THERE’S a pub in the middle of an English forest that people are calling a hidden gem.
Aptly named the Pub in the Woods, its found in Wild Park Derbyshire, an outdoor activity centre.
It opened in 2021, inspired by the outdoor drinking that was enforced during the pandemic.
Inside are a range of bookable tables, which is advised due to the small nature of the pub.
The cabana fire pit has space for up to 12 people, inside a purpose built wooden cabana so has a bit of shelter in case it rains.
There are also tipi tents, also with shelter and fire pits, or tables on the veranda.
Otherwise you can risk it with an open-air table.
Prices range from £10 to £50.
There is a fully stocked bar, where you can find everything from beer and fizz to mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates.
There’s food to soak up the alcohol too, ranging from burgers and hot dogs to pizzas and snacks.
Along with boozing, there are are live music nights, running once a week with two acts per night.
An on December 5 and 6, the pub has it’s own mini Christmas Market with more live music as well as gift stalls and food and drink.
The website says: ” Think live music; beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate (boozy & virgin); food; fire pits; festoon lights and friends – socialising outdoors in the fresh country air.
“Get booked in, bring your coats, hats and long johns (blankets, hot water bottles, quilts – whatever you fancy!) and visit The Pub in The Woods.”
Previous punters have been left impressed by the pub, raving about the staff and the atmosphere.
One person said: “The photos don’t do it justice. Environment is outstanding, so so cozy, beautiful fairy lights dotted around, staff were approachable and really attentive.
“The people that repeatedly served us kept checking into see if we needed anything, lots of spare wood to add to the fire pits.
“Nothing was ever too much even filling up my hot water bottle for the journey home.”
Another said: “Truly unique experience and could not recommend highly enough.”
A third called it “Derby’s best-kept secret”.
If you want to explore the adventure park while there, you can book both laser tag and paintball sessions as well as quad biking and archery.
Near the pub is the town of Ashbourne – which was named a trending destination this year.
Research from Independent Cottages revealed that it was the place that saw the largest increase in attention from Brits.
It is known as “the gateway to Dovedale” a valley in the Peak District, named one of the seven wonders of the UK by the Royal Geographical society in 2021.
Ashbourne gingerbread is even famous with legend saying the recipe was given to a local by a chef of a captured French general during the Napoleonic War.
Another ‘hidden’ bar is Cafe Pacifico, the UK’s first ever Mexican cantina and tucked down a side street in London.
And here’s what its like to drink at the UK’s most isolated pubs.
