Emily Williamson, founder of Peak District Pub Tours, which specialises in hosted and transported tours of some of our most unique pubs, offers her expert opinion on places to relax, eat and drink.
Flying Childers
Where: Main Rd, Stanton in the Peak, DE4 2LW
flyingchilders.com
Walking into the ‘Childers' is like walking into a big hug. It’s a place full of overwhelming affection, and once you've experienced it, you can't let go!
From the moment you enter, you’re met with the cutest, tiniest community shop, only then to walk either right or left into the overwhelmingly traditional bar areas adorned in bunting, award certificates and welcoming staff.
Guest ales are changed regularly and punters are able to check which ales are on in advance by using the 'Real Ale Finder' app. Plus, Sophie, the landlady, is magical with her vegan food offering.
What to try: Despite the strong traditional feel and well-kept beers, ask the landlord, Richard, for a cocktail! A national flaring champion and incredible mixologist, you won't be disappointed!
Where: Little Hucklow, SK17 8RT
theblindbull.co.uk
At Pub Tours we’re passionate about saving the Great British Pub from extinction, so we have a soft spot for those who rescue pubs that have closed.
This one would have been a great loss for Derbyshire, as Ye Olde Bull’s Head, the site The Blind Bull inhibits, was Britain’s fifth oldest public house.
If Raab hadn’t come to the rescue with his renovations, incredible hospitality and creative spirit - and had Luke not worked wonders producing continuously fabulous menus - this community’s 12th century inn in the most beautiful setting would have been lost forever.
What to try: Blind Bull IPA by the local, and very wonderful, Eyam Brewery.
The Old Hall Inn & Paper Mill Inn
Where: Whitehough, Chinley, SK23 6EJ
old-hall-inn.co.uk
I may be slightly biased as we used to take family walks here when I was a child and it’s largely responsible for my ongoing love of the Great British pub.
I visited often with my late husband for precious date days and nights and we even celebrated my stepdaughter’s baby shower here.
Who could not love a two-in-one pub, positioned yards away from each other? And my goodness they do it well.
There are lots of little rooms in these 16th century inns and a real mix of tradition with modern innovation.
No matter how many times you visit, the quality, local and seasonal homecooked food and local ale selection always impresses.
What to try: Look to see which ales they have on by local Torrside Brewing Company, from New Mills.
Thornbridge Taproom
Where: Riverside Brewery, Bakewell, DE45 1GS
thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/pages/tap-room
Whilst many may argue the difference between a taproom and a pub, we wholly welcome an extra pub (or taproom!) as a place for the community to meet, and Thornbridge have created something special for Bakewell and the region.
We love the community spirit here, a place where running clubs, rugby clubs, teachers, PTAs, families, dog walkers, pub tourers and everybody in between meet to relax, drink and support local.
The vibe is addictive and the busy team always have time to give their opinions and share their knowledge of the beers - watch their eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and passion if you question them.
What to try: It goes without saying you need to have a beer, but don’t leave without trying their pizzas, they’re truly fantastic!
The Lathkil
Where: School Lane, Over Haddon, DE45 1JE
lathkil.co.uk
This old miners’ pub is perched above one of Derbyshire’s most beautiful Dales, Lathkill Dale, boasting stunning scenery from its pub windows.
The landlady, Alice, has hospitality in her blood, having taken over from her parents, who ran it from 1981.
She ensures hearty, tasty meals are served and always has a good range of ales on. The views can be appreciated from panoramic windows and they have a covered area in the beer garden too.
What to try: Treat yourself to a steak! The steaks are from the Ginger Butchers at New Close Farm in Over Haddon and the meat is so good.
Where: Bretton, S32 5QD
barrelinn.co.uk
As the highest Pub in Derbyshire, you can imagine the spectacular views of five counties from the Barrel - but our love for the oldest pub in the Peak District doesn’t stop there.
The Cone family work as a superb team to offer the warmest welcomes, with a team of smiles and genuine spirit that is a joy to be around.
If you walk to the end of the bar, you’ll see records of the landlords and ladies since this historic pub opened in 1597. I often look at it, because I think it evidences a history of true passion for a trade we are passionate about. Hospitality done well, lasts.
What to try: The Wafer Pork Scratchings with Pink Lady Apple Puree, delectable nibbles Carl the chef brought to us to try on a Pub Tour, that now we will never go without!
The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn
Where: School Lane, Hathersage, S32 1BZ
scotsmanspackcountryinn.co.uk
This little gem is set back off the main street in Hathersage, on what was once an old packhorse track to Sheffield.
It’s not far from Little John’s grave and this quaint pub actually houses Little John’s chair in their dining room - it’s a surreal feeling having a drink seated in the legendary English hero’s seat!
They have varied seasonal menus with great options, but our favourite are their scrumptious Sunday roasts - if you strike lucky, they’ve been known to serve Sunday sharing platters too!
What to try: Bakewell Pud Gin! Cuckoostone Distillery have recreated the flavour profile of The Old Original Bakewell Pudding in this gin - very tasty!
The Ashford Arms
Where: Church St, Ashford in the Water, DE45 1QB
theashfordarms.com
This fabulous pub, rescued recently by Rob and Steve of Longbow Venues and managed by the very professional Josh, is a game changer for the area.
This beautifully restored 17th century inn in lovely Ashford in the Water consistently offers fabulous service, scrumptious menus with locally sourced ingredients and a wide offering of local beers and spirits to accompany their incredible wine list.
What to try: A glass or two of Nyetimber. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the successful revival of a Peak District pub than with an English sparkling wine.
Where: Grindsbrook Booth, Edale, S33 7ZD
the-old-nags-head.co.uk
What I love most about this rustic, country pub is you don’t need reservations to eat. Not because it isn’t busy - it is - but because they simply don’t take reservations.
If you’ve walked down Kinder quicker than expected, you can walk into The Old Nags Head and order your meal anyway. They thrive on being positioned at the start of the Pennine Way and cater accordingly.
You can feel the buzz of adventure with each walker that stops by and the locals are warm and welcoming. Their meal portion sizes are huge, but if it’s coffee and cake you want, they have that too.
What to try: Kinder Down Fall Ruby Ale - when in Rome and all that!
The Packhorse Inn
Where: Main St, Little Longstone, DE45 1NN
packhorselongstone.co.uk
This has to be the cosiest pub in Derbyshire. Not just inside, but outside in their pergola too, where they have a traditional fireplace which takes cosy to a new, wonderful level.
The pub itself is three separate little rooms, one which houses the traditional bar area and two used for dining. Each showcases the charm the little cottages would have had before they were joined to become the pub we’re lucky to experience today.
The menu is refreshed each month to maintain seasonality and we’re yet to experience a dish that doesn’t tantalise the taste buds.
With a wine list full of Hattersley wines, a bar full of Thornbridge beers and chalkboards offering unique cocktails, it’s clear quality is of utmost importance.
What to try: If you notice the Packhorse Platter on the menu, don’t miss it. Ideal to accompany a good Thornbridge beer.
