Bass: alive and well in Derby

As you might have deduced, I care rather a lot about the Bass - the beer and its glorious history - even though the present day version of the beer is not a patch on the ale it was in 1980. Obviously, all this business about the rights to brew Bass being up for sale isn't good for me. So to calm myself down, I called in at The Station Inn on Midland Road, Derby last Saturday - and had a pleasant glimpse into the cosy old past. At The Station Inn, David the long-serving licencee, has Marston's Pedigree, Caley Deuchar's IPA and Well's Bombardier on the hand pumps but I was there for a Draught Bass. The landlord placed an empty 'red triangle' pint glass in front of me and disappeared off down the cellar. He returned, a minute or so later clutching a tall, stainless steel jug - like a big metal milk jug -  from which he filled my pint pot with Bass. Other than in the West Country, it's very rare to see any draught beer 'gravity dispensed' these days and certainly not poured from a jug. It's a bit special to see Draught Bass arrive this way in gritty old Derby. The drink was lovely, cool and soothing. If you're ever Derby way, get yourself into The Station. It's only a minute's stroll from the railway station to this unpretentious, well kept and tidy pub where you can enjoy Bass from the jug.