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Church Inn
Church Road, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2GG
Annual Rent: £23,500
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Beer Garden
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External Drinking Area
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Smoking Solution
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Car Park
Property details
Nestled in the charming village of Darley Dale, just 4 miles north of Matlock in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, The Church Inn is a quintessential English country pub. Built from local stone, this traditional inn sits proudly opposite the village church, surrounded by cottage-style homes to the rear and open countryside to the front. A true country retreat, The Church Inn welcomes walkers with muddy boots, well-behaved dogs, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find crackling fires, local cask ales, and a crowd of loyal locals and passing hikers alike. The pub is ideally situated just off the A6 road for easy car access, a short walk from Darley Dale Station on the heritage Peak Rail steam railway, within walking distance of several popular tourist campsites, and well connected by regular local buses from Matlock.
As you enter the pub, you are welcomed by two rooms. On one side a cosy lounge snug, featuring comfortable seating, hardwood tables, and an open fire—creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere ideal for relaxed drinks and conversation. The second room has a more traditional bar feel, with a spacious, open-plan layout, stone flooring, and wooden bench seating. A darts oche and TV add to the lively, social vibe, while ample space allows for vertical drinking. This area flows into a softer corner with two sofas, low tables, and a log-burning stove, a real highlight that enhances the pub’s charm and comfort.
To the rear, the pub boasts a private drinking yard with a designated smoking area, leading into a generously sized, enclosed beer garden—a valuable asset with huge potential, ideal for outdoor events and summer trade. At the front, just across the lane, there’s a large customer area featuring both tarmacked parking and a grassed picnic space dotted with tables—perfect for outdoor dining and drinks. This area enjoys a scenic backdrop, backing onto the steam railway line and a popular bridle path, offering excellent footfall and a unique rural charm.
The private accommodation consists of three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a lounge, all of which are in good order.
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Cask Ale
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Team Games
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Live Entertainment
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Live Sports
Trading style
The pub currently enjoys an excellent local trade as it has a leading choice and quality cask ale offer. The current licensee is local and plays a big part in the community, which is vital to its popularity. The clientele is varied in social demographics and age, with a broad range of customers that makes the pub special. It is not all horse riders and ale drinkers, with regular live bands and events put on outside in the summer, world lagers, wines, and gins are sold a plenty. Major sporting events are shown and well attended, especially rugby and football. Occasional live music is well received, given the space of the pub, which is normally smaller groups or solo artists. The pub is popular with destination drinkers and tourists, especially in the Summer, from the local camp sites or out walking in the Derbyshire countryside. Although the pub is predominantly used to serve drinking customers, the current licensee has developed a small food offer, which the new licensee will need to continue and develop.
The Church Inn is looking for an enthusiastic and community-minded individual or couple to take on the exciting challenge of running this cherished village pub. This is a rare chance to become a central figure in village life, offering year-round hospitality, organising local events, and creating a warm, welcoming local community. However, it requires a delicate balance, as it also involves effectively welcoming tourists, particularly during the summer months, which demands adeptness in social media and marketing. A genuine passion for real ale is essential, as is enthusiasm for developing a modest but appealing food menu. Building on the current small offering is key, with simple, traditional options such as pork pies, ploughman’s lunches, sandwiches, and Sunday hot roast baps with crisp roast potatoes and gravy.
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