Bars

The Farmacy Real Ale Bar

4.7 248 reviews 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM 76 Smedley St, Matlock DE4 3JJ, United Kingdom

Discover this place

If you're looking for a cozy spot with a vibrant atmosphere, The Farmacy Real Ale Bar in Matlock is a must-visit. Tucked away at 76 Smedley St, this bar has garnered rave reviews for its impressive selection of real ales, craft beers, and IPAs, catering to both casual drinkers and aficionados alike. Customers have praised the warm, welcoming vibe, enhanced by friendly staff that make you feel right at home.

Many visitors echo the sentiment that making the trek uphill is well worth it, and the recent refurbishment has added a contemporary twist, reminiscent of a 'Shaun Of The Dead' film set. The inviting decor pairs perfectly with their rotating beer offerings, ensuring that there’s always something new to enjoy. If you're in the mood for some fun, you’ll find a collection of board games on hand—a child-friendly touch that adds to the bar's charm.

While The Farmacy doesn’t serve food, the pizza place next door allows you to bring in your favorite slices, making it a social and communal experience. Whether you're enjoying the outdoor seating or exploring the extensive ale selection, The Farmacy Real Ale Bar is undoubtedly a gem in Matlock’s pub scene.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout

Highlights

Great beer selection

Dining options

Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd

Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with The Farmacy Real Ale Bar before visiting.

Reviews for The Farmacy Real Ale Bar

4.7

248 reviews

100%

23%

Review highlights

Based on 248 reviews

The Farmacy Real Ale Bar is widely appreciated for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by friendly staff and a unique, contemporary vibe frequently noted by visitors. Patrons value the diverse and regularly refreshed selection of real ales, craft beers, and IPAs, catering well to enthusiasts of quality brews. The bar’s location, while requiring a bit of a walk, is considered well worth the effort. Despite not offering food on-site, the convenience of a neighboring pizza place is often highlighted. Additional features like child-friendly board games and outside seating contribute to its appeal, making it a favored spot for both casual drinkers and real ale aficionados alike.

Wayne Hodgin

Jul 31, 2025

What a great pub. Really good atmosphere and good selection of beer. Doesn't do food but has a pizza place next door which you can bring in...and on top of all that you have zombie protection tools...what more can anyone ask for!

James Estill

Jul 22, 2025

Great place this and well worth the walk up the hill, if you're coming from the centre of Matlock. It's been refurbished since the current photos were taken and much more contemporary in feel, with a Shaun Of The Dead vibe! Lovely selection of beers in casks and kegs, which are changed regularly. Friendly staff and a decent selection of board games if you need a child-friendly diversion. Highly recommended!

Oli P

Jul 01, 2025

Nice pub with good selection of ales / craft / IPA for those who like that sort of thing. Seemed like a friendly atmosphere

Stephen Green

May 31, 2025

If you have to walk up the hill to visit, it’s well worth it; wonderful beer and a warm welcoming atmosphere.

Zak R

May 27, 2025

Great little spot with outside seating. Excellent selection of delicious real ales. Bar staff were very friendly.

g t

May 12, 2025

Lovely micro pub ran by a friendly lady who served me. Good selection of ale. I had a couple of pale ales and a stout or ruby one. They brew their own too so fair play. Lovely vibe inside and I got chatting to some friendly locals. Worth the walk up the hill. Recommended

Jack Kirtley

May 08, 2025

No prepared food here but great crisps. But the beer and the atmosphere are why you come here. On a nice day, the view out over the valley down Bank Road is glorious. Pop nextdoor to order a pizza and enjoy with local fresh beer.

Kevin Brouwers

Apr 27, 2025

We visited during our trip to Matlock. It's a nice little pub, great atmosphere and friendly staff. A nice selection of beer that changes weekly. They also serve food from a local butcher, we had huntsman pie, a special variant of pork pie as they explained.