About This Pub
Ah, The Babington Arms, it's one of those reliable Wetherspoon spots in Derby that you can pop into for a cheeky pint or a meal without breaking the bank – I mean, where else can you get a decent real ale for so little? The staff are usually spot on, all smiles and helpful, and it's got that warm pub feel with a bit of character from the regulars, making it ideal for a relaxed catch-up after a day of wandering the city. On the flip side, though, I've heard a few tales of food letting the side down; things like rotten veggies or hash browns that taste off from old oil, and it's a shame when they can't swap out items or deal with running out of dressings without a fuss. Still, with so many positive vibes around the drinks and the overall atmosphere, it's a place I'd recommend giving a go – just maybe stick to the bevvies if you're feeling cautious, or go for it on a good day for a bargain bite.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
It's a cracking spot for a budget-friendly pint, with some excellent real ale options that really hit the spot.
-
The staff are generally friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.
-
Great value deals on food and drinks, perfect for a quick stop when you're out shopping in Derby city centre.
-
The atmosphere has that classic pub character, with a mix of locals adding to the lively vibe.
Cons
-
Food quality can be hit or miss, with some reports of rotten items or underwhelming portions that don't quite live up to the price.
-
Custom orders might not always be handled smoothly, like when substitutions aren't available or alternatives aren't offered.
-
Occasionally, they run out of key ingredients without much in the way of options or compensation, which can leave you a bit disappointed.
-
A few experiences suggest the kitchen might not be at its best all the time, leading to soggy or bitter dishes.
Contact Information
11-13 Babington Ln, Derby DE1 1TA
+441332383647
Pub
Closed
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:00 - 00:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 00:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 00:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 00:00 |
| Friday (Today) | 08:00 - 01:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 01:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 00:00 |
Recent Reviews
This morning I had ordered a small breakfast, no egg, black pudding, fresh fruit, beans on toast and two coffees.
There was no option to swap out the egg for anything else like any other Wetherspoons offers when I mention I cannot eat the egg. The kitchen didn't even automatically swap out for something else which is what I was expecting when they didn't ask.
But what they did do was automatically swap out the fruit when they "had no banana or apple". So they "gave me more blueberries and strawberries". Which seems like they maybe gave me one more of each. The fruit was old and slimy, not enjoyable at all.
They also mentioned that they had no black pudding, so it seems like they don't have much as they also didn't have the pancakes that we wanted.
The bacon was rock hard and the hottest thing on the plate was the beans. Wasn't an enjoyable breakfast.
Ordered chicken and bacon salad, when it was served to the table I was told they'd ran out of dressing, offered no alternative/discount or to order something else. The salad itself wasnt up to much and very small with very soggy, limp leaves for the £8 odd it was. My sister ordered the small vegetarian breakfast and was meant to come with 2 sausages but she only got one. The tables were all very cramped and hard to get past. Lots of dirty tables we had to go past to find a clean one.
Excellent spoons with some great offers on with food & drink .always friendly welcoming staff & locals & ideal pitstop when shopping in the city centre .
As you can see in the pictures both the tomato and the mushroom were rotten, the hash brown was bitter from the old oil. I've been there before and had nothing to complain about, but I won't be going back
Good Wetherspoon pub in Derby, the real ale is excellent, I’m on Marsdens Pedigree at the moment. Staff nice, some of the locals a bit unusual but adds to the character of the place. I’ve eaten hear before and food was good. Toilets upstairs as usual for this pub chain. Would recommend 🍺🍺👍
Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl
Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.
56 St Peters St, Derby DE1 1SN
82/100
0.1mi
10 Osmaston Rd, Derby DE1 2HR
90/100
0.1mi
Royal Building, Victoria St, Derby DE1 1ES
88/100
0.2mi
4 Lock Up Yard DE1 2DG
82/100
0.2mi
25 Morledge, Derby DE1 2AW
82/100
0.3mi