[AD]. Here’s my seasonal take on eating out in Derbyshire. Hospitality industry news, exciting new openings and my personal foodie highlights as a Derbyshire blogger. Some of what’s included here is the result of gifted PR invites and of my freelance work, but all views are my own.
Industry News
Tourism Awards
The prestigious Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award went to The Cavendish Hotel (who also won the Hotel of the Year category), Pub of the Year went to The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow and huge congratulations to my friends at Pub Tours for winning gold in the Experience of the Year category.
The Maynard has just appointed Todd Vickers as its new Head Chef. Todd has worked with various Michelin trained chefs, including at The Man Behind The Curtain in Leeds. The new menu launches in June!
The Peacock at Rowsley has been taken over by Longbow Venues, a Derbyshire-based independent hospitality group who operate award-winning heritage venues including The Maynard, The Ashford Arms, The George in Hathersage and The Peacock at Owler Bar. Previously run by the Haddon Estate, The Peacock at Rowsley was my first really exciting invite as a food blogger (waaaaay back in the ‘Girl About Derbyshire’ days) – I was wowed back then and on each subsequent visit so am really looking forward to seeing it evolves under Rob’s stewardship.
Whilst The Highwayman at Eastmoor, previously a Premier Inn and chain pub is now owned and operated by the Chatsworth Estate. For now, the hotel offers affordable stays and all day dining – but one to watch I imagine.
Fischer’s at Baslow Hall prepares to open its popular summer terrace later this month with a menu featuring seasonal dishes specially crafted for outdoor dining by Head Chef John Shuttleworth.
New places to try
The Stolen Fig opened in Duffield at the end of March. Owned by Connie Eleftheriou who also runs the Bubble Inn at Stenson, the new restaurant serves traditional, authentic Greek classics using a traditional grill from Cyprus. There’s also a tempting breakfast menu.
The always-brilliant Host has opened a second venue on Chesterfield’s Chatsworth Road. It’s every bit as fabulous as their original Clay Cross location – but much handier for me.
Also in Chesterfield, Ye Royal Oak has reopened. The oldest pub in the town is situated in the quaint Shambles area of the town and boasts some seriously impressive architecture. Both here and Host are dog-friendly.
Old favourites, reimagined
One of my all time favourites, The Tickled Trout in Barlow has had a stunning new refurbishment featuring a more open-plan restaurant with beautiful booth seating. They’re also now on Deliveroo, which if you are constrained by childcare etc, is genuinely exciting news!
Fresh New Flavours at Hackney House
Also in Barlow is the brilliant Hackney House. Female founded and family-run, this bustling café has long been THE place to go for good old-fashioned home cooking (the pies, gravy and scones have what can only be described as a cult following!) but I’ve loved seeing the evolution into more contemporary flavours. Think veggie breakfast with halloumi as standard or smoked salmon bagels. There’s also a brand new deli section with a vibrant salad bar. There’s lots of different options and the choices change regularly – I had the most divine sweet potato, beetroot and feta combo last week. If you’ve never been (or not been recently), I urge you to go – whether that’s popping in during the day or booking one of their popular Supper Clubs or seasonal workshops.
Derbyshire food blogging
In terms of blogging, I had a delightful assignment for Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. I was tasked with writing about the best pubs in the Peak District – or check out the Reel here. I like to think I know Derbyshire well, but work like this reminds me how lucky we are to live somewhere so beautiful with such charming, welcoming places to eat and drink.
In March was invited to discover the flame-grilled menu at The Cupola – coupled with the luxurious accommodation at Rock Mill. Both highly recommended for a Peak District escape (there’s also an interesting visitor centre with walk guides etc).
Back in January I was treated to experiencing the beautiful new wine bar in Chesterfield, Elder. Since my visit they’ve launched an exciting new pintxos menu.
Huge thanks to all the other invitations – I wish I could attend more!
My personal food diary
Obviously all the usual favourites are still apply. But here’s five foodie highlights over the last few months, in no particular order.
Libby’s Bakewell tart
First tasted at the Loop retreat day at The Walled Garden Workshop, this superlative treat absolutely knocked my socks off. Light, flaky, pastry; dense frangipani filling and crisp flaked almonds. I think I must have raved about the delicious-ness a bit too much, because darling Libby baked me a whole tart which was so incredibly kind of her. Although the Café at Libby’s is still excellent – the best way to experience her delicious cooking would be to book a private event at The Walled Garden – or attend one of their creative workshops (which is where I’ve hosted all my own workshops to date, her tiffin is also to die for!).
Pig and Pump, Chesterfield
Not at all bougie, but if you’re looking for a ‘normal pub’ in Chesterfield town centre, I was really pleasantly surprised by the Pig and Pump. Really great service and the homemade chips were 10/10. Read the menu carefully though as some dishes came with fries rather than those wonderful chips. Calling it ‘normal’ is probably doing it a huge disservice (particularly as the menu features a range of tapas), but you know what I mean!
Oakfield Farm Shop
There’s a theme developing here, but if homemade chips excite you too, I’d urge you to check out this farm shop in Stanely Common in Erewash. In addition to the great café there’s quite a big selection of locally sourced produce including fresh butchery counter etc.
Harley Café and Welbeck Farm Shop
Just outside the Derbyshire border and part of the historic Welbeck Estate. This was always on “the list” but I’ve been a handful of times over recent months and it’s an utter delight. The creative menu is locally sourced and all the staff are lovely. Loads of free parking and a farm shop, art gallery and garden centre on site too.
Loxleys
This last one is a long way from Derbyshire, but if you are ever looking for a gorgeous restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon, look no further than this charming bistro. We first went for our first wedding anniversary and returned with our daughter this January. Utterly fabulous in every way.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this column. If you have, why not join my Derbyshire Food Lovers Facebook group?
Got some Derbyshire food news you’d like to share? Get in touch via LinkedIn or drop me an email.
See you next month,
