Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

Surrounded by picturesque walking country, The Red Lion is a 17th century family-run inn close to the beautiful Carsington Water. With a wealth of original features that include beamed ceilings, open fireplaces and church pew seating, the inn is cosy, unique and very inviting.

Three bedrooms keep guests comfortable, and the owners are eager to make sure your stay is as trouble free as possible. Past guests include John F Kennedy Jr and his wife Carolyn Bessette.

The Red Lion's modern British menu offers imaginative interpretations of traditional dishes, well supplemented by good old comfort food. Guests dine in either the oak beamed bar area or the lighter conservatory, where starters of posh mushrooms on toast, and prawns with cucumber never fail to please. Main courses embrace rib-eye steak, fish and chips, and an oven baked fillet of Derbyshire chicken. Don't forget to check the chalkboard for desserts and the day's specials.

A good wine list supports, and well-kept ales are always available.

The Columbine Restaurant is a small privately run restaurant in the centre of the Peak District main town of Buxton. Situated just two minutes away from the Buxton Opera House, and one minute from the market square it makes an ideal spot for shoppers and opera visitors to have a quick bite before the show or a more elaborate meal afterwards. The restaurant offers a relaxed informal atmosphere with friendly, non-intrusive service.

The bill of fare changes seasonally and all the food is made to order, portions are large and the cooking is well skilled. Start your meal with a creamy natural smoked haddock and potato soup, and sesame crumbed strips of chicken served with sweet chilli sauce. For main course order arctic char sautéed with queen scallops in a herb and lemon butter or char grilled sirloin steak with smoked bacon and blue Stilton cream. Finish with hot chocolate pudding with fudge and hazelnut sauce.

This is an unassuming place on the Sudbury highway, more specifically on Harrow Road, where you can walk in for some delicious Indian food and walk out with your pockets more or less intact, and with a feeling of deep satisfaction. The food at Five Hot Chillies happily doesn't exceed the level of spiciness that goes beyond comfort levels and the friendly and efficient service adds to the enjoyment of your meal greatly. The ambiance is nothing much to write about, but when the food is of such excellent quality, all else can be forgiven.

The menu is extensive and offers a range of Punjabi and Pakistani cuisine where kebabs feature highly amongst starters. Moving on, their karahi dishes are well loved, whether it is lamb, paneer or chicken, because the taste is simply exquisite. Their naan breads are fresh and perfect for soaking up the rich gravies and rice dishes are fragrant. Desserts provide an excellent finale, be it kulfi or kheer.

Morley's magnificent Breadsall Priory was once a stately residence dating back to 1260. Today it is a fascinating Marriott hotel and Country Club where historical charm meets modern style in a thoroughly convincing way. Four Hundred acres of parkland, two golf courses, a hundred and twelve rooms, pools, fitness areas, and spas complete the picture.

Set in an ancient wine cellar is one of Breadsall's restaurants called the Priory. A menu of European and international dishes opens with seared cod cheeks, and a warm salad of pancetta, black pudding, and parsnip puree, and goes on to offer duck and mango pressed terrine with plum chutney and toasted brioche. A main course of Priory's signature dish of trio of English fair mini beef Wellington, lamb cutlet, pork fillet sage mousse, fine cut vegetables, fondant potato, and red wine sauce, or roasted Pollock with a squid ink risotto and salsa Verdi both provide convincing evidence of skill in the kitchen.

Desserts are second to none and a hot peppered pineapple with pina colada sorbet and buttered strawberry could lend a glorious end to the meal.

An old George Street stables building has been converted into a restaurant called Zest; which like its name suggests, exudes loads of passion and enthusiasm. The relaxed little eating place retains much of its beautiful original character, but with a fresh and very welcoming mood.

By creating British and modern European menus that change with the seasons, the chef and his team make the most of the area's best seasonal produce. To give you a good idea of what is offered consider starters of prawns with honeydew melon, lime, and avocado, or yoghurt-marinated chicken kebab with smoked paprika.

Main courses embrace a Korean marinated salmon fillet accompanied by bok choy and mushrooms, and roasted duck breast with truffle polenta and loganberry sauce. With a gooseberry tart or mixed berry trifle and whipped cream, the puddings might come last but they are in no way the least.

The wine list features carefully selected numbers from some of the world's finest estates.

Castleton is situated in the heart of the Peak National Park, and home to the Blue John gemstone. It is therefore not surprising that the bustling village is often referred to as the gem of the Peak District! Not far from the village market place is The George, a welcoming country inn and pub that offers a wonderful setting to stay, dine, or simply enjoy a relaxing drink in the traditional bar.

The restaurant is well-known for its great food and fine ales, and the emphasis is very much on quality, locally sourced produce, and an enjoyable experience. A selection of home-cooked meals could include Bantry Bay mussels in a creamy white wine sauce, honey roasted ham shank, and a delicious steak and kidney pudding served with chips, vegetables of the day, and homemade beef gravy.

The bar offers one of the finest selections of malt whiskey in England.

The bedrooms are all ensuite and ensure a good nights rest after an enjoyable visit to Castleton.

A beautiful traditional pub and restaurant set in the idyllic village of Hayfield, at the foothills of the Kinder Mountain, The Pack Horse offers a warm welcome to its guests. The stunning interiors, a well mannered open fire, and freshly cooked food together with an extensive bar make this an ideal place for wine and dine. Simon William Woodall and executive chef Kurt Thomas along with their friendly team ensure that every experience here comes under the heading of unique dining.

The innovative menu offers something for every palate. Choices for light bites here include offerings such as melon and prawn cocktail served with a swirl of smoked salmon, deep fried crispy mushrooms with a devilled sauce, and cream cheese pate with fruit jelly and toast stack. Derbyshire reared pork sausages with mash and red onion gravy, grilled fillet of seabass with Spanish style bean stew, and fresh spinach and ricotta risotto are just a few of the crowd pullers.

Everyone in Derby loves Bennetts Department Store for the simple reason that it's always been home to the best sort of retail therapy, and now there's even more reason for it to become a favourite amongst residents. Zest at Bennetts, a delightful modern British cafe and brasserie, has opened at the rear of this Irongate store and can be found on the balcony. Stop by for a tasty brunch or you could indulge in their champagne breakfasts to celebrate a special occasion. After some shopping, there could be nothing better than sitting down for lunch in their relaxing atmosphere amidst all your shiny parcels.

For a light meal, the soups, salads and sandwiches beckon, but there's a regular three course meal also beginning with smoked salmon and avocado followed by corned beef and potato hash with fried egg and rocket. Freshly prepared cakes and pastries take on an alluring appeal as a fitting end to the meal. Drinking options at Restaurant Zest are plentiful including wine, champagne, beer along with tea, coffee and fruit juices.