Festive Lunch at Fischer’s, Baslow

[AD] The lunch I enjoyed at Fischer’s last year was probably my foodie highlight of 2023. Every single morsel was utterly sublime. Since then, there’s been a change of Head Chef, so when I was kindly invited to experience a festive lunch at Fischer’s I was intrigued to see what had changed.

Read my Derbyshire festive food guide

Fischer’s at Baslow Hall

Based at Baslow Hall, a century old manor house surrounded by charming gardens, Fischer’s is renowned for its luxurious, boutique bedrooms and outstanding culinary offerings. 

The restaurant at Fischer’s has accumulated a dazzling array of awards and accolades. It is Michelin-listed and recommended by Hardens and the Good Food Guide, as well as holding the AA’s prestigious 3 Red Rosettes (awarded January 2024). Since then, John Shuttleworth has taken over the reins from Adam Thackeray, having worked under his stewardship for several years.

Lunch at Fischer’s

Just like Shuttleworth’s new tasting menu, the lunch menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced from their own kitchen gardens and artisan local suppliers.

Fischer’s lunch menu offers exceptional value fine dining, with two courses starting from £35 per person. It’s an a la carte menu, so you only pay for what you actually order, aside from the complimentary bread course (more on that later!).

Our Festive Lunch at Fischer’s

After being warmly welcomed by several members of staff (including my lovely friend, and Fischer’s Marketing Consultant, Dawn-Elizabeth Rudd) we enjoyed aperitifs by the roaring log fire in the lounge.

After being seated at a well-appointed table in one of the beautifully decorated dining rooms, we turned our attention to the most challenging part of the day – making a decision from all the deliciousness listed on the day’s menu.

Orders placed, we relaxed into the loveliest couple of hours – a very welcome retreat from a hectic few weeks.

I don’t know what it is about a good bread course, but it really does bring me joy. Unsurprisingly, Fischer’s nailed it. The sun dried tomato focaccia, served with a red pepper butter and a poacher butter, was so incredibly delicious. I could eat that bread every single day of my life for the rest of eternity and not get bored.

For my starter, I opted for the Brandade. The subtle saltiness of the fish beautifully off-set with notes of citrus and a salsa verde. Deliciously crispy and light-as-air, this was a feast for the senses.

My husband opted for the Derbyshire Beef Tartare served with Pommes Anna, avocado and a generous portion of biltong.

For my main course I was drawn to the Creedy Calver Duck having enjoyed this so much on a previous visit. I would normally avoid leg of duck, but I’m glad I didn’t on this occasion.

Rich, flavoursome, succulent meat that fell off the bone, encased in a delightfully crispy skin, accompanied by an umami-rich jus and pops of sweetness from the beetroot and fruit. Utterly divine.

My husband continued his personal exploration of the finest quality local red meat by opting for the Derbyshire Venison, served with pickled red cabbage, Brussels and quince.

Whilst I get excited by every single accompaniment and flavour on a plate, my husband is more strategic and focused. All he really cares about is the meat… but when the meat is shot locally and perfectly cooked… maybe he has a point?

With hindsight, it was probably a mistake to not order a side of Fischer’s Triple Cooked Chips (and not just any chips! On the day we dined, these came accompanied with a Jalapeno, Harissa & Tarragon Dip – for a very reasonable £7).

For dessert, I plumped for the White Chocolate Parfait served with plum, fig and heavily spiced with ras el hanout. Whilst my husband opted for Lemon Meringue with lime marshmallow.

At this point, we retired to the cosy lounge to enjoy coffee by the fire and admire the Christmas decorations. Hard as it was, we declined petit fours and mince pies…

Overall, we had the most wonderful time. Yes the food is exquisite, yes the wine list is impressive but yet again the stand out feature for me personally was the overall ambiance.

Baslow Hall is quite simply a very special place. This is true at any time of the year, but it feels utterly magical at Christmas. There is nowhere quite like this in Derbyshire – and if you haven’t been before, and you enjoy fine dining, you simply must.

Go for:

Five star treatment, superlative fine dining and fine wines in a quintessentially English country hotel.

Details:

Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Calver Road, Baslow, Derbyshire, DE45 1RR

Book online or call 01246 583259

Private car parking for guests on site.

Read more about Festivities at Fischer’s, for instance the “Festive Fizz” offer on their Festive Break package, offers insanely good value on a decadent winter escape.

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