The Best Restaurants in the Peak District

Right on the edge of the National Park, Chapel-en-le-Frith provides an excellent gateway to the Peak District, being situated relatively close to Manchester and easily accessible from the city by train. In the town centre sits Deacon’s Bank, unsurprisingly converted from a historic banking hall. Even though a few original features have been retained, it’s now a sleek and modern-looking place, serving detailed and ambitious dishes across both a tasting menu and à la carte. Stay overnight in one of the upstairs apartments.

For years, the Fischer family have played a key role in the Peak District’s hospitality landscape. These days it’s son Neil who presides over the fine country house of Baslow Hall, with the service team offering a warm welcome and the kitchen providing technically adept dishes that show a strong grasp of classical techniques. Less than 10 minutes’ drive away is the stunning Chatsworth House, a beautiful stately home which for years has been one of the Peak District’s chief attractions.

Possibly the most famous town in the Peak District, Bakewell is renowned for its signature tarts and puddings – a gloriously sweet combination of almond, cherry and pastry. In between sugary treats, it’s well worth your time having a more nourishing meal at this charming restaurant situated inside a rustically converted former barn. The genial team ensure you’ll have a good time, while the cooking makes fine use of the area’s many top-quality ingredients.

Technically just outside the National Park’s boundary, Matlock nevertheless provides an excellent gateway to the Peaks if you’re coming from Nottingham or Derby. An added bonus is this endearing family-run restaurant, which occupies a great spot next to the River Derwent. A lovely terrace makes the most of the location, while the kitchen team deliver well-executed takes on tried-and-tested dishes. A strong selection of vegan and vegetarian options (including tasting menus) adds to the broad appeal.

Unlike a lot of the town-dwelling restaurants in the Peak District, The Blind Bull has a properly rural feel. Situated in the tiny village of Little Hucklow, deep within the National Park, it’s a beautifully restored place which has clearly had plenty of time and money lavished upon it – sit outside if you can, for a view of the rolling hills. The cooking has a few more international touches than other restaurants in the area, including incorporating intense flavours such as 'nduja and kombu dashi.

Just like Fischer’s, The Gallery is a great place to dine if you’re visiting Chatsworth House, the grand manor at the top of many visitors’ Peak District to-do list. In fact, it’s within the vast Chatsworth Estate itself, and forms part of The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow – a lovely property in its own right that has been awarded One MICHELIN Key. The Gallery plays its part in the experience wonderfully, serving the kind of pared-back dishes that put ingredients front and centre, which is just as well when many of them come from the Estate and are packed with flavour.

Another spot in the western, ‘Manchester side’ part of the Peak District, Hayfield is a picturesque little village that’s home to this classic village local that stays true to its pub heart while offering finely executed dishes with immensely satisfying flavours. A welcoming atmosphere and characterful interior combine with real ales, homemade pies and a strong steak selection – all adding up to the perfect pub lunch experience. The friendly team are keen to please and enhance the overall package.

Like Stones in Matlock, The Peacock occupies a lovely spot near the long and winding River Derwent. Its name may sound like a pub, but this restaurant and hotel in fact occupies a substantial one-time manor house. A good-looking building, cradled by climbing greenery, it simply oozes historical charm. The wide range of menus have you covered whenever you’re visiting, be it for a light mid-walk lunch, afternoon tea or a celebratory dinner. Whether cooking something traditional or modern, the kitchen team ensure it delivers on flavour.