Checking out The Chequers

Our last 'beer ride' before setting off saw a last minute change of plan. With the elders of the cycling club away in France there were only three of us for the usual Wednesday evening ride. Gary, Barry and me! - The scheduled ride was to be The Holly Bush at Church Broughton, but because none of us were confident of the route we decided to ride to the pretty South Derbyshire village of Ticknall instead to visit The Chequers Inn.

The Chequers at Ticknall

Ticknall is surrounded by beautiful well-wooded countryside and the magnificent Calke Abbey. Originally the Harper-Crewe family built Ticknall as the estate village to Calke Abbey. However following the sudden death of Sir Charles Harper-Crewe in 1981, while out setting mole traps, the estate was handed over to The National Trust.

The Chequers is one of those increasingly rare pubs. Seemingly unfazed by any notions of modernity. It's proper - a good old fashioned local, old beams and a cosy fireplace, no food or music, outside lavatories - not even a till at the bar! - the takings are held in a simple wooden drawer. It's quaint and real and welcoming. We enjoyed a few pints of the most excellent Timothy Taylor 'Landlord' before setting off via Hartshorne and Woodville for home. 26 miles ridden.