Potter Street
Spondon
Derbyshire
DE21 7LH
01332 653755
enquiries@maltshovelspondon.co.uk
Traditional Town Pub, 3* Heritage Pub
The steep driveway and steps of this red brick pub lead you to an unspoilt interior with a quarry tiled corridor and a maze of rooms. The highlight is the first room on the left, the snug, which is formed by an old curved high backed wooden screen topped with windows . Further along the corridor is another tiny room with old benches and wood panelling. To the right is the lounge which has another small room off it, and at the far end a passageway takes you to the larger Long Room with a pool table and occasional live acts.
The three regular handpulled beers are Marston’s Pedigree, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold and the now rarely seen Courage Directors. Proper pub food is available all day. It’s a real community pub with events hosted by local groups, weekly quizzes and bingo. The large garden also hosts events in the summer and has a play area for children.
On sale at the bar is a nice little booklet full of photos detailing the history of the pub, its surroundings and its landlords and landladies. The booklet reveals that although the Malt Shovel is now a Marston’s pub selling Pedigree, for much of the 20th century it was owned by Bass Charrington and sold Pedigree’s great rival Draught Bass.
Turning left out of the Malt Shovel along Potter Street takes you to a footpath on the right, the wonderfully named Guzzlers Nook (not shown on most maps) which leads to the main road through town. If you’re visiting during the day, the hourly number 9 bus from the main road will take you just a couple of miles to the equally excellent Royal Oak at Ockbrook.
