# The Staff of Life
**Type:** Stop-off | **Location:** Ticknall, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom
**Murphy & Me Rating:** 2.3/5 (space, sniff factor, facilities, ease)
## About
After our walk at Poppy Woods, we stopped at The Staff of Life for a quick drink before heading home.

First impressions: proper country pub, nice beer garden with picnic benches just off the car park, and a thoughtful water butt setup outside with bowls for thirsty dogs. Murphy approved of the hydration station immediately 💧

Dogs are welcome in the snug bar, but not in the main restaurant area where the bar is located — which created a slight logistical challenge when I needed to order. Being on my own with Murphy meant a bit of awkward hovering while trying to keep an eye on him and get served. Not impossible, just not the smoothest experience if you're flying solo with your dog.

The garden was pleasant enough for a quick pit stop, and Murphy enjoyed his post-walk supervision duties from the grass. But honestly? It felt more like a convenient break than somewhere we'd make a special trip for.

Nice enough for what it was — a traditional pub stop-off — but not one that'll make it onto Murphy's regular rotation.

## Murphy's Verdict
*Reviewed by Murphy, Cavapoo and chief sniff tester at Murphy & Me — The Dog Edit*
> "Water bowl: excellent. Grass: acceptable for lying on. Lack of complimentary sausages: disappointing.

Would return if we happened to be passing, but wouldn't demand a detour. 🐾"
## Highlights
- Water butt with dog bowls outside — Murphy-tested and approved
- Beer garden with picnic benches just off the car park
- Dogs allowed in the snug bar area (but not the main restaurant)
- Solo visits with your dog can be a bit awkward when ordering — worth noting if you're on your own
## Dog-Friendly Features
Free-Parking
## About This Review
The Staff of Life was personally visited by Murphy & Me — The Dog Edit, a trusted dog-friendly recommendation network covering Derbyshire and beyond. Every review is based on a genuine visit. No paid placements. Murphy approved where earned.
**Source:** [The Staff of Life on Murphy & Me](https://murphyandme.co.uk/stops/the-staff-of-life)
**Publisher:** Murphy & Me — The Dog Edit | murphyandme.co.uk
**Published:** 2026-07-05