Byways in Derbyshire Dales

Called in for a coffee was very disappointed with the place. It was dirty and scruffy, doesn’t look as though it’s been cleaned in months. The toilet facilities were disgusting as for the food, was this a Bakewell tart as there was no sign of the usual recipe. It was soft the pastry was disgusting I would not recommend this place as they need to close it and give it a good facelift. They also need Gordon Ramsey on the case!!!!!!

We first discovered Byways 4 years ago and were so impressed that when we visited bakewell again last week this was the place we headed to for coffee. Find Water Lane-just off the main road- and there you will find a door that leads you up the stairs to this lovely cafe/eatery. It looks like it was a victorian house that has been lovingly adapted as the cafe consists of several rooms, all nicely set out and decorated. We had coffee and toasted teacakes to set us up for a walk along the river and then after a bracing walk, exploring the beautiful church and wandering round the shops we decided to return to Byways for a late lunch. The staek and gravy pie was to die for according to my husband and I had the quiche which was pipnig hot with a generous salad and the prices were half what we would have paid in the very overcrowded pubs. They also do afternoon tea which looked amazing but we were too full to indulge.

We have been going to Byways for many years and always been happy to return. I have no idea what has happened here but the whole place is grubby. Plastic cloths that are not wiped, the kitchen looks like a disaster area and the toilets are disgusting. The staff ( 1 member ) is loud coarse and ungracious. It is totally miserable they need to close for a while to get this place thoroughly clean. Do something drastic about the toilets and change the staff. So if you are reading any of these write ups then please pay attention from somebody who is an extremely disappointed EX customer. We walked out because all the above was a bridge too far.

Called here this morning Monday 22nd December 2019. Very steep stairs to the actual cafe, was asked how many and ppointedinto a room which was very old fashioned, had grubby plastic tableclothes but a lovely warming coal fire. Menu was ok as were the prices. We ordered coffee, pot of tea and 2 toasted teacakes. The drinks arrived but i had to ask for milk. they then delivered the teacakes but no knives. food and drinks were ok but overall we were not impressed with the place and the service and will not visit again.

I love these tea rooms. The food is excellent (my husband had fish and chips and the large fish really is large!), the Welsh Rarebit was lovely. We did not leave hungry. We were right by a fire and it was very cosy. Our waitress was lovely.

Been here a few times... it’s a quaint, quiet place.. with a log fire burning... full English breakfast is lovely as are the coffees... filled us up for the day... staff extremely pleasant and helpful.... Have returned and still a favourite of mine in Bakewell .

Not sure whether to laugh or cry. Arrived at 12:45 after a long drive. Thought we were being shown to a table but actually waitress was taking a menu to a different table. Found our own table (which still had a tray of tea on it) after 15 minutes asked for our order. After 10 minutes our drinks arrived after another 10 minutes a stern lady asked us if all was ok? We explained our food still had not arrived to have the reply of “well what you have on your table is ok” no sorry about the wait. Food was ok for a ham sandwich. Unfortunately they can not cope

Vegan meal requested from the extensive vegan menu. Was NOT served with a vegan meal. Chefs response was "what do you want me to do about it?". Waitress for next table was about 18 and clearly pissed off with every customer she had. Clean your nails love and don't swear in front of customers.

Visited for a bit of Saturday morning breakfast. Opted for a full english - the bacon and sausage were nice, weirdly they provided me with a runny egg and the OH a set egg - which is exactly how we each like them! Rest of breakfast average, and (my usual moan which i will always add on unless a place gets it right) cold plates grrr... Would have been an average rating but the lovely lady who took our order and served the food was so very friendly and pleasant, it improved the whole experience. Would visit again for the service, and maybe try the bacon cob which did look fabulous

A superb breakfast can be had here and is served piping hot straight from the kitchen next door. The restaurant itself is a lovely spot which retains it original Georgian interior! Consistently excellent!

Great food, great atmosphere, great staff. A good selection of gluten and dairy free items. Panini's are excellent. It was a very hot day and could have used A/C but otherwise a nice atmosphere too.

We popped in mid afternoon for a drink and bit of cake. Service was really slow and I had finished my drink before they brought out the cake. The bakewell slice was not worth the money as it was very ”cakey” with very little almond taste. Very plain. There are lots of choices in Bakewell but this time we got it wrong.

