The Babington Arms

I just got into Derby and my friend suggested we should go for a drink as it had been a long day for her and myself as I didn’t have the best journey from London. We went here as we have been here a numerous times before and being a weatherspoons we knew what to expect. Never eaten here so couldn’t comment on the food, but was extremely impressed by the choice of ales they had as I have never seen that many ales in any weatherspoons bar. Would pop in for drinks if I was in the area again.

Some people probably hate modern innovations in our olde traditonal pubs, but I think the TV screen displaying the available ales they have here is a really good use of technology. Certainly a lot more pub atmosphere friendly than using it for sports. The cheeky chirpy chappy behind the bar served up a decent pint of Green Duck Quakers.

lovely family pub, great food, very cheap, lovely staff, only downfall is the family area, is used by people with no kids and there isnt much room for pushchairs.

Not the most aesthetically pleasing, awful location and the clientelle are mostly 80 year old alcoholics. The beer, however, is exceptional. Probably the best selection of real ales in Derby right now.

So cheap its untrue and great sellection

Who doesn’t like Wetherspoons? Really? They’ve got a special place on the British pub scene, somehow not cannibalising it, managing to rub along with the independents and keep a better reputation than the seemingly hundreds of M&B brands.
This is particularly clear in this Derby pub, where I was astounded to find a Wellington-​esque (
) display board of ales as I entered. At first I thought it must be a real ale festival, but on closer inspection of the pull up stands all around, it was a wine festival that was on. So, why so many real ales, I ask the landlord?
It turns out that the awesome bloke running this place is determined to make sure that real ale can survive and prosper in a city, in a chain pub, without any reason but for the love of it. There are difficulties overcoming head office to get the ales in, he says, but he does it anyway and puts on 12 constantly changing real ales, only nine gallons of each one. It’s the same concept which has given the aforementioned Wellington such a following in the west Midlands — it appears I accidentally happened on the east Midlands version! It’s odd, being in a Wethers, but just makes me like the chain a little more really.
I didn’t stay for ale, unfortunately, as it was only 10am when I got there for breakfast. The breakfast was standard decent Wethers fare (getting better each time I return as they add free range eggs, Heinz beanz and ketchup, fairtrade coffee, etc — without jacking the price up).
The only thing I don’t like about a Wetherspoons is the slightly depressing nature of them at this time of day. The place was full of mostly men on their own, looking a bit morose and sometimes a little leery. However, I can’t tar them all with the same brush, as I actually met a real life knight of the realm on this visit. Yep, as I said earlier, who doesn’t love Wetherspoons?

This is a WS’s pub with the usual but due to its relative quietness the food is usually better prepared than in the standing order and I’ve yet to find anywhere in Derby with such a large selection of real ales. They are mostly cheap too.
Honestly. This is where I bring people from other countries who want to try different English real ales. To a WS’s of all places!
Toilets upstairs are a pain and when the smoking ban first came into effect the place took on the smell of an old peoples home but they seem to have sorted that now.

Great range of beers and excellent value for money. So why are the staff always so damn miserable? They always look as if they really can’t be bothered. Shame ’cause other than that it is a nice place.

The Babington arms is by far my favourite Wetherspoons in the city of Derby.
It has a warmer home from home atmosphere and not so much of the sticky floor syndrome of others in the area.
The staff are all lovely and even when busy they will share a laugh and a joke.
If going for a meal I love to sit in the booths at the back as it is more private and away from the hubbub of the rst of the pub.
If going for an evening with the girls or just a quick coffee I love to sit on the comfy sofas at the front of the bar. Only thing against this is that it is nearer the doors and with people going in and out to smoke, can get a bit draughty.
The food is great and still very cheap even in this climate. The beer and wine is also cheap compared to most pubs and the coffee is delicious.
I love all the great pictures on the wall of historic Derby and the Bookcase full of dusty old books at the back of the bar gives it great character.
The only negative I have is that the toilets are all a hike up the stairs — but this seems to be an issue with most Wetherspoon pubs.

The Babington Arms is pretty much like every other Wetherspoons pub — ‘run of the mill’ décor, food and drinks. With it belonging to a pub chain you know what to expect before you even put a foot in the door.
However, as far as value for money goes, this pub really can’t be beaten. The drinks and food are cheap, and since the smoking ban has been introduced, the interior environment is much better — for non-​smokers at least. The frequent special offers on the food and drink also make your money go even further.
The location is pretty handy if you are in the centre of town and want to have a cheap drink, or something to eat. This pub probably isn’t the place for you if you want a more upmarket environment, and is more likely to appeal to those who want a convenient, cheap and unassuming place to have a drink. The ‘Standing Order’ Whetherspoons pub on the other side of town offers a good alternative, but is sited in a nicer building and is situated in a better location.

great pub loads of choice at the bar from ale to cocktails food is brill had some good nights out here before going to a club

great pub, lots of real ales. good meals offers such as 2 meals for under £10. they do steak nights, curry nights, burger and a pint. relaxed pub. had many nights out here.