Pattenmakers Arms, Duffield
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Back in the early 2000’s I would often enjoy spending my weekend evenings enjoying a pint or two at the Pattenmakers Arms in Duffield, Derbyshire. It was for me the best pub in the village and one that would be frequented by real ale drinkers both from and outside Duffield.
Things changed in the mid-late 2010’s; firstly the Town Street Tap micropub opened up in the village centre providing Duffield with a new real ale watering hole, secondly the Pattenmakers became a shadow of its former self before closing for a couple years in the late 2010’s. The pub did reopen in the early 2020’s but as a brasserie restaurant pub that didn’t really take off, and as a result it closed again. However things have changed again for the better because in 2025 a local brewery bought the pub with the aim of turning it back into a proper drinkers paradise.

Adding Shine to the Pattenmakers
The Pattenmakers Arms is now owned and run by local firm Shiny Brewery and whilst the exterior of the venue is largely untouched and still screams traditional pub, they’ve certainly brought their own touch to the interior and given the place a colourful feel. Throughout the pub there’s a mix of wood-laminate walls and painted walls with some colourful artwork hanging up. At the back of the building is an extension which is also bright and colourful. The bar area has a traditional feel to it but there is also some greenery hanging off to add additional touches to the area. Oh, and not forgetting the classy neon light sign that you can not miss.

Beer to shine

When it comes to choosing what liquid refreshment to have you are absolutely spoilt for choice at the Pattenmakers Arms. Starting off with the cask ale range where, on my latest visit, there were five Shiny beers available along with Bass. There’s also up to 12 keg beverages available including some of Shiny’s keg beers and lager as well as Guinness, Asahi lager, and a keg cider. We well as the range of beverages on tap there is also a wide range of Shiny’s other craft beers and stouts available in cans with something available for all different tastes. There’s a good variety of other drinks available including wines, whiskeys, spirits, and soft drinks.
Snack-wise you have crisps and nuts available to accompany your drinks. If you fancy something a bit more substantial you can have a made-to-order pizza. A number of street food events also take place at the Pattenmakers from time-to-time.
The Pattenmakers is back
Prior to the recent reopening of the Pattenmakers I was doubtful as to whether the pub would ever open again. You can therefore imagine my delight that what was my favourite local back in the day is now back to being a thriving real ale pub. There’s so much to like about the revived Pattenmakers not least the wide range of beverages available, plus friendly staff as well. If you’re ever in Duffield and looking for a good real ale pub then I highly recommend you pay a visit to the Pattenmakers Arms.

Getting to the Pattenmakers Arms
The Pattenmakers Arms is located within a 5-10 minute walk from Duffield village centre and Duffield Railway Station. Main and local buses stop in Duffield including The Sixes and Transpeak.
Address – 4 Crown Street, Duffield, Derbyshire DE56 4EY
Nearest buses – Trent Barton Sixes and High Peak Transpeak. All buses stop in Duffield village centre
Nearest railway station – Duffield Railway Station is a 5-10 minute walk from the Pattenmakers
Useful links
Website – https://www.pattenmakersarms.com/
