Lovage By Lee Smith

Gallery Cafe

➤ The Square, DE45 1ES, Derbyshire Dales, United Kingdom

Cafe • Cafés • Vegan • British

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"I praised every bit. I admired my oma for eating here and we both enjoyed each bit! I would also like to say, as I have seen, that these dear people receive a star review that says that the staff was rude. Well, I just want to say how we were there at the time that I can vouch that was actually not the case. in fact, the customers who were rude were swearing at the personal, the door blasphemed and even a point of letting it open to create a scene and try to ruin the atmosphere for all others. I don't understand why people think that behavior is so good and acceptable. but despite this the atmosphere was fab and like the profis they are, they all remained polite, which is a certificate for the team! so would highly recommend if they are in bakery. the whole food is produced locally and the cake is made home! the Bakewell dart was amazing! actually it was all delicious! stop the fabulous work!"

The Peacock At Rowsley

➤ Bakewell Rd, DE4 2EB, Derbyshire Dales, United Kingdom

Steak • British • European • Vegetarian

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"In a gastronomic era dominated by a surfeit of no-choice tasting menus it is a delight to sample the fine dining choices offered by the menu at the Peacock. With its delicious, daily changing, amuse bouches and pre-deserts along with a hyper-salivatory choice of seven starters and mains, it takes you back to the masterfully inventive days of the 1970 with all the refinements of a modern and superbly creative kitchen team. This super bill of fare offers guests at the hotel a good reason to stay for a few nights without wondering where-else to eat. After temperature checks and hand sanitising we were warmly, and efficiently, welcomed into the bosom of this lovely old Hotel in the heart of early autumnal Derbyshire. The food was up there with the very best of British cooking. My starter of beautifully presented Tuna tartare with a soy flavouring and a thin yuzu gel covering was a sushi wonder and my wife's cauliflower soup with curry oil drizzle (another homage to the 70's) superbly creamy and flavoursome. Our mains (Stone bass with fennel and sardines and the superb goats curd and shallot ravioli) were accompanied by an excellent choice of wines by glass or bottle. Choice also included equally tasty but more traditional items from the bar menu and the meal was completed by desserts that would have made any Michelin pastry chef proud. We travelled for over an hour to reach this culinary haven and it was worth every minute. The restaurant, attentive waiting staff and, especially the chefs, provided us with an evening of foody delight. Just go there! You won't regret it."

The Cavendish Rooms, Chatsworth House

➤ Baslow, DE45 1PP, Derbyshire Dales, United Kingdom

Wine • Meat • British • Seafood

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"Afternoon tea was booked at this hotel as a birthday gift by a friend. I had driven over 100 miles on the hottest day of the year and had skipped breakfast and lunch in anticipation of a lavish afternoon tea at 2pm. What a complete...let down. And a total rip-off. We arrived on time although the parking situation presented a challenge so we checked in five minutes late. We were shown to our table and asked if we wanted drinks. Er, no, we’ve come for afternoon tea so that’s what we will have please. He left us with menus but never came back. After twenty minutes of sitting in a stifling hot and airless dining/tea room where staff were milling about but not paying attention to the handful of guests, my friend donned her face mask and got out of her chair to go across the room and approach one of them to ask for us to be served. The waiter then came over and took our order asking if we had any dietary requirements. My friend had already provided these on the reservation but no matter, we stated them again. She’s vegetarian and I don’t eat red meat. Noted down by the waiter. The tea pots arrive…beautiful but impractical silver that is heavy, red hot and awkward to lift and pour without burning your fingers. Bizarrely, my choice of the usually light and refreshing Earl Grey tea was dark and stewed, metallic and tannin tasting. Quite revolting. On to the food, eventually a small two-tier cake stand was delivered to our table dressed with a selection of miniature scones (the smallest pot of cream and jam between us both that you could ever imagine), two lemon possets and some bite-sized sweet treats. On the bottom level were just four tiny finger sandwiches at each end; meagre and unimaginative fillings for those who don’t eat meat, and nowhere near enough food for my all-day nurtured appetite. But they were fresh at least. There was also a slice of pie and for my veggie friend a light cracker thing with wasabi paste on it. I asked if the pie slice was pork. The waitress said yes. After some discussion with her about our dietary requirements she said “shall I take it away then?”. By this time I’m seriously feeling the irritation. I’m hungry, thirsty and hot, and this is almost a bad joke. If it hadn’t been for the fact that my friend booked this tea and I was embarrassed at the impact it was having on me, I would have simply stood up and walked out. The cake stand was taken away and returned with the pork pie removed and another cracker thing in its place. By this time it was almost 40 minutes after our arrival and this was our lot…for an eye-watering £30 each (plus a cheeky service charge added). I was outraged at their audacity to charge that much money for such slim offerings, vile stewed tea and appalling service. I mentioned to a waiter about the lack of savoury options and my horrid pot of tea and asked for it to be changed; he suggested English Breakfast tea. That came and was just as bad; like builders’ tea that you could stand your spoon up in. I was so fed up and in fear of completely blowing a fuse I went outside for five minutes to calm down. When I came back in I had composed myself and decided to accept things as they were rather than make any more fuss as it was ruining the whole afternoon and unfair on my friend. On my way in I politely asked the waiter for a simple tea bag and hot water. He reluctantly obliged saying they are not actually allowed to serve tea bags. I said I didn’t mind and that was what I wanted. A bog standard tea bag in a teapot of hot water and a fresh cup and saucer arrived. Bliss, at last, a refreshing drink. How the hell can they get brewing tea so wrong? I suspect it was pre-prepared and standing in tea urns but they insisted it was fresh. To be fair to the waiter who dealt with my complaining he was patient and kind, seeing how upset I was and did his best to placate me, bringing a small savoury something extra. It wasn’t his fault that the kitchen were delivering this pitiful tea and I would like to say thank you to him for diffusing my bad mood; your excellent customer service skills are wasted in this hotel. I’m going to The Ritz in London for tea in a few weeks’ time which although is £55 each, I know I’m guaranteed a wonderful afternoon in an ambient setting, with impeccable and attentive service, a decent cup of Earl Grey, my dietary requirements met and as many sandwiches as I would like to eat."

Bulls Head

➤ Church Street, Derbyshire Dales, United Kingdom

Pub • Steak • British • Vegetarian

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"I have eaten regularly at The Bull in Youlgreave over the past 4 years and always experienced great food and friendly, and efficient service. Based on this I booked for a large group of family and friends last weekend for a birthday celebration. Most people commented that they were the best pies they had ever eaten, served with a portion of delicious creamy mash or fantastic double cooked chips. Great and very quick service for a large group. Would highly recommend"

The Crispin

➤ Main Street, DE45 1TS, Derbyshire Dales, United Kingdom

Steak • Seafood • British • Fast Food

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"Quaint pub restaurant with good service and great food. I booked this for my partners Birthday on Friday. Good range of beers, wines and other drinks, Loved the home made food, great to see something other than burgers. I have recently been diagnosed with a dairy intolerance so the chickpea curry was absolutely delicious with rice and popadums. My partner had the steak and unicorn pie, the unicorn being an ale they sell …we laughed with the friendly manager as I’d thought it might be horse meat! The pie was proper home made not processed and the steak was melt in the mouth , absolute quality and fresh veg too . Nice atmosphere and a quirky range of Toby jugs , must be hundreds of them and just fun looking at them especially the old logos. Friendly service and all in all pleased with our choice. Will visit again."