some of you may know that I had been trying to complete my post on myself and WK's trip to Liverpool back in May, but 2 weeks ago I was trying to complete it and whilst typing CAMRA it replaced the letters MRA over the entirety of my whole post - and as I came out and went back in it then, proceeded to save the 3 letters - instead of 3 pages - of text - as just that. So its not a rejection of my trip to Liverpool, rather a distinct change in information.....
Not that this should in any way reflect on my appreciation of Wuzza, mind - despite the dubious quality of bus services from Sheffield and later into Derby, I do still go every few months or so - and out of the 5 pubs have been to, today I will concentrate on my favourite 2, regular, bowzers
First up is The Feather Star - previously known as the Red Lion, a large former coaching Inn on the side of the square previously run by Marstons - I think I only went in once or twice and they may have sold Pedigree? Either way, it was took over by the fab folks who ran - and run - the Feather Star.
As everyone knows, Feather Star is a term given to a fossil - possibly an Ammonite? Which is found locally. Their micropub was run out of a small former Antiques shop a little further down the road, but I suspect the owners of the building may have wanted the venue to move on, and the Feather Star folk recognised the need for a bigger premises and so eventually managed to purchase - and move into - The Red Lion.
The first thing to acknowledge is the massive increase in beer choice - The Feather Star has 5 or 6 handpumps for cask from the past and possibly 6 keg lines? Have had a number of marvelous pints of Cloudwater IPA around 6-7% on my visits and their range of breweries is fantastic! Often also sell Aldwark Ales which is reasonably close to Wuzza. I highly recommend a visit.
Nearby on what I thought was John Street but is listed as North End, is the fabulous Royal Oak, a possibly 17th (not sure) century, unspoilt locals pub with 5 handpumps for excellent cask from the past along with the addition of 2 guest keg lines, often serving kernel or Verdant. There is a large fire in both rooms and outside there is a walk through barn which has seating in it through to a pleasant garden with further outdoor drinking areas.
They regularly sell Whim Ales from the Hartington Brewery on cftp, including their IPA and Flower Power at 6% - but mainly the range changes regularly - also often sell Shiny and other small local independent brewery beers.
Also - the loos are outside, and although it no longer appears to be National Inventory listed
(?) - am certain it used to be - it still remains unspoilt and the interior appears to contain many numerous original features.
Although check the opening hours if you are panning a visit!
So - there are my 2 favourite pubs in glorious Wuzza!
Cheers
Wee Beefy
I recognised the place you were describing from the names of the pubs, but I couldn't make Wuzza mean anything, so I had to look it up. But then I realised you'd put it in the title of your post, so I could have saved myself the bother.
ReplyDeleteI've been to the original Feather Star micropub and record shop, but I've not been to Wirksworth since they moved to the Red Lion.
And I've never been to the Royal Oak because its opening hours never seemed to coincide with times when I normally go drinking. It seems that nowadays they are open from 8pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and from 5pm the other days. I'll have to take a look at bus and train times to see if I can make it there one day. I do like Whim Ales!