About This Pub
Ah, The Red Cow – it's one of those pubs that really feels like the heart of the community in Allestree, with its rich history as a 17th-century coaching inn and that Tripadvisor award to boot. I love how it's kept things simple yet spot-on, offering quality beers, a cracking gin selection, and a cosy spot to unwind, whether you're there for live music, watching the match, or just enjoying the beer garden on a nice day. It's brilliant for families and dog walkers, being so close to Allestree Park, and you can tell it's a favourite for locals marking special occasions. That said, it's not all perfect; I've heard from a few mates that the food can be inconsistent – think dry lasagnes or underwhelming buffets that don't quite hit the mark – and service can feel a bit rushed when it's busy. Still, with an overall rating of 4.2, it's got more highs than lows, and I'd say it's worth a visit if you're in the area, just maybe stick to the drinks and atmosphere if you're after something reliable. All in all, it's a solid choice for a relaxed catch-up, but keep expectations balanced for the grub.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The Red Cow has a lovely traditional vibe, like stepping back into a classic Derbyshire coaching inn with its cosy bar and welcoming atmosphere.
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They're spot on with their drinks selection – quality cask ales, an ever-growing gin range, and cracking deals that make it a great spot for a pint or a G&T.
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It's super family-friendly and dog-friendly too, perfect if you're out for a walk in Allestree Park and fancy popping in with the family or your four-legged mate.
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They host live music and show TNT sports matches, adding a bit of excitement and making it a fun place to catch up with friends.
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The location is brilliant, right next to a historic church and near some lovely walks, with a beer garden that's ideal for soaking up the scenery on a sunny day.
Cons
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Food quality can be hit or miss; some folks have had disappointing meals, like dry or reheated dishes, which is a shame for what should be a hearty pub grub experience.
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Service might feel a tad rushed at times, especially if you're in for a relaxed evening, as a few have mentioned it coming across as a bit hurried.
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There have been complaints about overpowering smells, particularly on fish Fridays, which could put you off if you're sensitive to that sort of thing.
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For larger events or buffets, it's not always up to scratch, with reports of skimpy portions or lacklustre quality that doesn't live up to the hype.
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While it's generally welcoming, the mixed recent reviews suggest it might not consistently deliver that top-notch experience you'd hope for from a 4.2-rated spot.
Contact Information
2 St Edmund's Cl, Derby DE22 2DZ
+441332553279
Pub
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
Terrible birthday meal for 13 wish I took photo . Lasagne meat dry burnt . Fish chips look like been reheated. Chicken strips dry again look reheat . Well lamb dinner . Spoon full of potatoes. Tiny veg and 2 quarter hard dry roast . Lamb look like out prepacked half slice put on top . The children burger was dry .i be to few pub meals but this got be worse . We sat ate it out politeness as it brought for us .it like all the meals was preheated and was prepared day before . The only think could preheat was the pudding a few our guest had started for mains to be safe side .(big mistake
Easter Sunday visit with family, all had Sunday dinner and a couple of sweets, with an additional few pints of Ay Up. Service was prompt and as always friendly and the quality of food was excellent..
Family of 3 on a Friday evening.
Sat in the rear dining area which had a couple of other tables of diners.
It was fish Friday so the smell was overpowering when we walked in.
Our server was friendly and attentive but felt a bit rushed as soon as we sat down.
Menu was ok, no salad options or light menu.
Food was okay. Stir fry beef was more like a carbonara and the brisket was a deconstructed plate of food. Lasagna was delicious. Smaller portions than expected for the cost. Menu gave notes about additives but no calorific notes. Not asked regarding allergies. When other tables left felt a bit strange so left without dessert to go elsewhere for a livelier atmosphere and drinks.
Overall okay but wouldn’t rush back.
Similar to a review from someone else a year ago last night we had a buffet for 35 people (not ever turned up) at nearly £400 and the amount of food and the quality was so off. 6 trays of sandwiches which is fine but they were mostly just butter sandwiches and they had no filling, the best part was the chips in which there was 2 small bowls and 2 small bowls of samosas. Would not recommend!
Visited here on way down to Cornwall. Went has had good reviews and is dog friendly.
Was worth a visit. Old fashioned pub feel was really nice. Brilliant food even our dog got treated by one of the young ladies and one of the regulars treated her too.
I had a delicious burger partner had Sunday dinner beef ummmm.
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