In search of a delicious meal in the Peak District? These atmospheric venues all offer fine food, real ales and a warm welcome
The Royal Oak Open fires, exposed stone walls and cosy seating areas make this characterful pub a popular choice among hikers craving a well-earned rest after exploring the Peak District. Honest, straight-forward pub food in hearty portion sizes flows from the kitchen and everything is home-made. Choices may include hand-raised pork and chicken pie; lamb chops with leek mash; and goat’s cheese and red onion tart. There’s also a good selection of locally-brewed beers such as Hartingtons, Wincles and the award-winning Thornbridge ales. The Sunday lunches are not to be missed. Hurdlow, SK17 9QJ, 01298 83288, www.peakpub.co.uk
The Devonshire Arms An atmospheric inn on the Chatsworth Estate, with a choice of two dining areas both serving the same menu - a bright Brasserie restaurant and inviting bar area. The seasonal menu incorporates the freshest ingredients from well-known Derbyshire suppliers, and there’s an excellent choice of local cask ales including Chatsworth Gold. The pub’s purpose-built wine room displays labels that have been selected from the award-winning Devonshire Cellar and there are some real gems to savour with your meal. The Devonshire Arms’ sister pub just down the road is also well worth a visit - The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley. Beeley, Chatsworth, DE4 2NR, 01629 733259, www.devonshirebeeley.co.uk
The White Lion This lovingly-refurbished village pub near Bakewell combines a stylish bar and restaurant, offering a regularly-changing, modern menu. Choices include chicken and tarrogan roulade and duo of lamb, plus a mouth-watering choice of pub classics. Afterwards, make the most of the super walks nearby. Main Street, Great Longstone, Bakewell DE45 1TA, 01629 640252, www.whiteliongreatlongstone.co.uk
Samuel Fox Country Inn Named after Bradwell’s most famous son, industrial magnate Samuel Fox, who built the steelworks at Stocksbridge, this award-winning inn combines contemporary surroundings with rustic charm. Modern British cuisine is served in the restaurant, which has breathtaking views over Bradwell, whilst diners can also relax in the linked bar area which offers a fantastic selection of real ales. Awarded 2 AA rosettes, the menu includes fresh, seasonal dishes such as roast pheasant, blade of beef and pressed ham hock, with some traditional pub favourites. Stretfield Rd, Bradwell, Hope Valley S33 9JT, 01433 621562, www.samuelfox.co.uk
The Plough Inn This 16th century inn ticks all the boxes, with locally-brewed ales, warming log burners, exposed ceiling beams and an idyllic waterside location in nine acres of land which gently slope towards the banks of the River Derwent. It also serves imaginative modern European dishes and traditional pub food in cosy dining spaces – where all food is cooked to order. The seasonally-changing menu makes good use of local produce - with dishes such as poached venison, saddle of rabbit and pork - and the pub also serves home-made pizzas. Outdoor seating areas include a courtyard and sun terrace, adjacent to Highlow brook where you can listen to the sounds of the running water. Leadmill Bridge, Hathersage S32 1BA, 01433 650319, www.theploughinn-hathersage.co.uk
