š§¢ New micro-pub joins cityās acclaimed Real Ale Trail
While Derby already offers one of the best Real Ale Trails in Britain, The Little Darley is the latest micro-pub from Derby Brewing. Based in the former Papermill site, in the heart of Darley Abbey, itās a perfectly cosy spot, with a vast array of ales, including six hand-pulled beers on offer and 14 keg lines. The newcomer also showcases an extensive selection of UK craft beers and ciders from its own, award-winning Derby Brewing beers. And if beer isnāt your thing, thereās also fresh bean coffee, a fine array of world wines, artisan spirits and a range of flavoursome soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers.
š§¢ This weekās āTop Pickā @WeightmanPR: Great Pottery Throw Down display
It has been revealed that pieces crafted in Episode 7 of Channel 4ās The Great Pottery Throw Down, are to go on display at Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent. The museum, which threw open its doors early this year as part of Stoke-on-Trentās centenary celebrations, hosts this special exhibition from Wednesday, 5 March. To mark the 100th anniversary of Stoke-on-Trentās city status, potters on the TV show were asked to design and create bird baths that honour the six towns of āThe Potteriesā. As well as getting up-close to their work, visitors can also explore the only complete Victorian pottery factory from a time when coal-fired ovens produced the worldās finest bone china.
š§¢ The Toys Strike Back
A major exhibition showcasing one of the UKās largest collection of vintage Star Wars toys and collectables has arrived in Stoke-on-Trent. The display, features action figures and ships, including the legendary Millennium Falcon. There are mannequin displays including Darth Vader, Obi Wan Kenobi, Jedi master Yoda and infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett, as well as props including a rare Stormtrooper helmet and blaster from the first Star Wars film. The touring exhibition called The Toys Strike Back will be staged at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery through to 1 June. The Museum opens Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets: Adults Ā£6, Concessions Ā£4, Children Ā£4, Under 5s free.
š§¢ Head south for the summerā¦
A secure 110 km trail now known as The South Ardennes Greenway has been created along the Ardennes Canal, Aisne and Vouziers. Following the towpath, it connects the village of Pont-Ć -Bar, with Vouziers on one side and Brienne-sur-Aisne - on the intersection with the Aisne department - on the other side. The circuit has been created so cyclists can begin wherever it suits them best. Itās also an opportunity to take the time to discover the 19th century lock system in the āValley of the Locksā, from Chesne to Semuy, as well as the unusual baroque church in Asfeld, the mythical railway station in Voncq (where the poet Rimbaud used to take the train), and Charlemagneās Dome in Attigny.