AD – The Cupola is a new independent café/restaurant and visitor centre set in Stoney Middleton in the Peak District. The purpose built and fully accessible building is inspired by the rich history of the former smelting mill, ‘The Lord’s Cupola,’ which stood on this site in the 1700s. The same team also offer luxury self-catering apartments in the neighbouring Rock Mill – and have been shortlisted for the Best New Tourism Business of the Year 2025.
Dinner at The Cupola
It’s always an ‘experience’ dining with a seven year old – but we found the menu and ambiance of this unique setting to be incredibly family friendly.
We had booked an early table – so were pleased to find a buzzy, convivial atmosphere lit by candle light and neon.
The flame-grilled menu is inspired by the heritage of the Lord’s Cupola. We started with a hand stretched, wood fired garlic bread and a generous sharing platter laden with cured meats, halloumi, marinated olives, focaccia with dipping oil and vinegar, artichokes and rocket.
I then opted for ‘The Fishy’ pizza, a delicious mix of tuna, anchovies, capers and olives. Our daughter also opted for a Margherita pizza (with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil leaves). Both pizzas were perfectly cooked and generously sized.
My pizza-hating-husband opted for a chicken burger. Again, although a simple dish, this was clearly made from high quality ingredients (in this case a fresh, seasoned and butterflied breast) that had been prepared well.
We were far too full to even attempt dessert but I do need to give a special mention to the wine. The Pinot Grigio was delightful and very reasonably priced, and the House Red was exquisite, and a perfect pairing for pizza. The owner, Colin described it as “Rioja-esque without the price tag” which couldn’t have been more apt.
We had a really lovely evening and would have happily lingered longer, but conscious we had a little one to get to bed, we very much appreciated the closeness of the accommodation to the restaurant.
Rock Mill holiday apartments, Stoney Middleton
The Cupola rent out four apartments in the stunning new Rock Mill development next door.
We stayed in the Chatsworth apartment (number 27) – a beautifully bright modern space located on the second floor. The super king sized bed was incredibly comfy (probably the comfiest bed I’ve slept in in a long time) as was the sofa bed (which I also slept in with my daughter for a while – IYKYK!).
The kitchen was well equipped – for instance with an Nespresso machine (which I definitely appreciated after putting in a Mummy night shift!) – as was the bathroom with some very nice toiletries. In fact, everything was wonderful and spotlessly clean.
It was lovely sitting around the kitchen table playing a board game. All the home comforts – but with the treat of not having to cook or wash up afterwards!
This would be a perfect place for people wanting to explore the Peak District. The apartment block has a boot store, secure storage for bikes, heated lockers to dry off damp kit and even a shower for dogs! Literally everything had been thought of. There’s also a children’s play area and an outdoor fire pit – not to mention the large free car park for guests.
Breakfast at The Cupola
After a lovely nights sleep we wandered back to The Cupola for breakfast.
Both my husband and I opted for the ‘Lords Cupola Breakfast’ – a flame grilled Full English featuring bacon, sausages, black pudding, hash brown, a perfectly fried egg, grilled tomato, mushroom, half a griddled Derbyshire oatcake, a generous serving of baked beans and a choice of malted grain or sourdough toast. Delicious!
Cupola’s Visitor Centre
The Cupola is home to a small visitor experience where guests can immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the local area (Did you know this limestone gorge was formed 350 million years ago?!).
There’s also an option to purchase a heritage trail map complete with QR codes for a self-guided tour of the local area. Uncover the stories the Mission Impossible train crash site, the infamous haunt of the legendary highwayman and the rare Roman Baths.
There’s also a small shop selling locally sourced products and crafts.
Go for:
Simple, stylish all day dining and drinking in a welcoming, unpretentious and highly unique setting, a luxurious night in the Peak District – or just a wander round the visitor centre.
Details:
Open daily from 9am.
Guarantee a table at your desired time by booking on 01433 627526.
Fully wheelchair accessible.
Family friendly – high chairs available, baby change facilities in disabled toilet.
Free car park for patrons of The Cupola, plus a separate large free car park for guests staying in the Rock Mill apartments.
One reply on “The Cupola – a Peak District Escape”
I will have to share this place (and post) with my family back in the UK as quite a few of them like to go out and travel to stay or visit lovely areas like this, especially if there is good food! Thanks for sharing this!