The pub takes its name from the nearby road junction which has an ornate five lamp street light as its centre piece.

The Five Lamps has become one of the stars of the Derby real ale scene with its wide range of well kept real ales complemented by 8 craft beers. Effort is made to maintain a variety of styles both on the real ale pumps and the craft lines. It's a short distance from the northern end of the city centre. Highly popular, it attracts people of all ages who like a clean and comfortable pub with good beer. The interior consists of a large single L-shaped room which naturally splits itself into different areas. A saloon type area offers level tabled seating around a fire place. Another area offers high sumptuous seating in a pseudo-booth style. There are two outside areas at the back of the pub offering sheltered seating and a fenced off area at the front.

There is a nice selection of bar snacks including rolls, pork pies, scotch eggs, Pipers crisps and a cheeseboard.

Changed hands around August 2022 to Browns who also run the Crown at Beeston.