Holly Bush Inn in Amber Valley

One of the greatest pubs in Derbyshire, if not the best. Great beers, amazing surroundings. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. It's exactly 2.2 Kms from my front door, and if you know that kind of detail, you know how great a pub it is!

A fantastic little pub that is a true classic, great atmosphere and truly unique. They also offer a great selection of bar nibbles, with some pork pies which all looked delicious...

The beer was excellent as always, long queue to be served but I expected that as it was Xmas eve.

Proper old country pub. Great atmosphere, great food. No parking on site so be prepared to park and walk a bit (5 minutes).

Super atmospheric place! Such a lovely vibe! Amazing choice of beers and food is very nice. Definitely recommend for cozy day or evening.

Not a great choice of food a little basic but also very nice a good choice of pork pies

After booking our Xmas meal for 6 people , months ago ,expecting to be sitting in a quaint pub and open fire. We were put in the cold dusty conservatory with hard wooden benches and a sticky table( presumably meant for ramblers etc) Staff were not welcoming or friendly. Only chrismassy thing was the crackers on the table!. We were all upset, disappointed and the lack of consideration for booking customers, completely spoilt out day! Would never recommend

Excellent country pub. Great sausage roll. Open fires and friendly atmosphere. Reasonable prices for both drinks and food.

Great little country pub. Excellent sausage roll

A Fantastic country pub completel with log fires, serving a great selection of beers wines & spirits very helpful friendly staff serving good quality food at very affordable prices

A real old time pub with good food selection and their pies are brilliant.

I stumbled upon this Inn whist researching a quaint pub to visit for lunch that was not too far away from our octogenarian friends and their grandson who live near Stoke. My friend and I live in Lincolnshire. We meet up every year and I try and find somewhere that we can eat and enjoy the surroundings. As soon as you set eyes on Holly Bush Inn you can see the character of this amazing old building. If only it could talk. I am coeliac so the fact they have GF options on the menu was a huge bonus. We al ate there and thoroughly enjoyed our meals, desserts and drinks. The pub was so busy and the staff are lovely and welcoming. I just wish we lived nearer as it would most definitely be a regular for us. I have only just seen the previous review where the place was given 1 out of 5 and I find that so sad that they didnt have a great experience. We all felt that it was an absolute wizard of a place to visit.

I love this place...we have a ramble through the fields from Belper, with the promise of a good pint and great food...keeps you going for sure. Very dog friendly, water bowls stacked near the door so you can help yourself. I could happily sit in the conservatory for hours but we had to get off walking home before it got too dark.

What a pie and great selection of beer

Best pub in the world in my opinion. Simple as that.

Best pub in the area, great beer, good food, lovely staff

What a fabulous original old pub small quirky rooms and the beer was great nice outside space

Great pub attended for the beer festival, some really nice beers on the pumps didn't have food but it looked nice will visit again soon.

Lovely welcoming pub proper fires great ales and well priced food with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Well worth a visit

Came here after hearing it had a great reputation, but I was really disappointed. Ordered a couple of roast pork and beef rolls thinking great, nice fresh filled rolls with all the trimmings and some chips on the side, hearty quality pub fare. What we received were a couple of cheap baps with a single slice of meat that's been re-heated on the grill, dark cold chips that taste of old oil, and a 'salad' that consists of a handful of bagged mixed salad leaves with some bought in dressing dumped on top. Horseradish, apple sauce bought in, processed tat. It was really disappointing because I can't believe somewhere like this survives serving such poor food, it really is on par with school dinners and I know that sounds harsh if anyone's reading this but it makes me embarrassed to be British if this standard is what people find acceptable. Their pork pies they have on display in their 70s tuck shop glass cabinet along with cling filmed rolls looked good but I'm sure they're bought in too. No points for Gryffindor. Being a very cold autumn you'd think there'd be few logs on the fire making the place very warm and inviting on these grey drizzly days. Nope, not a sausage. There was nay a whisper of heat through that pub. You'll also be pleased to know it's really authentic because the place hasn't had a cleaned or freshened up in 300 years, the ornaments are full of cobwebs and walls covered in tar stains from tobacco smoking long since past. I know this sounds very harsh but they really were failing on such basics, I don't know if it's been taken over but the management is clearly blind to what passes as standards. Before I forget. Do not order coffee, it's like dishwater.

