Bakewell

Bakewell is a lovely picturesque town which can be used to visit the many attractions of the Peak District.

The town is kept prosperous by the many day trippers and coach parties. Therefore, it has lots of specialist shops, cafes, restaurants and good pubs.

Driving in from Buxton on the A6 makes it easy to find most pubs. Start at The Manners and onto the Rutland Arms Hotel.

Then across to The Red Lion and down the left-hand fork to The Castle Inn. Cross from this and go in the back door of The Wheatsheaf.

Then leave by the front door and visit The Queens Arms diagonally opposite. Then finish up with The Peacock almost next door.

 Manners Hotel has a bar full of locals. There is a small square room with some tables just to the right after entering. This is served by the side of the main servery. Continuing on immediately brings you to the main servery on the right and a large split level dining/seating area to the left. The cheapest beer in town. It serves Robinson's beers. Through the back and out is a comfy and sheltered outside sitting area then beyond the large car park is a garden and play area. Staff are very friendly. All day meals, dog friendly and disabled access.

Recently a regular in Good Beer Guide ……2023, 2025

Have a pint in here.

• real ale: Magnum IPA; Dizzy Blonde; Trooper; Unicorn; Wizard (all Robinson's)

• bitter: Robinson's Smooth; Beardo; Lucky Jack

• lager: Veltins Pilsner;

• Guinness

The Rutland Arms Hotel is an old fashioned country town hotel. Meals and afternoon tea for a treat and lots of relaxing seating. However service for the drinker at the bar is not a priority. Jaipur real ale (Thornbridge) was offered. All day meals.

Have a half pint.

The bars are below street level and at first the darkness is what you notice as you go down steps to the The Red Lion, then a lovely little pub opens up. Large bar to right and smaller one to the left, where there is also seating, and dining up some stairs. Beer garden (pictured is good.

Accommodation and food. Dog friendly. Disabled access.

Have lots of beer in here.

• real ale: Chatsworth Gold ; Best Bitter (both Peak Ales)

• bitter: John Smith

• lager: Coors; Carling; Stella

• cider Stowford Press Guinness

The Wheatsheaf can be entered from either side as it is part of an island splitting the road. It has two large areas for sitting, drinking and entertainment with all tables set with condiments for food. The main entrance has a square servery serving on three sides. The left-hand side leads to the large back 'Pudding' dining and function room Unfortunately the outside seating is by the pavement and a road. Real ales served.

Have a pint in here.

• Real Ale: 61 deep; Pedigree; Pinhead ; Hobgoblin (both Wychwood)

• Bitter: Shipyard

• Lager: Amstel; Estrella; Peroni

• Cider: Thatcher's Gold Guinness

The Queens Arms is very tastefully and comfortably modern inside but still is attractive. Servery is in the middle of three open plan rooms. The left room has armchairs at small tables. Opposite servery is some banquette seating and tables. Smaller room to right also has entrance to pool room and beer garden. However, this is the place to be on a weekend night -full of the beautiful people.

Have a pint:

Real Ale: Via Ferrata (Jennings); Pedigree; Oxford Gold (Brakspear); Forty Niner (Ringwood)

Lager: Carling; Amstel; Peroni

Cider : Stowford Press Guinness

My favourite pub in Bakewell. The Peacock serves Peak Ales real ales, good food with a pleasant outside area close to the main car park or market depending on the day. Large (forty tables with umbrellas) seating outside to right of pub.

Very much a local as well as welcoming guests. Excellent food and drink with some accommodation.

You could stay all day.

Real Ale: Best Bitter; Chartsworth Gold; Swift Nick (all Peak Ales); Lord Marples

Lager: Birra Moretti; Heineken; Peroni

Cider: Aspall

Guinness