[AD – Press invite] Given how much I love The Maynard and The George in Hathersage (currently shut following the flooding – but back soon I’m assured!), I had high hopes for The Ashford Arms, the newest addition to Longbow’s lovely establishments. Could it live up to expectations?
I was delighted to be invited to the Press Day last weekend. It’s not unusual (understandably!) for there to be a few teething problems when one attends a soft launch – but our whole experience was absolutely faultless – from the food to the incredibly warm welcome.
A premier pub
Located in the chocolate-box-pretty village of Ashford in the Water, on the outskirts of Bakewell, the 17th century Ashford Arms has been restored to not just its former glory, but to an absolutely stunning space.
Somehow, the Ashford Arms effortlessly combines all the best qualities of a traditional English pub with roaring fires and cosy nooks and crannies, with a light and airy dining room that wouldn’t look amiss in a glossy interiors magazine.
After a very nice glass of prosecco (thoughtfully decorated with a strawberry, is there anything better than a booze soaked piece of fruit?!), we turned our attention to the menu.
A Taste of Derbyshire
As I’ve come to expect from Longbow (a small local chain owned by experienced hotelier and restauranteur, Rob Hattersley), the menus balance classic pub favourites – such as Bakewell bangers, homemade Derbyshire pie of the day and so on – with an elevated gastro offering with a subtle pan-Asian fusion theme gently weaving its way through British and French classics.
I’ve met Longbow’s Executive Chef, Adrian Gagea a few times previously, and like Rob, he’s just as lovely and totally on board with the concept of ‘people above profits’. Working closely with Adrian, is Head Chef, Chris Parker (two time winner of Westside’s Young Chef of the Year) and General Manager, Josh Butler.
I love Longbow’s ethos of championing local suppliers, to support hard-working Peak District farmers, brewers and artisan producers such as meat from New Close Farm in Over Haddon, fruit and vegetables from Winster Foods in Chesterfield, an exceptionally good wine list courtesy of Hattersley Wines in Bakewell and coffee from Roastology in Sheffield.
Food at the Ashford Arms
To start we tried the smoked haddock and spring onion croquette served with spiced cauliflower purée and roasted peppers in a sweet chilli sauce with a dressed frisée garnish. Deliciously tasty, with plenty of fish and a delightfully peppery kick, this was a triumph of a dish.
For main course I opted for a teriyaki-marinated salmon, served with a Cajun-spiced rice cake, grilled broccoli, and a deliciously creamy sweet and spicy fish sauce (reminiscent of Thai red curry, minus the chilli). I enjoyed this dish immensely – it felt like a very balanced, nourishing plate.
My lovely friend, and fellow PR professional, Dawn-Elizabeth Rudd, opted for a pan-fried duck breast, served with chamomile-infused rice, stir-fried vegetables in a miso sauce, and sweet & sour pineapple.
For dessert I couldn’t resist the white chocolate and passionfruit cheesecake, served with ginger coulis and orange sorbet. It was every bit as good as I hoped – with the sweet, creamy chocolate contrasting beautifully with the warmth of the ginger and the tart passionfruit.
All three courses were gluten free. Since everything is made to order, the team at the Ashford Arms can adapt most of the dishes to be gluten free; in addition to a tempting vegetarian and vegan offering.
Escape to the Peak District
The Ashford Arms has nine individually styled bedrooms – one of the suites even has a reading nook! Beautifully furnished with everyone one might need for a relaxing stay in the Peaks including thoughtful little touches – like the White Company toiletries!
It’s so wonderful to see Longbow going from strength to strength. This latest venue is a perfect example of a British village pub. Rooted in, and sympathetic to its history, but also a forward thinking, contemporary space where everybody’s welcome and there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a post-walk pint, an afternoon tea with the girls or a slap-up dinner, I think the Ashford Arms will quickly become a favourite place to go.
Go for:
A quintessential example of a great British pub – whether it’s to drink, eat to sleep – you’ll enjoy a very warm welcome at the Ashford Arms.
Details:
Ashford Arms, 1 Church Street, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, DE45 1QB
Private car park
Family friendly – kids menu with activities, high chairs available, baby changing facilities located in the accessible toilets
Wheelchair access to bar and restaurant and accessible toilets on ground floor. (No wheelchair access to bedrooms)
One reply on “The Ashford Arms REVIEW”
Oh, my goodness I would absolutely LOVE to stay here! The food sounds incredible and it all looks so beautiful. This is going on my travel bucket list!