Too many Ales to choose from. Absolutely perfect. They have Cobs, large pork pies on offer. Good atmosphere.

Gorgeous cosy multi room pub with a large and immaculately kept beer selection.

Called in after football with my son ,there was a beer festival on so a good choice of beers.

Didn't eat here but loved the choices. Wonderful old old pub, the place was very well used on the day we went, outside snd inside.if I lived close by I'd go everyday!

Excellent food, very friendly staff and lovely atmosphere with real fires.

We visited Saturday and Sunday for lunch. We came as a large group and were accommodated easily. Owner and staff were very friendly, the beers and ciders were amazing and the food was stunning. I had the pork and apple cob, absolutely delicious (with crackling) and Sunday I had the chicken cob and the apple and rhubarb crumble. Thoroughly recommended.

Absolutely gorgeous food. Lovely staff and a delightful venue! Thank you for a super visit. Xxx

Such an accommodating pub and a great place to hold a celebration. The service and communication has been great throughout! Thank you to Andrew & Rachael for being so helpful.

The perfect pit stop mid walk, the fires were very welcome to dry off! Had an incredible selection of gluten free options, most of the menu being able to be altered to be GF.

What a truly amazing pub. You won’t find any like this any more. Free house. Plenty of ales on tap Very old 17th century pub and doesn’t like it has had many updates since inside. The menu has plenty of choice and plenty of gluten free options. I opted for the gluten free burger stack they were delicious and home made nice salad and chips, the roast beef was cooked to perfect as well a the veg. We were too full for pudding but great choice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Children can’t be in the bar due to licensing laws not sure if that is Pro or con. Only down bit parking can be difficult as car park has turned in to seating area so have to park on road and very little room. Highly recommend and will be retuning if in area.

This is one of my top 5 pubs. I visit every Wednesday

One of few traditional pubs still around.

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. You couldn't ask for a better quaint, traditional country pub than this. There are real ales and some outstanding food for you to savour. There are lots of little rooms, a conservatory and outside eating areas. Even though the car park is small and would usually make me only give 4 stars, I can't do this for the quaintness of this Inn. Try it, you will not be disappointed

Very olde worlde pub. So much charm. Staff excellent, beer excellent. Got such a great feel, just so glad this is not my local.

Good Sunday lunch, lamb excellent with really well cooked vegetables Atmospheric country pub. Sorry for being late for our booking but you did us proud. Thank you

A great oldy world pub, we held a family wake in the back room. Very friendly and the food was great 👍

Had a group of us booked for a late afternoon buffet, food was amazing and they served us drinks at a hatch so quickly

We three retired ladies went for lunch. We found a varied menu with lots of choice. Too many pubs don't cater for we who have small appetites and tummies. Not so here. We were impressed by the large selection of local beers and those we tried were in excellent condition. Friendly, efficient service from the young staff completed a lovely experience. We shall return.

A great old pub with lots of atmosphere and friendly staff

I love heritage interior pubs , and this featured in my Camra pub. I also love real ale. I've been planning to visit for some time, even though it's three trains and a walk or bus. Fabulous interior, welcoming staff, good ale selection, plenty of outside areas , covered and uncovered and nice pub food. The cheese platter was 👍. It's also worth making it part of a mini pub crawl by finding the Spotted Cow and Dead Poets.

This 16th century coaching Inn is one of the best in Derbyshire.

This is my second visit while on holiday from Canada, and this place has quickly become a favorite. The pub is cozy and inviting, with a huge patio that's perfect for a beautiful day. The food portions are generous and delicious, complemented by an amazing selection of beers. It's definitely a favorite holiday spot and a local haven. Plus, it's dog-friendly, so there's never a shortage of adorable dogs. The best pub in Derbyshire!!!

