Pubwatch 2012 (no.2) - The Mallard, Derby

Hot on the heels of yesterday's pub review comes another. Just like buses then, in many ways - nothing for ages, and then the heavens open and while you're stood there, soaked through in the driving rain, the bastard, twenty-minutes-late bus driver drives straight past because he "didn't see you, mate"

Or maybe that's just me. Hmmm...

Anyway, enough of the bitterness; in fact, no bitter at all today - I didn't touch a drop during this pub visit. Was wondering whether or not to include this visit in the pub guide, actually, since I'd not had a drink. And also since I don't always see Beefeaters (and Harvesters, and the like) as real pubs - more informal restaurants with half-decent bars, y'know? Still, it's a pub I've visited so it goes in...

Y'see Jo sometimes does mystery shopping assignments - she's a "mystery customer" and gets paid on occasions to visit shops, bars and restaurants and monitor customer service and quality of experience. Her assignment this evening was The Mallard - and I selflessly agreed to accompany her. Good old boy, me.

Turned up fairly soon after knocking off from work and were soon tucking into fish & chips and a gammon steak - pretty simple, tasty enough stuff as you'd expect from a Beefeater. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I visited one - mind, they did a decent job on my dinner tonight and if the gammon was anything to go by, I'd certainly go back for a steak. Jo was delighted with the "bottomless chips" promotion and I was hella-pleased that they served limitless pop refills too; with that and me having the car with me, I didn't touch a drop of ale.

So, a rather pleasant evening's munching with Jo - but of course, I can't tell you what the beer at The Mallard was like on this occasion, because I didn't have any. Have had a pint there before, though, and it wasn't too bad as I remember.

Tell you what, if I go back there in the near future I'll edit this post and update. Job's a good'un...