Derbyshire’s Hottest Bites January 2024

Love eating out in Derbyshire? Here’s your essential guide to the most exciting food related news in Derby and across the county this month. From pop-up events and special collaborations to the most exhilarating new launches, here’s what Derbyshire foodies need to know in January 2024.

Derbyshire food news

January is always a quiet month in the world of hospitality. After the busy-ness of the festive period, everyone (quite rightly!) is taking the pace a bit slower and enjoying a much deserved rest. Several venues are shut for refurbishments including: The Peacock at Rowsley which reopens for dinner on 19th January; Fischer’s at Baslow Hall which reopens Monday 22nd January – although in the mean time it’s possible to book a very attractively priced winter break; also in Baslow, the Cavendish Hotel is shut until 19th February whilst it enjoys extensive refurbishments including new reception, lounge area, Gallery Restaurant and event spaces. This exciting project is the second phase to the new Garden Room and is lead by renowned interior designer, Nicola Harding, takes inspiration from Chatsworth art and interiors and showcases local product and furniture design and is being overseen by Lady Burlington (who I had the pleasure of meeting at as part of the launch of Chatsworth Kitchen).

Similarly, The Maynard in Grindleford is closed until the 12th January. When it reopens, subscribers to The Maynard’s newsletter can enjoy a very generous 30% off food all the way until the end of February.

One venue that has remained firmly open is the glorious Rafters at Riverside House. In addition to some well-priced deals on accommodation, Rafters are also launching a brand new brunch menu for non-residents. Enjoy a slice of Rafters trademark laidback luxury for a fraction of the usual cost. Head to their socials for full details.

New restaurant openings in Derbyshire

The team behind the wildly successful Aroma in Spondon have re-opened as a re-branded, The Cake Club focusing on their epic sweet treats which are now available by post, plus an in-house menu of freshly made waffles, decadent shakes and deluxe desserts.

I’ve not yet visited Joni in Darley Dale but it’s wonderful to see such a beautiful, iconic building back in use. Their website promises “great coffee, fresh food and professional service” and it’s dog friendly too.

After the very sad departure of 4Eyes Bakery from The Batch House it’s great to see some new units opening up. This includes a new Bakery at the Batch serving barista coffees and lots of old favourites from 4 Eyes Bakery & Patisserie. I’ve also seen that Greek God Cuisine will be opening soon. I’ve not tried either yet, but watch this space.

The best Derbyshire events

One of my favourite local sommeliers, the lovely Janey Somm (previously of (the now closed) The George at Alstonefield) is launching an online wine tasting course starting Friday 26th January. For just £10pp, you’ll be provided with expert recommendations of affordable wines (one white, one red), pairing ideas and tasting notes etc – all provided by email and Zoom so you can buy independently and then enjoy in the comfort of your own home. My kind of evening! Follow Jane on Instagram to be the first to hear when it’s officially launched.

For those of you intent on venturing out into the cold, Burns Night often marks some welcome joviality from the misery of winter. One of the most inviting events I’ve seen advertised so far is the ‘Tour-Met’ event by Bespoke Inns, with starters at The Boot, mains at The Dragon and then dessert at Binary. Tickets cost £49.99 and include travel between venues, live entertainment and Scottish piping.

Local talent, Chef Nikita Pathakji winner of MasterChef The Professionals 2022, returns for a second pop-up supper club at luxe wedding venue, Grangefields on Saturday 3rd February. Booking essential.

Derbyshire food blogger diary: January 2024

Where does a Derbyshire food blogger like to visit when they’re off duty? Here’s where I try to include a little mention of the highlights of my own personal eating out adventures that never quite made the blog or get its own space on my Instagram grid.

What with Christmas, I haven’t done very much aside from a farewell visit to 4 Eyes Bakery to wish Tom the Baker well. Sadly there was an issue with the pizza oven, so fellow food blogger, Kerrie and I ended up choosing Niko Niko Kitchen (Korean and Japanese fusion – also on Deliveroo).

Then there was a really lovely festive catch up at the always gorgeous, The Little Shed in Ashbourne with my very dear friend and fellow marketer Dawn-Elizabeth Rudd.

A much needed festive day date with my husband at the ever reliable, The Maynard. I tried their famous homemade venison ravioli with chorizo and sage sauce, a dish so popular it has never left their menu since they were taken over by Longbow. In all honesty, it wasn’t to my taste (a good reminder that food reviews are ultimately subjective) – but this was, overall my favourite meal, for the company alone – but also for the “Grindleford Gourmand” – if you know, you know! (And if not, read this) Seriously though, isn’t eating out about the whole experience? The ambiance, the service, the setting…

Similarly, we had another great family meal at The Carnavon in Teversal on the Derbyshire Nottinghamshire border. It’s great for incredibly well-priced pub classics (perfect when lots of us are trying to cut back a bit on spending in January!) but is also table service which I always prefer. About six months ago they had quite an extensive refurbishment including the neon sign I used for the feature image of this blog. Aside from the food which is an obvious first, I think “the place, the staff, the vibe” nicely sums up my love affair with eating out.

Thank you to everyone who works so hard in hospitality to provide lovely experiences like these for others.

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Otherwise, same place next month?

Love,