Derbyshire Restaurant Guide

“In the Peak District, close to Chatsworth House, Baslow Hall is much more modern than it at first appears up its little hill from the road and – surrounded by a vibrant kitchen garden – it provides a very romantic destination”. Rupert Rowley, chef of 17 years’ standing, upped sticks in early 2019, leaving sous chef James Payne to step into his shoes. Michelin removed their star on the back of the change, but we’ve maintained the survey’s very good ratings, and will reassess next year if necessary.

James Duckett’s “tastefully decorated” inn is set in the Peak District National Park with wonderful views of the Hope Valley. It offers a wide variety of dining options – from bargain early evening menus to tasting menu options – “top notch” fairly traditional cooking provided by “friendly and efficient staff”. Top Menu Tip – “legendary sticky toffee pudding”.

“Recently refitted”, the contemporary interiors of this Chatsworth Estate pub is at odds with its period, stone-clad exterior. All reports say the food – which is served from breakfast onwards, from a range of menus – is of dependably high quality. Top Tip – attractive garden terrace for the summer months.

2019 Review: A rather traditionally decorated country house hotel in the Peak District (dating from 1652, and with gardens bordering the River Derwent) with both a bar and ambitious (if pricey) restaurant, where Dan Smith’s cooking continues to win very solid ratings. There’s a range of menus, running up to a 10-course tasting option.

2017 Review: The “very popular champagne breakfast” continues to draw particular shout-outs at this stylish, contemporary restaurant in this pretty little town; at other times it offers a prix fixe menu focussing on New World cuisine.

“Exceptional quality” Japanese fare has long drawn workers from the Toyota factory down the road to this dinky outfit, and while its appearance is “slightly at the café end of the spectrum, when the food’s this good who cares?”