Cap & Stocking, Borough Street, Kegworth, DERBY, DE74 2FF [Map]
01509 674814http://www.thecapandstocking.co.uk/ 
11-14:30 (15 SA), 18:30-23 MO-SA; 12-15, 19-22:30 SU
Evening Meals, Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals, Quiet Bar

The Cap and Stocking, October 1997

Couldn't find the pub initially but a quick stop at the local mini-supermarket soon put us on the right tracks. It's situated along one of Kegworth's backstreets. The pub is well known for its food though ring beforehand if you're after a meal there as we visited on a Sunday evening and discovered that they don't do food then. They do do it most lunchtimes and evenings and it is well worth trying. They don't do chips which is always a good sign. They do do barbecues in the Summer and have special theme nights in the winter, for example French, Greek and Scottish evenings. The barman said that they use lots of local produce, have their own recipe for sausages and the Melton Pork Pie is one of their favourite dishes. All their meals looked excellent value for money. Oh yes, and when the food is on they stop serving it at 8.45pm in the evenings.

A very impressive interior which has won a CAMRA refurbishment award. The pub has a tidy, friendly, unspoilt feel. There are two cosy front rooms and a back room with french windows leading to the boules piste and garden.

Bass is served from the jug. I wondered what the barman was doing first when he filled a locals glass but soon cottoned on as to what was going on. The Hancock's HB (ABV 3.6%), served on handpump, was perfect in my opinion. Brewed in Cardiff by Bass this slightly malty bittersweet beer is hard to beat as a session beer.

The pub is only a mile from the M1 Junction 24 and is certainly a good alternative to a motorway service area.