (literally because The Lathkil is popular with walkers) and they seem to have voted in force for this Peak District Gem. It has been in the same hands since 1981 and has built up into a thriving business, offering quality Cask Ales, well cooked food and accommodation. Formally known as The Miner’s Arms, this pretty, white 18th Century building is a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere and the lovely views of the White Peak.

Landlord, Robert Grigor-Taylor (standing on the right), accepted the award from Chairman Nigel Mower (standing on the left), with a beaming smile. He was pleased, we were pleased and the beer was flowing. I was well settled, and when the time came to leave I could have happily sat there until morning. We were finally prized out of the pub and headed off home, with a spring in our step…well, it WAS Spring Pub of the Season after all!