The Bluebell South Wingfield REVIEW

The Bluebell South Wingfield had been on my radar for a while. I knew it was owned and run by the same people who run the magnificent Stones in Matlock so was intrigued as to how that would translate to a pub setting. We finally got to visit for the first time at the weekend when we found ourselves gloriously childfree at short notice. Here’s what I thought…

The Bluebell South Wingfield is a beautifully contemporary village pub. There’s a small car park just be aware that if it’s full it’s tight at the top and you might have to reverse all the way back down on to the main road. There’s street parking available – just (obviously!) be considerate to the local residents.

I also noticed that there’s a lovely children’s play area, most suitable younger children. It was small but had good quality play equipment and was near a few outside tables, so would be a perfect place for a family lunch or early tea if the weather’s good. There’s a parred down bar and garden menu.

Since it was the weekend and we were celebrating some time off parenting (and my husband was driving!), I started with a “pink fizz” cocktail. This was champagne, cherry brandy and rose syrup. I couldn’t taste the rose – and felt it was maybe a bit heavy on the brandy – but it did the job on giving me that happy rosy glow.

We didn’t have starters, but I had my eye firmly on the goat’s cheese mousse and bonbon, beetroot textures, sherry vinegar reduction and I will definitely be ordering that next time I go. And there will be a next time!

For mains, I had the pork option. This consisted of beautifully tender pork fillet served with pork belly, the richness of which was beautifully balanced by the acidic choucroute (I had to google this one – it’s cabbage!) and the Granny Smith apple purée and mustard grain sauce. The menu mentioned baby leeks but it also came with a generous square of roast potato and some beautifully roasted carrots. Honestly, it was EXQUISITE! Such a beautifully balanced plate of flavours and textures. My photos don’t do the beauty of this dish justice but I would struggle not to re-order this on a repeat visit. I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio which was perfectly pleasant and reasonably priced.

My husband had the rump steak with roasted plum tomato, Portobello mushrooms, watercress, hand-cut chips with a peppercorn sauce (alternatively you can choose a port and stilton sauce) and said it was “good” (this is why I write the reviews, not him!).

We are definitely dessert people. I was pleased to see that there is always a crème brûlée on the dessert menu, with the flavour changing daily. Crème brûlée is probably my all-time favourite dessert EVER but since my husband opted for that I was swayed by the cheesecake of the day. On this occasion it was praline cheesecake with a spicy crumb served with caramelised bananas and a delightfully rich caramel sauce.

The menu at The Bluebell South Wingfield

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options were clearly marked on the menu. They also have a section of sandwiches and light bites, and do a good selection of sides (halloumi fries, truffle and parmesan fries etc!) so you can just go for a quick bite to eat rather than a full restaurant experience.

Overall I was really impressed. Our food was thoughtfully prepared and tasted amazing, the pork was exceptional. The service was professional and prompt. Everywhere felt spotlessly clean and well maintained.

I don’t normally recommend places based on just one visit but I think the Bluebell South Wingfield is worth a mention on my blog for the combination of flavours on the pork dish alone. I have already got plans for a return visit and I know I will struggle not to order that again. It was honestly so, so, good.

Go for:

Delicious food in relaxed, contemporary atmosphere and with good service.

Details:

The fancier mains were about £17 each but there were lots of cheaper options, including the more pub style meals, and the sandwiches were around £8.

Dogs are welcome outside (they even have a cute little station with water bowls, water, treats etc) and in the bar area – but not in the restaurant. Click here for more dog friendly places to eat in Derbyshire.

DE55 7NJ, 01773 546722

http://www.bluebellwingfield.co.uk

Read my Ultimate Guide to the Best Derbyshire Restaurants