Great ales , nice zero ale, lovely food at lunch time

Sometimes a little loud with people who enjoy shouting in small rooms - not from the shire usually

This restaurant is a paradise of flavors and delights, I advise you to take a look there.

Amazing place really excellent selection of beers and ciders .

Great little pub, full of character. With a great beer garden

This is a great pub fantastic character and charm with a great selection of beer and ciders.

Good selection of real ale and craft beer, but no stout or porter on the hand pulls 😭

Traditional local pub, quirky outdoor area, great variety of drinks and bar snacks. dog and child friendly. Service is slow but with a smile. Great experience.

Great pub with great food and a massive selection of real ales.

Atmospheric old pub tucked away in the countryside. My roast beef baguette was excellent.

Great old pub, a nice selection of beer and cider. I've not tried any food yet, but what I've seen looks good.

After a long journey from the South coast we arrived late lunch time, a really friendly welcome, a great range of real ales, and what a pub, several rooms, lots of places to explore, and what a great lunch, the burger was great, my partners chicken breast was equally as good, a nice chilled atmosphere in an historic gem that just couldn't be improved, a great start to a holiday

A truly great experience from end to end. Really impressed with the food and service , the decor was great and overall was great immersive experience. I would highly recommend this but if you have allergies to dog wouldn’t recommend it at all.

Excellent pub, lively with great atmosphere. Suberb light bite selection. Excellent beers. Recommend seeking this pub out if you're in the area

Fantastic place to stop for food and drinks if you've been out walking or cycling in the beautiful countryside nearby (or even if you haven't). The food is great and service is prompt and friendly. There is a dedicated area for walkers with muddy boots and they have a log burner which keeps it lovely and warm in the colder months.

Love this place, just does everything right

An old haunt from 36 years ago and it hasn't changed! Marston's Pedigree still comes to the bar in a jug, straight from the cellar and served at room temperature. Just as it should be 🍻💕

We stayed in a nearby hotel, checked in, and went up the hill to the Holly Bush. First impression was a bit mixed. It seemed a little "interesting," to say the least, with lots of little rooms inside with a large beer garden and what can be described as a conservatory outside. The bar has a couple of serving points, one for the outside space and the main bar. All I can say what a cracking place, the bar staff, are great, and the regulars are friendly and talkative. The pork pies are to die for. Plenty of choice in beers, ciders, and ales, also dog friendly inside and outside. All in all, a great pub.

Maybe I visited on the wrong night. Personally, I didn't like it, paint peeling from the walls, I found it dark and dingy. Not my type of place, I would not rush back.

Great pub with good selection of beers and ales, and the pork pie are awesome. Just not much parking. But great walks in the area

Great friendly service with a nice selection of food & beers

4 of us went for lunch 3 venison and mushroom pies 1 fish and chips Fish and chips were lovely The pies were all cold . The pastry was soggy and I mean uncooked soggy We complained Service was very good Immediate replacement meal No quibble Shame as we won't return

Lovely real ale pub,always good selection of ales and beers on, usually a roaring fire and a few quaint little rooms to sit and enjoy, one of my favourite pubs in derby

Probably the best real ale and cider pub in Derbyshire. We go regular and enjoy all the beer festivals they put on. The beer is an exceptionally reasonable price. The more you drink the more you save!!

The usual good food and great ambiance. Worth booking a table in advance.

One of the best real ale pubs in the east Midlands. Only just off the A6, well with a detour

Great pub, good beer choice, amazing food. 👍

Great traditional pub with some nice beers

Awesome, quirky pub with lovely food and very reasonably priced. Great selection of beers and ciders too. Would highly recommend

I went to the BBQ night. The food was great, the atmosphere was brilliant. I can't wait to go again

What a gem of a place. Very traditional old style. Great choice of beers and ciders. The food was very good and well priced, and the staff very friendly and welcoming - will definitely return soon!

