The Smithfield pub in Derby has undergone a much.needed makeover in recent years and was recently voted Derby Camra's Pub of the Year for 2018. While it is a nice, friendly pub, I still wouldn't rate it as highly as my Derby favourite, The Flowerpot. The Smithfield is located a bit off the beaten track, a little outside the city centre, by the river Derwent (there's limited outside seating): If you don't know it's there, it's unlikely you'd discover by it accidentally. Even after the renovation, the decor isn't much to write home about, but the real ale range is good, and the beers we tried were all kept fresh. Staff are nice, too. Still, something less than meets the eye. read more