The Bear Inn at Alderwasley

Off the beaten track in the rolling hills of Derbyshire, you’ll find The Bear, a gem of a pub dating back to 1528. A traditional British hostelry serving great pub food with an array of snacks and drinks, it is becoming increasingly popular.

The bar boasts a roaring open fire, dark oak beams, unique dining areas and nooks and crannies adorned with antiquities. In the summer months, there’s a garden area with panoramic views over the dales. On the menu there’s great pub classics including: steak; lasagne; gourmet burgers; fish dishes; curry; ribs and pies, as well as their own recipe scotch eggs, Bear’s Terrine and soups. The homemade steak pie and BBQ ribs were delicious, as were the chips and their homemade coleslaw is a winning recipe. Portions are generous so we didn’t have space to try one of their desserts, but the menu offers plenty of sweet treats. There’s a tempting selection of real ales, lagers and local brews on tap, as well as a fantastic selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Friday night is steak night with complimentary wine, Tuesday is pie night (booking is recommended) and there’s a Sunday Carvery which is always popular.

The Bear Inn also boasts newly-renovated hotel rooms and a couple of holiday cottages, so why not book a stay and explore the nearby market towns of Belper and Wirksworth.

Recommended by Steph Walsh, Derbyshire correspondent

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