An evening of local history led by Derby Uncovered, with a buffet, Derby-themed quiz and stories of the city's darkest days.
Derby Uncovered are hosting Derby's Darkest Days at The Old Bell Hotel on Wednesday 11 November, an evening that pairs local history with some of the city's grimmest stories. It's a buffet, a quiz, and a series of tales about the times Derby and Derbyshire faced their toughest challenges over the centuries. The stories cover plague, rebellion, riots, war, and flooding, so it's less about the usual civic pride and more about the times things went properly wrong.
The venue fits the mood. The Old Bell Hotel is one of Derby's last surviving coaching inns and one of the city's oldest bars and restaurants, built in 1650. It was once considered one of the most prestigious inns outside London, and it's tucked into the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter. It's recently had an extensive restoration, but it still holds onto plenty of original features, including a Tudor Bar and a historic courtyard.
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As for the night itself, it's a bit of a mix. You'll get a buffet to eat, a Derby-themed quiz to test what you actually know about the place, and the dramatic true stories that give the evening its title. The licensed bar is open throughout, so you can keep a drink in hand while you listen. It runs from 6pm to 9pm, and tickets are £25 per person. If you've got a soft spot for the city's darker side, it's a good way to spend a Wednesday night.
