Whether you love fancy pants alfresco, street eats on the go, or food and drink with a view, here's our pick of places to enjoy great food during the summer months.
The Devonshire Arms, Beeley
Indulge in the grandeur of the Chatsworth Estate, warming local ales and fantastic food on the Garden Terrace that will be open during the day and evenings.
devonshirehotels.co.uk/devonshire-arms-beeley
The Lighthouse Restaurant, Boylestone
Self-taught chef Jonathan Hardy, a former winner of a Derbyshire Life Food and Drink Award, has been cooking up delights for diners for more than a decade.
A county dining institution, hiding in the country lanes between Ashbourne and Sudbury, you’ll find ambitious dishes, a great wine list and lovely surroundings.
the-lighthouse-restaurant.co.uk.
The Peacock at Rowsley, Rowsley
This gorgeous stone-built 16th century converted Peak District manor house, has the food to match the surroundings.
Sit on the outdoor terrace for lunch, from Monday to Saturday, overlooking the lush gardens.
thepeacockatrowsley.com
The Horseshoes, Long Lane
This award-winning gastropub is a Derbyshire institution. A stylish gem in the countryside, there is great food and more than 100 gins on offer, including several from local small batch artisans.
horseshoeslonglane.co.uk
The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage
Located on one of the old tracks leading to Sheffield, The Scotsman’s has for a long time been a regular place to call for food and shelter for the ‘packmen’ who visited farms and villages offering goods and carrying news.
Choose your place on the patio – a sun-baked spot with lovely views over a trout stream while choosing from a menu full of pub classics and local beers.
If the weather is bad, no problem, they also have a marquee to keep you dry. Once you’re done, stroll to nearby St Michael’s Church, to spot the grave of Robin Hood’s fellow outlaw, Little John.
scotsmanspackcountryinn.co.uk
The Cock Inn, Mugginton
Part of the Berkeley Inns stable, there is great food in lovely surroundings.
The Inn, on a once important route from London to Manchester in the 18th and 19th centuries, is a former winner of a Derbyshire Life Food and Drink Award and county winner in The National Bar and Pub Awards.
It blends the old inn with a contemporary extension to create a lovely restaurant.
cockinnmugginton.com
The Derby Market Place, Derby
City centre alfresco never looked so good. One of the city’s newer places to eat with reopen this month. Eat outdoors with friends with food from one of your favourite Derby cafes, restaurants or pubs.
This huge food court and licensed bar has bookable chalets, outdoor tables and a performance area. Order food from your favourite city centre place to eat and it will be delivered to your table.
derbymarketplace.co.uk.
The Meynell Ingram Arms, Hoar Cross
On the fringes of the county, this fine country inn is the recent recipient of Best New Site in the Prestigious Publican Awards.
The building had sat empty for five years before reopening in in spring 2019 after a major overhaul.
Also, recognised as Best Newcomer in the prestigious Top 50 Gastropub awards, head chef Colin Ansell serves special menus, packed with local produce, designed to impress diners.
meynellingram.co.uk.
Pack Horse, Hayfield
In Hayfield, near the revived cool foodie hotspot of Glossop, you can expect gorgeous small plates - High Peak lamb pie and house salt brisket baguettes will be on our list. A must-try place.
thepackhorsehayfield.uk
The Bluebell, Wingfield
From the same team behind the hugely successful and popular Stones Restaurant, The Bluebell offers top notch, fuss-free dining in a gorgeous old pub.
Pull up a chair at one of their outdoor tables and choose from their outdoor menu – which on a Sunday also includes a Sunday roast. Fine food, beers and cocktails in the Derbyshire countryside?
Bluebellwingfield.co.uk.
