The ‘Dead Poets Inn’ is a gorgeous old world countryside ale house in the picturesque village of Holbrook, situated approximately 6 miles north of Derby, conveniently between the A6 and the A38. Initially called the ‘Cross Keys’, it was purchased, renovated and cleaned up in 1997, and renamed the ‘Dead Poets Inn’. Patrons are met with stone flag flooring and a huge open log fire. Low hanging wooden beams and brewery memorabilia are abound, as well as nods to poets current and past to make it feel like your stepping back in time.
The property was purchased by Everards brewery in 2004, and a large conservatory was built soon after. It has recently been leased by the Brunswick Brewing Company of Derby, who as well as maintaining its high beer quality, have remodelled the beer garden, introducing an explosion of colour. Concentrating mainly on cask ales of which there are 9 excellently kept, including an immaculate pint of bass, Abbott ale from the jug, several guest ales and house beers from the Brunswick Brewing Co. Complimenting the ale are 20+ gins, numerous rums, single malts, wines and other spirits, as well as 3 or 4 traditional ciders from near and far, meaning there is a drink to suit all tastes! Lunch time light bite food is served Tuesday through Sunday, and the pub has several regular events, including a monthly cash prize quiz, poetry nights in the summer, a monthly cheese and pork pie night and two yearly beer festivals, as well as many other events. The conservatory can also be reserved during the week in the daytime for small events (wakes, birthdays etc).
For a relaxing pint in a flowery beer garden during the summer, or a glass of wine next to a cosy log fire in the winter, the Dead Poets Inn really is a gem, and a must stop for anybody visiting Derbyshire.