A little history about the Bluebell.

A date of 1766 is evident on the front of the old building and whilst some careful modifications have been made internally a good deal of the old structure consisting of the Bar areas remains.

The old 'pub' which was owned by the Offilers Brewery of Derby and later Bass came into private hands in approximately 1980 when it was purchased by a very well known local restaurateur who created the present Dining room and Kitchen together with toilet facilities and new entrance area.

It was at this stage that the reputation of the Bluebell was established as a popular and respected location for dining out.

A picture photograph of the old public house as it existed up to about 1955 can be found within the Bar area following which some modifications were carried out by Offilers in that year. However, the majority of this was removed in 1980 when those modifications were done.

 

The 'Bluebell' as it is now called was formerly known as the 'Blue Bell' and indeed a blue bell hung behind the bar to call time.

It is understood however that at some time in more recent years 'Bluebell' was considered to be a more agreeable name for the restaurant and the flower correspondingly is used as its insignia.

This change in name may however have also been used unwittingly or otherwise in an effort to baffle the prowling of Padge Barber.

'Padge' is still a household name in the area and the story of her infamous deeds and haunting of the locality including the Depth o'Lumb still prevail to this day. It is, never-the-less, an ill wind that blows nobody some good and story has it that a previous landlady 'Molly Smedley' and her son Jo were able to put 'Padges' antics to some commercial benefit.

 

The Bluebell is also situated very close to the Midshires Way walking route which passes only 50 to 100 yards away down hill and a this point has just traversed an old Roman road across the Chevin Hillside passing nearby Firestone Hill, a local vantage point. In fact, a stout walk from the Bluebell you can get splendid views of the Derwent Valley over several miles including most of Belper - well worth a look.

The Depth of Lumb also lies a short distance away on the Midshires Way together with a variety of birds and wildlife but this is more suitable for walkers.