Shepherds Arms, Whaley Bridge

Former stone built farmhouse which is a must-visit to see the splendid flagstone floored public bar. As you enter there is the ‘Lift Shaft’, possibly the tiniest pub room in Derbyshire measuring just six feet by six feet. It retains an old, possibly Victorian, bar counter and has the odd seat. Through swing doors the uneven flagstone floored tap room also retains an old, possibly Victorian, bar counter, two sets of fixed bare wood backed seating that has been there for decades, old cupboard in the wall and two oblong scrubbed tables. The replacement fireplace (2009) with its log fire is in keeping and bar back shelves are modern. The tap room is the quintessential English public bar offering the essence of a good pub - good conversation and good beer. The small room and friendly locals mean you are soon brought into the discussions and there is a large range of real ales to choose from.

A flagstone passage runs along the rear of the tap room from an external door on the right and between the tap room and lounge entrances there is a window that looks like it could be an old off sales. The lounge on the left was two small rooms in the past and the only item of age is the dado panelling at the rear. The bar counter was added in the late '70s/early '80s, previously service was via a hatch and the fixed seating is post-war.