Restaurants in and around Matlock
Matlock and its environs have restaurants a plenty and the eatery scenery is forever changing. Below is a list of some of them that I have personally visited:
Stones, Dale Road, Matlock
This is a fantastic restaurant and as such get booked up very quickly so plan in advance if you would like to dine here. The fine dining offered at Stones is very high quality and has a mention in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant itself is small and intimate and beautifully decorated to create a peaceful, luxurious experience. Guests of Sheriff Lodge can receive a 15% discount.
Viva, Dale Road, Matlock (image above)
This is a great Italian restaurant offering, not such your normal pizza and pasta, but steaks and salads on beautifully presented plates. The restaurant is typically Italian inside and quite spacious. The steaks are delicious, and the service is very good.
Guests of Sheriff Lodge can receive a 10% discount
Maazi, Causeway Road, Matlock
Everyone loves an Indian meal and Maazi does not disappoint. Set in the old cinema and very distinctive with the tuk tuks on the roof, this is a big restaurant and also very popular.
Guests of Sheriff Lodge can receive a 10% discount
Shalimar, Bakewell Road, Rowsley
This is another Indian restaurant out of Matlock but within a short drive or taxi journey. The food here is very good and huge portions, you have been warned. The car park is plenty big enough as is the restaurant.
Guests of Sheriff Lodge can receive £10 off their meal – Sunday to Thursday.
The Thorn Tree Pub, Jackson Road, Matlock
A short walk up the hill from Sheriff Lodge, this pub has a great atmosphere and the most amazing views across the Derwent Valley, on a clear evening there is nothing better than sitting outside with a cold drink in your hand. There is a varied menu of large snacks, served on a first come first served basis. Serving real ale amongst a varied list.
Guests of Sheriff Lodge can receive 10% discount.
The Remarkable Hare, Dale Road, Matlock
This is a pub cum restaurant and has three sitting areas. It is very dog friendly and dogs are allowed in the eating area, with their blanket and bowl. There is also a pub next door, The Hare, owned by the same people. Good food and plenty of space, also open on a Monday!
Buddies, Dale Road, Matlock
This is a small restaurant, mainly serving roast and grilled meals, and the portions are huge so choose wisely. The trestle tables are set out with benches which adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Open Mondays, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Thai #1, Dale Road, Matlock
This is an excellent thai restaurant, recently refurbished to an excellent standard. The food is very good and the menu details all dietary requirements and warning should it be necessary. Also if you like your food a little more spicey just ask and that’s what you’ll get. There are alcoves as well as neat tables for two.
The Spice, Dale Road, Matlock
Another very good Indian restaurant in Matlock. Although unlicenced guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks at no cost. The food here is very good and fresh. The restaurant is airy and in two parts so they can open up the second larger area when busy.
The Red Lion, Matlock Green, Matlock
This is large friendly pub run by a son and father team. A really good atmosphere here and dog friendly in part of the pub. Food is good and plentiful and a Sunday lunch is a must.
Outside Matlock
White Horse, Woolley Moor, Ashover
This is a pub and restaurant with a large outside sitting area. The food at this place is excellent, a large and exciting menu of good quality. It is a pretty building and enjoys wonderful views towards Cocking Tor. The drive to this pub is about 15 minutes but well worth it.
Old Poets Corner, Ashover
It is a big pub with big meals and a big back sitting area with a big atmosphere. This is a proper pub and great fun. Lots of ciders and unusual draft beers and really good hearty food. Also dog friendly. Again a little drive from Sheriff Lodge but well worth it.
Devonshire Arms, Pilsey
This is a fave of mine, a small and friendly pub with lunches and meals such as The Walkers Lunch, a substantial sandwich and a bowl of soup, just what you need after a long walk. Very dog friendly in the bar area and lovely staff.
Fishpond, Matlock Bath
This is a big pub in Matlock Bath, near the pavilion. It has a large outside are and the food is good especially the pizzas made on the premises. Its also dog friendly throughout the dining area and outside.
Seafood Cave and Grill, Matlock Bath
This is a small restaurant set in a cave in the hillside of Matlock Bath. As the name suggests it mainly caters for sea food and super fresh fish. Beautifully presented and delicious food. Guests of Sheriff Lodge are offered 10% discount.
Fine Dining
We are very spoilt in this area to have a few excellent fine dining restaurants for the discerning guest.
Stones, Dale Road, Matlock
As above
The Peacock, Rowsley
This property belongs to the Family Manners, Duke of Rutland, Bakewell. It’s a beautiful property with a calm, serene feel to it and the bar and food is superb. The food, wines, service, ambience, and décor are all of a very superior quality and a very special place to dine. The barman mixes a wonderful Hendricks !
Fischers at Baslow
This is an old manor house and a step back in time but also a Michelin star restaurant. The dining is superb and the small dining room makes the experience all the more special. The ante room is cosy and pretty to heighten the expectation of the delicious surprises ahead. The cheese trolley also deserves a mention as it is massive and really quite overwhelming, especially if you are a cheese lover, make sure you have room left to indulge.
Rafters at Riverside Hotel, Ashford in the Water
Allegedly the original shooting lodge to Chatsworth, this very pretty property is home to a large dining room, with a detached bar and garden. It is all very pretty and fitting of the lovely village of Ashford. The dining room is very spacious and the menu or tasting menu is varied and well presented. The crockery is all very unusual and a delight to eat from.
Lovage, Bakewell
This is a modern restaurant run by Chef Patron, Lee Smith. The food is beautifully presented on interesting crockery and is extremely high quality. The ambience is relaxing and at the same time there is a feeling of trepidation as you await your next exciting, tongue tingling course. We tried the tasting menu, which certainly was delicious and plentiful. The fish course especially. Set in Bakewell’s centre, there is plenty of parking close to the restaurant. There is also a comfortable cocktail/pre diner drinks area.
Charlies at Baslow, Church Street, Baslow
This is a relaxed café style restaurant but has amazing quality food and a huge specials listing. Run by Charlie and his wife who are both delightful. Parking nearby in the village of Baslow. There is also outside seating. Excellent experience to be had here.
The Bull’s Head, Holymoorside
Chef Mark Aisthorpe of Great British Menu is the remarkable Chef Patron here. This is an intimate dining room with a first class menu. Beautifully presented food and with innovative ideas and creative plates. A short drive from Sheriff Lodge but so worth it.
