Chatsworth Kitchen REVIEW

[AD – PR invite] Spending the morning at the newly opened Chatsworth Kitchen in Rowsley and exploring the Chatsworth gardens, where much of the produced is grown, is literally my dream day out, and I got to do just that yesterday.

The newly opened Chatsworth Kitchen is based at the Peak Village retail park, in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District. Chatsworth has acquired the space and opened a flagship, destination café/restaurant and food and lifestyle store. Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates estate sourced, locally made produce, both from the kitchen garden at Chatsworth and from a network of local producers.

Designed by Lady Burlington, the interiors are recognisably Chatsworth. Much of the décor has been sourced from the House or the wider estate. It lends a real sense of place and heritage to what was once a carpet shop in an unremarkable retail park. The space successfully balances traditional country charm with a fresh, contemporary feel. There are high ceilings, feature lighting and fresh meadow flowers on every table. Vintage copper kitchen equipment beautifully compliments navy panelling. It is a glorious space.

From garden to fork

After coffee, delicious pastries and a stunning fruit platter we were chauffeured to Chatsworth, just a five minute drive away, to see where most of the lovely produce is grown. We were given a guided tour by the knowledgeable, friendly gardeners and given exclusive access into otherwise restricted areas. We even tasted grapes. Delicious, sweet grapes, grown right here in Derbyshire!

Although Chatsworth is probably my favourite place on earth and I have visited numerous times (read about a family day out at Chatsworth and a visit to Chatsworth Christmas market), I had never actually explored the kitchen garden. What a fascinating place! There are also lovely views over the rest of the estate.

Then it was back to Chatsworth Kitchen for lunch!

Lunch at Chatsworth Kitchen

Over a refreshing glass of elderflower and Bramley apple club soda we perused the menu. There’s an all day brunch menu, light lunch options – as well as some satisfyingly meaty dishes like Chatsworth lamb cutlets or steak.

One of the signature dishes at Chatsworth Kitchen is the flatbreads baked freshly to order in their bread oven. Everyone on my table (my plus one Debs and fellow local food bloggers Emi.and.Leah) ordered the fig, caramelised onion, goat’s cheese and balsamic flatbread. My lovely friend Debs was kind enough to let me try hers. It was absolutely delicious and I would definitely order that (or the Derbyshire blue cheese and grape version) on a return visit.

The flatbreads, along with the other ‘deli plates’ (a seasonal tart, salmon cured in Chatsworth Gin or a tofu dish) are all served with a choice of side salads. These are very generously portioned in individual dishes. All were delicious, although I wasn’t expecting them all to be served cold. The deli plates start at £13 which is very competitively priced.   

I tried the sweet potato cake. This was lightly spiced and deliciously crispy, served with a coconut yogurt and tantalisingly hot Harrisa rose dressing. I really enjoyed it although I thought the portion size was rather small to be listed under the ‘larger plates’ section of the menu. Thankfully I had ordered a side dish, the tomato carpaccio. This consisted of beautiful, rainbow coloured slices of tomato very lightly dressed in a fragrant basil oil and garnished with fresh basil leaves. Both of these dishes were vegan and absolutely delicious. In fact, there are a good range of vegan and vegetarian options throughout the menu.

We were pleasantly satisfied by this point so I will be compelled to return someday soon to sample the beautiful cake counter. This is definitely the sort of place you could pop in for coffee and cake and a catch up with a friend. It’s also the type of place you could take your parents or grandparents, or pop in with a child (there is a children’s menu and plenty of high chairs).

The coffee is sourced from a Sheffield roastery whilst the speciality teas are from the Northern Tea Merchants of Chesterfield. If you’re after something a little stronger there’s a small but perfectly formed wine list and range of locally sourced beers and ciders. You can even indulge in a Chatsworth G&T or cocktail! How very civilised.

Service was excellent throughout – friendly yet professional. I absolutely love the whole ethos of Chatsworth Kitchen. It’s exactly the sort of place Derbyshire needs – a real destination in itself – and one I can see becoming a regular haunt.

Go for:

Locally sourced, quality seasonal produce in a relaxed but inspiring, contemporary environment. A perfect brunch, lunch, early tea or coffee and cake place.

Details:

Chatsworth Kitchen, Peak Village, Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire, DE4 2JE, 01246 565 350

Open daily from 9.30am to 5pm

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Ample free parking.