The Exeter Arms

The Exeter Arms in Derby is a proper, traditional pub serving locally brewed real ales – including many from Derby’s Dancing Duck Brewery. It also offers fresh, exciting, creative food.

You’ll find plenty of characterful touches inside – an old fireplace here, an old piano there. Nothing’s been ripped out in pursuit of mindless modernity. It has a lived-in feel and an alluring patina. It’s no surprise that The Exeter Arms has been named ‘Best Pub’ in the Derby Food & Drink Awards five times.

As for the menu, well, that will raise eyebrows (but again, in a good way). There are plenty of original dishes you don’t expect to see in a traditional pub. Examples include Sweet & Sour Rabbit; Bodrum Lamb Chops; Bangalore Street Burger; Scotch Egg Bhaji; Pork Malacca (deep-fried Ashover pork belly with roasted peppers & coriander, served with Malaysian “Kepjap Manis” sweet soy sauce). The focus is on creativity and fun.

Combine all this with exceptional local ales and a great atmosphere, and you’ve got a highly individual pub that deserves your attention.

For food-service times, check The Exeter Arms website.

Recommended by Matt Wright, GFC founder, Philip Seaman, editor-at-large, and Steph Walsh, Derbyshire correspondent.

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