The Spanker, Nether Heage

The Spanker, Nether Heage Lovely pub in a beautiful village

12/06/2026

Due to the first England game kicking off at 9.00 p.m. on Wednesday 17th, there will be no Quiz next week. Hope you all come anyway to watch England win with us!

Having visited the Wyver Produce stall at our market yesterday I bought some lamb chops. First off I was struck by the ...
12/06/2026

Having visited the Wyver Produce stall at our market yesterday I bought some lamb chops. First off I was struck by the quality of them, fresh, deep, with lots of meat on each one. Definitely value for money.

I started by seasoning them with salt & cracked peppercorns, thyme, rosemary and a few crushed chilli seeds. Once cooked for about 15 minutes I added some gravy and mint sauce.

Served with seasonal vegetables from The Happy Cabbage and some chips (could have mash, or, even better, new potatoes instead) I ended up with a substantial, delicious meal costing under £5 a head. Cooking time 20 minutes.

11/06/2026

Why do I run a pub business? There are lots of reasons, but ultimately it comes down to one hard truth, to make some money to live on and support myself.

In the process of doing this I employ around 20 people of various ages, people you know, local people, enabling them to a greater or lesser extent to support themselves and their families. I give teenagers their first jobs, enabling them to gain valuable work experience. I pay them on time, in full, every week.

I pay VAT, Council Tax, Rates, National Insurance, Income Tax and all my reponsibilities to Government both National & Local. I pay Gas, Electricity, Telephone, Broadband and all the other running costs associated with running a business. I have never missed a payment.

I pay suppliers, mainly local businesses, on time, on the nose, enabling them to honour their obligations to their staff, etc.

I pay the PubCo that owns the freehold on my pubs their charges and rents both visible and hidden.

When I started, about 11 years ago, I reckoned that I worked Mon-Friday to pay everyone else, the weekends' takings were mine. Now, after Covid, energy crises, cost of living crises, fuel increases and all the other nonsense that has occurred in the past few years, I reckon Sunday afternoon is now mine, from about 2 p.m. onwards.

I'm not alone. I can guarantee that. Every other tenant landlord is feeling the same pressures. Some will give up, doors will close for good (2 a day since the beginning of the year according to reports).

What's the point of saying all of this? VAT's the problem? (It is, but not the only one) Use us or lose us? (Not there yet, but already seeing declining turnover). Perhaps I'm just feeling frustrated and a bit blue because if the weather. Perhaps its because I feel a bit under siege as former customers are blaming troubles of their own making on me. It is what it is. See you at the Bar, mines a lime & soda.

I often say that "There's something happening at The Spanker..." and there is! However, being Landlord of 2 pubs means t...
09/06/2026

I often say that "There's something happening at The Spanker..." and there is! However, being Landlord of 2 pubs means there's often something happening at The Rising Sun, Middleton too. Today is a case in point where we have 4 different trades on site dodging the rain showers as we undertake a complete external redecoration!

I am keen to foster a relationship between the two pubs and, to that end, I would like to gauge interest in a pub-to-pub walk. The plan is to set off from The Spanker, walk to the Rising Sun for some (free) lunch and a couple of pints (not free), and those that want to walk back do so. Those that want to can be ferried back, no problem. Then enjoy many well-deserved pints!

So, who's interested?

Available from behind the bar from 8.00 p.m. tonight
03/06/2026

Available from behind the bar from 8.00 p.m. tonight

With many thanks to Chris Smyth, our hanging baskets are refreshed and back in place
03/06/2026

With many thanks to Chris Smyth, our hanging baskets are refreshed and back in place

As you will hopefully already know I operate two pubs. the other being The Rising Sun at Middleton-by-Wirksworth. Whils...
02/06/2026

As you will hopefully already know I operate two pubs. the other being The Rising Sun at Middleton-by-Wirksworth. Whilst we have been working hard to get The Spanker up and running again, this has been taking up most of my time and attention.

It's time to balance the scales a bit and give more of my time to The Rising Sun. This week is a case in point as a key member of staff here is on holiday so I am covering most of his shifts.

I am not going to be totally absent from The Spanker, both quizzes will happen and be hosted by me and I will be "around" at some point each day. You all know and trust Stevie, so if there are any issues, please address them to him in the first instance.

Ok, a week and a day late, but all that remains is to introduce my dog of every week, Maisie. She's a 6 year old Wire Haired Dachshund (Teckel) and she's basically my little mate!

There's always something happening at The Spanker...

30/05/2026

Happy to day that our cleaning position has been filled. Thank you to everyone who got in contact.

29/05/2026

Still looking for a reliable cleaner Fri-Mon. Approx 2 hrs per day, good rates

Very excited about hosting our first market today! Fresh fish 2- 3 p.m. Meat & Veg 2 - 5.30 p.m. Our little shop open t...
28/05/2026

Very excited about hosting our first market today! Fresh fish 2- 3 p.m. Meat & Veg 2 - 5.30 p.m. Our little shop open too throughout those times for Honey & other essentials. Plus, of course, refreshing drinks! Hope to see you all later!

There's something happening at The Spanker...

Address

Spanker Lane
Derby
DE562AT

Opening Hours

Monday 3pm - 9pm
Tuesday 12pm - 10pm
Wednesday 12pm - 11pm
Thursday 12pm - 10pm
Friday 12pm - 11pm
Saturday 12pm - 11pm
Sunday 12pm - 9pm

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