Derbyshire’s Hottest Bites this Autumn-Winter

[AD] Here’s my seasonal take on Derbyshire dining. Hospitality industry news, exciting new openings and my personal foodie highlights as a Derbyshire blogger and food writer. Some of what’s included here is the result my freelance work, affiliate links or the occasional gifted invite, but all views are my own.

Industry News

The Cavendish Hotel continues to go from strength to strength, having just scooped another major award. Crowned ‘Hotel of the Year’ at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards with the inspectors commenting on how the recent refurbishment “called on the history and heritage of the estate and family, local craftspeople, employing local people, and sustainable design to help transform this amazing property.”

Fischer’s also achieved recognition at the ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House. Sommelier, Nataliia Maiseionok was crowned ‘Rising Star’ for her contributions to the development of the restaurant’s wine offering, re-introducing detailed tasting notes and wine pairings for each new menu.

All four 3 AA Rosette restaurants in Derbyshire retained their status (Cavendish, Fischer’s, The Bull’s Head in Holymoorside and The Peacock at Rowsley) with no new additions.

Tourism Awards Shortlist announced

The Taste of the Peak District Derbyshire & Derby Award shortlist was recently announced. Restaurant of the Year finalists are Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge, Garden Room at Wildhive Callow Hall and the Peacock at Rowsley. With the Pub of the Year shortlist consisting of The Blind Bull, The Boot at Repton and my all-time-favourite, ever, The Tickled Trout. For the new Café/Tea Room category, finalists are Hackney House Cafe and Deli in Barlow, Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop and On The Bridge Café in New Mills.

On a personal note, I’m delighted to see that the two businesses I worked with this year to help write and submit their applications have both been shortlisted in their respective categories. Hackney House Café and Deli as best Café/Tea Room and Wild & Other for the Regenerative Tourism Award and New Tourism Business of the Year. Fingers firmly crossed for the next stage of judging, and wishing the best of luck to all the other finalists too.

Marketing Derby Food & Drink Awards

2025 winners were announced earlier in October, with The Pepperpot winning Restaurant of the Year. Other winners/finalists I particularly rate or have blogged about previously include Lorentes in Darley Abbey, Nourish at No.44 (see below), The Bookcafé, Anoki, the Dovecote at Morley Hayes, The Dragon at Willington, Glamberry, Let’s Taco ‘Bout It and Electric Daisy plus the following places that I’ve not yet tried but only hear good things about: Bouquet in Little Eaton, Compamigos and Omomo.

Award-Winning Pubs

There’s been a slew of awards focused on shining a light on the best pubs. The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow; The Pack Horse, Hayfield and The Old Eyre Arms in Hassop were all named in the Good Food Guide 100 Best Pubs List recently.

The Ashford Arms was shortlisted in the Best Country Pub category at the Great British Pub Awards 2025. Derbyshire winners of the ‘pub Oscars’ include The George in Castleton for Best Sustainable Pub and The Gasoline in Chesterfield as one of the Pubs of the Year.

I’ve also seen particular good press for The Barley Mow in Bonsall, The George in Hathersage, The Prince of Wales in Baslow, The Exeter Arms in Derby and Chesterfield Arms in Chesterfield (a proper drinker’s pub with a limited menu but definitely delicious) and the Bulls Head in Foolow.

Love pubs? Read my recent blog post on the best pubs in the Peak District or the cosiest pubs in the county as a whole.

New Additions to the North East Derbyshire Food & Drink Trail

If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you might remember I was involved in the initial launch of the North East Derbyshire Food & Drink Trail. There are now 46 brilliant businesses on the list. New additions include The Peacock at Barlow (which I write about below), Little Gem Coffee and Cake (who are where Sette Coffee was in Clay Cross), the newly opened The VanillaCo in Clay Cross, The Hunloke Arms and, new to me, but I was seriously impressed by my first visit, the lovely Renishaw Café. See the full list of new additions here.

Quiet Luxury at Losehill Hotel & Spa

Losehill House Hotel & Spa, a family-run boutique retreat known for its quiet, understated luxury, warm hospitality and fascinating history. Their award-winning Grafene Restaurant (listed by The Times as one of the ’20 best wild places to eat in Britain’) enjoys panoramic views of the Hope Valley and welcomes guests of every generation, with the kitchen cooking the same seasonal, locally-sourced dishes for children and adults, with portions tailored to appetite rather than age. It’s also probably the most easy-to-reach-without-a-car luxury hotel in the whole of the Peak District.

Immersive Wine Experiences at Peak Edge

The Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel has unveiled an elegant new wine cellar. The ingenious design, by wine cellar specialists, Sorrells – the name behind designs for The Ritz, Galvin La Chapelle, and The Dorchester – allows guests to physically ‘step inside the wine list’. Examine the bottles up close, guided by experienced sommelier Adrian Tinis to enjoy a truly immersive experience. Highlights include a £3,050 bottle of 2006 Petrus, a century-old Bastardo and magnums of Whispering Angel and the like.

