Quick info
About The Smithfield
The Smithfield is a traditional pub in Derby on Riverlights House, set beside the River Derwent. Its terrace has heated seating that faces the river, so drinks can be taken outdoors over the water. The bar pours real ales, guest cask and keg beers, ciders and local craft beers on draught, and the team brings drinks to the table. Food is limited, with locally sourced pies and pork pies on offer. Live bands play at the pub, and the music includes afternoon gigs. Dogs are welcome, so owners can bring them along.
Good to know
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · Parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: parking lot
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention real ales, riverside outdoor seating, live music and pork pies.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention real ales, riverside outdoor seating, live music and pork pies.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the selection of well kept real ales, along with local beers, guest cask and keg, and ciders, served at a riverside spot overlooking the Derwent. Close behind is the friendly staff, with one reviewer noting the bar team remembers the preferences of irregular regulars, and another mentioning table service. The outdoor heated seating by the river and the live bands, including a Sunday afternoon gig, also draw praise. Locally sourced pies and a buffet for a football club reunion get a mention, and one reviewer eyed the pork pies for a return visit. The main caveat concerns food: one reviewer calls it a little limited and says people go for the beer, while another was unsure whether food was sold at all. Several describe it as a proper old school pub, and one reviewer says the welcoming atmosphere makes a woman drinking alone feel comfortable.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the selection of well kept real ales, along with local beers, guest cask and keg, and ciders, served at a riverside spot overlooking the Derwent. Close behind is the friendly staff, with one reviewer noting the bar team remembers the preferences of irregular regulars, and another mentioning table service. The outdoor heated seating by the river and the live bands, including a Sunday afternoon gig, also draw praise. Locally sourced pies and a buffet for a football club reunion get a mention, and one reviewer eyed the pork pies for a return visit. The main caveat concerns food: one reviewer calls it a little limited and says people go for the beer, while another was unsure whether food was sold at all. Several describe it as a proper old school pub, and one reviewer says the welcoming atmosphere makes a woman drinking alone feel comfortable.
Featured reviews
- ALT.89
“Lovely staff nice warm experience outdoor seating area didn't know if they sell food so that's why there's only 1 ⭐ but if they do will try on next visit other than that highly recommended with it being on the outskirts of the city center it's a grate local experience with not any hot heads from nightclubs”
- Jon Edgeley
“Great ale house along the river in Derby. A good selection of well kept ales on draught friendly bar staff. The also have a program of live bands on. One of the best pubs in Derby.”
- Robert Elliott
“Lovely, friendly pub. Atmosphere cosy with really good staff. Always remember the preference of irregular regulars. There's a lot of flood defence in the area, but access is still fairly easy I think.”
- Eric Delea
“Thank you to Ben, Emily and all the staff for a brilliant night at our Football Club reunion. The beer was superb as was the buffet to go with it, superb service as well. 👍👍”
- Louise Burnell
“I love this place! Special setting next to the Derwent, always a great selection of real ales and a friendly atmosphere. The people behind the bar are excellent in their roles keeping it as a welcoming pub with well kept beer. I'll have to sample the food as it obviously goes down well with those who order it. It's nice for a single woman as myself to go somewhere that makes me feel so comfortable!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Traditional boozer with a riverside terrace offering a craft beer menu, plus simple pub grub.”
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Alcohol
- Cozy
- Beer
Show more amenities
- Food
- Live music
- Restroom
- Groups
- Free parking lot
- Offerings· 2
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Highlights· 2
- Great beer selection
- Live performances
- Crowd· 1
- Tourists
- Parking· 2
- Free street parking
- Parking
Location
Bars near The Smithfield
- Exeter Arms4.61,9420.2 miWheelchair accessible
real ales and cask beers, royal kebab, korean chicken
- The Brunswick Inn4.61,7460.4 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
real ale selection, house-brewed beers, cheesy chip butties
- The Hideout Derby4.58790.4 miWheelchair accessible
bottomless brunch, chicken wings, wing wednesday 50p wings
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The SmithfieldOutdoor seating | 4.61,087 | — | £10–20 | real ales, riverside outdoor seating, live music |
| Exeter ArmsWheelchair accessible | 4.61,942 | 0.2 mi | — | real ales and cask beers, royal kebab, korean chicken |
| The Brunswick InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.61,746 | 0.4 mi | £10–20 | real ale selection, house-brewed beers, cheesy chip butties |
| The Hideout DerbyWheelchair accessible | 4.5879 | 0.4 mi | — | bottomless brunch, chicken wings, wing wednesday 50p wings |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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