Dew Drop Inn

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Derbyshire - Ilkeston

Two star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic interest

Listed Status: Not listed

24 Station Street
Ilkeston
DE7 5TE

Tel: (0115) 932 9684

Email: dewdropilson2020@gmail.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/139603062750510

Real Ale: Yes

Real Cider: Yes

Nearby Station: Ilkeston

Station Distance: 250m

Public Transport: Near Railway Station (Ilkeston) and Bus Stop

Bus: Yes

View on: Whatpub

Built in 1884 and formerly the Middleton Hotel, the Dewdrop's current layout dates from a 1950s refit. The light oak counter in the public bar is very much a product of that time as are the two-part mirrored bar back and leatherette fixed seating with baffle by the door. The large quarry-tiled lobby has a servery with a sliding hatch (still operational but locked in the open position) and windows either side plus a 1950s counter front. Another 1950s counter and bar back in the lounge, plus fixed and free-standing furniture from the period, but the fireplace is modern. Off the lobby is a separate snug-lounge with bench seating around, but a modern reclaimed brick fireplace and unfortunate fake half-timbering. Note in the lobby, the memorial to Sir Barnes Wallis - inventor of the bouncing bomb used in the 'Dambusters' raid - who slept here during the last war.

Built in 1884 on Lord Middleton's estate and just two minutes walk from the new Ilkeston Railway Station which opened in April 2017. Formerly the Middleton Hotel, the original inn sign still sits in the garden. It was always known by locals as the Dew Drop and the name was changed in 1991. It has an unaltered layout of a central drinkers' lobby with three rooms off, and most of the interior features date from a remodelling in the 1950s.

To the left of the entrance is the corner public bar. This was originally accessed from its own external door on the corner of the building prior to the 1950s. In this room, the 1950s features are a counter of light oak (or ash), mirrored bar-back with original shelving to the floor, and leatherette fixed seating with a baffle near the door. The bench seating around the outer walls may pre-date the 1950s work. The bar-back has an opening between this and the rear room, each side having a small till drawer attached to the shelves.

The large lobby with 1950s quarry tiled floor and open staircase has a servery consisting of a sliding hatch, which still works but is locked into an open position, with windows either side and another 1950s bar front with wooden top.

The rear lounge has a similar 1950s counter and bar-back shelving, plus bench seating all round. The free-standing tables and stools are almost certainly survivors from the 1950s modernisation. A modern brick fireplace and projecting wood-burning stove has been introduced into the lounge, replacing a modern reproduction fireplace.

The third room off the lobby is a separate snug-lounge. This has fixed seating of 1950s vintage in four bays but with plush modern upholstery, a modern reclaimed brick fireplace, and modern fake half-timbering on Artex walls. The two upper window panels have the outline of old cemented-on white lettering "STRETTON'S DERBY ALES".

The off sales was situated between the lounge and public bars which is now a kitchen, but the exterior door remains. The Gents' toilets are unmodernised but very plain. Finally, note the brass plaque in the lobby which states "Sir Barnes Neville Wallis 1897-1979 slept here during WWII". Outside skittles in the yard.
 

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