Wife and i went for lunch on my birthday....love it...

Great place to have a cosy relaxed drink

Back to basics pub with enough charm and beer choice to keep you happy; like walking back in time inside

Great old school pub with friendly atmosphere and good bustle. Like stepping back in time.

I'd say it never changes, but the conservatory is bigger. Otherwise, it is as it always was, a rabbit warren of little cubbyholes where small groups can enjoy well-kept real ales in quiet surroundings. There is effectively no parking on site: it's a 5 minute walk from the bus stop. Good traditional real ale pub. Didn't notice any food, not why I was there.

Great pub, beer & food fantastic. I go there most weeks with friends, always made welcome.

Lovely place to have a chat with friends and some drinks. Proper classic pub energy. There's a darts board and plenty of outdoor space. Love the decor!

A great pub to call in on a walk.

Never seen chips this colour! Nearly black!! Fish obviously from frozen and over cooked, mushy peas cold, very expensive for poor quality food

Love the look and feel of this pub, and the bar snacks were fab. My one note would be that although I appreciate that it is focused on real ales which is good for my husband, some tolerance of people who don't drink beer/cider/ales wouldn't hurt. The woman behind the bar was just rude when I asked what the gin options were because there were too many for her to tell me apparently but no list anywhere and I couldn't see from the only space available near the bar.

Great pub atmosphere great choice of beer and bar snacks

Best pub in Derbyshire. But dont want too many people knowing 🤣👍

A fantastic pub olde worlde with open fires.

Lovely old traditional pub with lots of choice of real ale and a cosy (antique) atmosphere with open fires.

Delicious meal! Christmas festive menu is lovely! Gluten-free options nice!

Great pub, especially in winter

This place is an absolute gem of a pub for drinks and food. I've not been here for years but never eaten only popped in for drinks every now and then. Staff are really friendly and welcoming, the choice of drinks is amazing, and the food was all fresh and really tasty. I would recommend this place to anyone and will be 100% going again.

The Holy Grale of real ale pubs in Derbyshire. If you like real ales/ciders, you must visit The Holly Bush Inn, Makeney, Derbyshire. It's a "proper traditional pub". Open log fires and the interior decor is probably unchanged since the day it was built. The food menu and food quality are both great. I had the "Big Bush Burger" 😉 I think it was an 8oz hand-made burger, topped with 2 pork sausages, gherkin, and enveloped within a brioche bun. Accompanied by homemade skin on chips, salad, and balsamic vinegar. It was AMAZING, and although I was choc a block, I just couldn't leave any..... I can't comment on the desserts, as I'm saving those options for my next visit.

Great pub oldie worldy ,nice fires in side brill

Traditional village pub. Excellent choice of real ales, good choice on menu all freshly cooked and good sized portions. Staff friendly, great atmosphere, real open fires in winter months.

My new favorite place - it’s simply brilliant at all aspects

Superb character pub. Great beer Great food. Great atmosphere. Would certainly recommend.

Great pub, the beer and food is amazing.

A very friendly family pub Food great Evening drinks

Always been a favourite. It was so busy we sat in the shed in the garden. It felt so cold and damp. Really wish they'd perhaps add some more textiles, cushions on chairs, decor to make it feel more cosy. The conservatory also stunk of piss, something we've noticed the last few times.

I discovered a whole new bar tonight, especially reserved for beer festivals, with keg beers. I was in heaven! A great selection of real ales, many local, and much better than some of the large mainstream beer festivals. Beer festival aside, they still have great beers available every day.

Lovely country pub serving several casked and kegged ales. Some of which are changing guests. Really nice character and ambience inside the pub. Serves food. Cold and warm bar snacks available . Open for lunch and dinner. Pub has several rooms and snugs. Only drawback is the limited parking as the old car park is now used for outside seating. This may change in the winter months, I don’t know. You have to find a space on a very narrow road which isn’t ideal. Apart from that it’s highly recommended . Helpful staff and Dog friendly. 🍻 🥘 🐕