Harden's survey result
Summary
“Away off the beaten track” in North Staffs (near the Peak District), this “gastropub with heart and imagination tries very hard to offer local variety and a happy experience”. Its traditional-with-a-twist cooking comes very highly recommended and the “outside space with lovely views adds to its charm”.
Summary
This “superbly renovated building in lovely countryside” in “the middle of nowhere” in particular – on the edge of the Peak District and “accessible from the culinary desert of North Staffordshire” – is “busy for good reason”: from a “shortish menu” the food is of “tip top” quality.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Duncombe Arms?
Owner's description
We have been selected as one of the top 30 gastro-pubs in the country in the prestigious Budweiser Budvar awards.
Eat, drink and enjoy!
Come inside and enjoy a roaring log fire, sample our excellent range of beers and wines or enjoy fabulous food from our award-winning chef. Or in the summer you can laze in our large garden overlooking the view to Worthy Island Wood.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £18.50 | £22.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £18.50 | £22.00 | |
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| SundayLunch | £25.00 | £30.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £8.00 | £19.00 | £8.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £18.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
We are delighted to announce that Gary Auld has joined the team at the Duncombe Arms as our new head chef.
Gary brings with him a wealth of experience having worked previously as head chef of Purdey’s restaurant on the Langdale Estate in the Lake District, Gilpin Lodge and East Lodge at Rowsley. Gary and the team will continue to put more emphasis on great local produce and fantastic British dishes.
Main Rd, Ellastone, DE6 2GZ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑6 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑6 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5 pm |
