Having put on a stone in weight following a recent jam-packed trip, I can confirm that Derbyshire is now a must-visit destination for those that love their food. Honestly, the area is more than just stunning scenery and fun attractions, it is also home to some mouth-watering restaurants. Here are just a few of our favourites……
Fischers at Baslow Hall
If you are looking for a formal dining experience then Michelin-starred Fischer’s should be at the top of your list. It serves high quality British fare with a focus on the very best ingredients and flavours. The presentation of every dish is stunning and has first-class service to match. If you want something super special then the kitchen tasting bench is sublime. You will not be disappointed!
The Devonshire Arms in Beeley
This village within the Chatsworth Estate is home to a fabulous pub and restaurant filled with roaring fires and old stone walls. The food is sublime and we can vouch for Sunday breakfast in particular! After just one visit you will understand the reason it has been voted Best Gastro Pub in the Derbyshire Food Awards for four years running!
Monsal Head Hotel
If you want a meal with a view then this is the place for you! You can sit and enjoy the vista of rolling hills and the river whilst tucking into some excellent food. It is a well-executed menu from a talented chef and the portion sizes are ideal after a day’s walking (just save room for the sticky toffee pudding)!
The Packhorse Inn in Little Longstone
This village pub near Monsal Dale prides itself on serving local food including buffalo and venison. All of their beef is reared just two fields away and puddings are direct from Bakewell. Thankfully they don’t just serve the locals and tourists are very welcome!
The Peacock
If you are keen on celeb-spotting then head to the Peacock at Rowsley where recent visitors have caught a glimpse of Dame Judi Dench, Michael Fassbender and Keira Knightley. This is a great fine dining restaurant for a special occasion as it has fairly high end prices to match, but the menu is excellent and the cooking is always perfectly executed. There are some good lighter lunch set meals on offer too if you can’t quite stretch to the full a la carte dinner experience.
Nonno’s Pizzeria in Belper
Locals refer to Nonno’s as the best Italian restaurant around – it serves great pizzas, pasta and much, much more. The portion sizes are really generous and you’ll get real value for money.
Chequers
The award-winning Chequers Inn in Froggatt has received an AA rosette for its cooking for the last 13 years. It has a great selection of real ales and a seasonal menu featuring pub classics like pies and battered haddock and some delicious daily specials and the Sunday lunch is excellent (duck fat roasties – yum!).
Rowley’s
Rowley’s in Baslow is the sister restaurant to Fischers and has a fine dining chef at the helm. The food is just as impressive but less formal and less costly! There are some good set menu options and an excellent children’s menu too. We also like the sound of Thirsty Thursdays!
Red Lion at Peak Edge Hotel
Another award winning Gastro Pub, this time situated within a 17th century coaching inn. A nice hearty menu (heavy on the red meat but with some great fish and veggie options) and some good local cheeses to finish, this is a really great restaurant.
Losehill House
This is one of the area’s best kept secrets, serving a delicious locally sourced menu. They have recently introduced a seven course tasting menu which is great value at £55 per person. However, whilst the food is excellent, it is the view which really sets this restaurant apart from the crowd.
Right, I’m off to have some lunch now, all of that has made me rather hungry!
By Laura Wood
August 2017