The Horseshoes Long Lane REVIEW

The Horseshoes Long Lane is an award winning gastro pub that has been on my foodie radar for a while. We recently dined there as part of my birthday mini break. We were staying at the boutique The Cow at Dalbury Lees who sadly weren’t offering evening dining as a result of staff shortages. The Cow suggested The Horseshoes and arranged transport for us. You can read about my stay at The Cow here.

The Horseshoes Long Lane has a distinct bar area and then rooms that feel more like restaurants. The bar area feels very much like a traditional country pub, with open fires and old men nursing pints. There’s also extensive outside space including some garden rooms.

We sat at the back of the candle lit restaurant. A prime spot for people watching! The seating was comfortable and we had a lovely big table for the two of us.

The Horseshoes at Long Lane Menu

As I may have mentioned before, reading menus online is one of my greatest pleasures. The menus published online for The Horseshoes are all sample menus, and the menu changes daily to reflect the availability of fresh produce.

We were presented with a bread course featuring two different types of freshly baked bread and the softest whipped butter. To start I ordered gorgonzola mousse with beetroot and confit tomatoes. The strength of the cheese was beautifully off set by the sweet, tasty tomatoes and rainbow beetroot. My husband started with smoked Barbary duck breast served with chicory, grape and raspberry chutney, carrot crisps and blueberry gel. Both dishes were immaculately presented and enjoyed by each of us.

For main course I ordered the Ashover confit belly of pork served with braised red cabbage, mashed potatoes, wholegrain mustard sauce and apricot puree. I enjoyed the combination of flavours but it was very fatty.

My husband ordered the 10oz Doveridge ribeye steak served with confit tomatoes, mushrooms and chips, and opting for a peppercorn sauce and enjoyed it all.

I was far too full for dessert. My husband ordered the lemon posset with blueberry mousse whilst I enjoyed an espresso.

We enjoyed the ambiance and the service was attentive and friendly throughout.

Go for:

Relaxed fine dining.

Details:

We paid £107 for two courses each plus one dessert, two apertifs, a bottle of New Zeland Sauvignon Blanc and an espresso. Booking recommended, mention allergies/dietary requirements at the time of booking.

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Read my guide to the best Derbyshire restaurants.