Pints before forty: A birthday trail through Ilkeston and Heanor

The editor of a website which documents visits to independent pubs, micropubs and brewery taps across the UK has marked his 40th birthday by returning to the Erewash and Amber Valley area.

Scott Spencer is the name behind Micropub Adventures. He spent Saturday 7th November 2026 travelling from West Yorkshire with three friends to explore Ilkeston as well as Marlpool and Heanor as an early celebration of his landmark birthday, and visited 12 venues through the day, receiving some warm welcomes along the way.

Scott said: “Highlights included The Burnt Pig, named CAMRA’s East Midlands Pub of the Year in 2025, Marlpool Ale House, which opened in 2010, and the historic Dew Drop Inn, where Erewash Valley CAMRA began in 1996.

“We started in Ilkeston with a warm welcome from Ben at The Burnt Pig, followed by The Crafty One and a look at the town’s famous Hole in the Wall. It was great catching up with Dave at Beestonia Brewing Company, and we also called into an independent spirits shop Let It Be-Gin before visiting The Stanton Cask, with its photographs of the old ironworks.

“We also explored Heanor’s growing collection of independent micropubs, including some newer openings alongside well-established favourites.”

After visiting the Amber Valley, the group returned to Ilkeston to finish at the historic Dew Drop Inn, to admire its 1950s interior and connection to the founding of Erewash Valley CAMRA. Scott added that there were: “…plenty of laughs, good conversation and great company” which he said: “…made it a brilliant early birthday celebration.”

His write up of the area said: “Ilkeston has roots going back to medieval times and grew into an industrial town known for hosiery, lace, coal and iron. Its market charter dates from 1252, while the arrival of canals and railways helped the town expand during the nineteenth century.

“The great Stanton Ironworks played a major part in the area’s history. Heanor, further north, also developed around coal mining and textiles, including major hosiery employers such as Morley’s. Today, both towns still show traces of their working past in their streets and buildings, while former shops have found a new use as small independent pubs and micropubs.”

Scott has now published a fully illustrated account of the day including photographs, the history of each pub and details of the group’s visits. His friends included Neil from Neil’s Real Ale & Pub Page, Niall from From Sheffield With Pubs and his friend Wendy.

He said: “It was lovely spending another day together exploring the micropubs and breweries around Ilkeston, Marlpool and Heanor, with plenty of laughs and good conversation along the way. With my 40th birthday only a few days away, it was a brilliant way to celebrate early. Thanks to Neil, Niall and Wendy for making it such an enjoyable day!”