The cellar plays a central role in the venue’s Wine Series, a collection of exclusive evenings designed to take guests on a journey through the world’s most notable wine regions. Each event is curated by Adrian in collaboration with his international network of winemakers, educators and suppliers, and paired with dishes from the restaurant’s acclaimed kitchen.

For more fabulous things to do, head to my What’s On Derbyshire events guide

Nourish at No. 44 Belper

Somewhere I have loved since my Belper-days is the always-reliable, Nourish at No. 44 so it’s wonderful to see them continuing to thrive. In addition to their win at the recent Food & Drink Awards, they were also voted the Derby Telegraph’s ‘Best Breakfast in Derbyshire’. There’s a new bakery and deli counter (with boxes and ribbon for gorgeous gifting) including chef-prepared ready meals such as beef bourguignon or mushroom stroganoff.

More New Places to Try

Chatsworth Escapes have completely re-vamped and re-branded what was The Highwayman at Eastmoor as The Hide – a now stylish but budget-friendly option for eating and drinking, perfectly placed for exploring the best of the Peak District.

Read my insider guide to the best hotels in Derbyshire

The Cheese & Wine Bar has recently opened in Bakewell offering artisan cheese boards, premium wines, craft beers, and a relaxed, social atmosphere. Open Thursday to Sunday.

Peak and Stone Pop-Ups

The driving force behind the success of the previous bakery counter at The Batch House (remember those cinnamon buns I was obsessed with?), multi-award-winning, Tom the Baker and wife, Emily have set up Peak and Stone Bakery. Look out for the Chesterfield-based start-up’s real sourdough, bubbly focaccia and fresh artisan produce at pop-up events around the county (head to their socials for the most up-to-date details).

Early 2026 sees the opening of The Charleston, Longbow’s much-anticipated bar and restaurant in the heart of Bakewell. Housed in the Grade II-listed former Royal Bank of Scotland, with interiors inspired by the elegance and exuberance of the 1920s, the hope is to create a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. I’m genuinely excited by what I’ve heard about the menu so far, including brunch options inspired by London, New York (and Manchester!) and then a loosely French inspired evening menu – all sourced from the best Peak District suppliers.

Winter Warmers

It’s very much the season for ‘comforting classics’ – whether that’s cooking at home, grabbing something seasonal from your favourite farm shop, for a quick and easy dinner. Top of my to-read pile at home is Ottolenghi’s ‘Comfort’, and I love, love, love perusing a good seasonal menu….

Over the last few years, I’ve had some particularly lovely autumnal meals at The George in Hathersage and The Prince of Wales in Baslow. Also good for warming, traditional plates (think generous Sunday roasts, steaming hot pies etc) is The Scotsmans Pack in Hathersage where it’s pleasing to see some exciting vegetarian options like Onion Bhaji Burger with mint riata, curry fries and ranch slaw or Beetroot and Squash Salad with whipped goat’s cheese and roasted chicory (both also available as vegan options). Dessert highlights include a Sticky Ginger Pudding and Chocolate Fondant with pistachio crémeux.

My Derbyshire Food Blog

Some recent stand-out-dining and foodie highlights of recent months include…

Small Plate Pasta at Pesto at The Peacock

I don’t normally order pasta when dining out unless I’m in the mood and at an authentic Italian restaurant, so it’s very rare I eat it outside my own home (where it’s a menu staple!), but a couple of weeks back I had the most incredible ‘Rigatoni al sugo di salsiccia’ at Pesto at the Peacock in Alfreton. Oh my life – so delicious! I actually tried to order those ingredients to try re-creating at home but so far Tesco has failed me. The other good news is that this ‘small plate’ costs just £6.25 and is part of their current 3 for £14.99 daytime menu. If you’re out of area and looking for more things to do, check out this blog post about Amber Valley. which includes a walk that goes right past The Peacock.

The Peacock at Owler Bar

I feel a bit sad that I haven’t yet found time to write a full blog post recommending this place yet (one day!!). We most recently went as a family for my birthday meal and they did a wonderful job of satisfying the various requirements of six picky people which is no mean feat. It’s also the first time I’ve sat facing the view, which, framed with the beautiful old window panes, was the icing on a pretty good cake!

The Peacock at Barlow

Another Peacock! The last few meals I’ve had at this cosy pub have been brilliant in every regard (notably the food, atmosphere and prompt, friendly service). It’s particularly lovely over the festive period so definitely one to try if you’ve not been for a while.

Other Chesterfield favourites

Locally, my general go-to places over the last few months have been The Tickled Trout in Barlow or Sicily in Chesterfield for a full meal out. Daytime favourites include Ninety Four, Host, Bottle & Thyme and Hackney House Café and Deli for their home baked sweet treats, pies, puddings etc. If you’re local, you might like to read my more more in-depth post about eating and drinking in Chesterfield or my guide to Derbyshire’s best restaurants.

If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please do share it with someone else who’d find it interesting and consider joining my newsletter mailing list and/or join my Derbyshire Food Lovers Facebook group? It’s been very neglected of late – but I hope to find the time to revive it so that it becomes a more welcoming and attractive place to share your favourite places, ask for recommendations from other local food lovers and so on, so please do feel free to start using it in that way, if you’d like.

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