Very good choice of food for normal/vegetarian/vegan and gluten free diets . We had the vegan breakfast which was extremely tasty and can throughly recommend . Very impressed they had non dairy spread , non dairy milk and the most delicious sausages . Friendly waitresses and chef . The cakes of all varieties looked gorgeous but we will have to wait another day to try those . Many thanks

Popped in for lunch as on a wet and miserable day. Not too busy so we were able to get a table for two. L The staff were very nice, good service and we did not have to wait very long for our meals. We ordered fish and chips with mushy peas and a quarter pounder, chips and salad from the specials board. The food was very good, the fish was lovely, the batter was crisp and not a bit oily, the chips were crisp on the outside, fluffy inside just as they should be. I tried their special tea, chocolate, it was a black tea and it smelt and tasted wonderful, but not overpowering. I'm so glad we found this place as we had a very enjoyable meal at a very reasonable price.

My partner & I come to Bakewell 1-2 times a year & always head to Byways for breakfast. The staff are so lovely, the service/waiting time is faultless & the breakfast's are amazing! There's only one thing that lets it down & that's that they allow children in there. That is the only thing that spoils it.

My wife and I went in just for coffee. We dealt with 4 people, and each was pleasant cheerful and helpful. The rooms are pleasant and had we wanted a meal, there were several gluten-free meal and cake options. Thank you.

My daughter and I stopped for afternoon tea in Byways. This was our first visit to Bakewell and we are glad to have stopped there. Very clean and pretty place. Also very quiet, which is always a plus in a busy tourist town. Very lovely staff.

Byways is upstairs, so you need to be able to climb stairs. The food is all locally sourced and very well prepared, very friendly staff to cater for every need. They cater for all tastes from normal food, gluten free and vegan. Just pop in for tea, cake, breakfast, teacake to a full meal.

Ignoring the rather expensive ‘Bakewell Tart cafes’ we found the Bywater Cafe somewhat hidden upstairs off Water Street. Slightly basic in style, the cafe has an excellent menu. We settled for a couple of panini’s and a tuna sandwich that each came with a salad, coleslaw and crisps. When my wife asked if they had any specialist teas the waitress produced 3 pages of options. A lovely little cafe with excellent food at very reasonable prices.

Had a late full English breakfast. A good variety of options all well cooked. Very good sized portion and at £7.95 including your tea / coffee good value. Staff friendly and quick service. Would he again.

Party of four visiting Bakewell stopped off for lunch. The place is clean and the staff friendly even the cook came to each table asking if ever thing was to your satisfaction. Three of us had cheese and ham baguette with salad and crisps the ham was thick cut and the baguettes are large, the other meal was a jacket potato, we all had a good lunch in pleasant surroundings.

I use to come here many years ago as a child and was looking forward to a typically English venue and experience. Hugely disappointing... eventually our coffee came and we drank this and after a further 20 minutes our cheese on toast arrived.When I came to pay.i was asked if everything was alright. I said'no' we had a very long wait for our food (well over 30 minutes )...she didn't apologise and said well it was bank holiday Monday..I.thought this was a poor excuse. I am very local and will not be recommending to all my colleagues and friends and will not be revisiting. the whole place felt tired.

Me and my partner had a lovely afternoon tea for 2 here after spotting the sign by chance. It’s a lovely tea room. The sandwiches and scone was beautiful. Was very underwhelmed by the desserts. They looked and tasted like a selection box from iceland which was disappointing when the made full size ones?

Pleasant surroundings not so frequented by prams and pushchairs but avoid peak hours if you only want tea and toast as they restrict the menus when busy

Me and my daughter come here regular for our breakfast. They are always friendly and welcoming and cater for gluten free diets. The choices for gluten free is the best in Bakewell as the cakes list is huge!

You need to look for a door and then you found it. Went in as we see bagels on the menu, only to be told it was breakfast menu. But chef was happy to do them for us.staff were very friendly and went out of there way to help. We had just run a half marathon and wanted something light. So thank you.

Almost found by chance, as it is just a door at the side of a building, with a board outside.....but thoroughly recommend this place for a lunch in Bakewell. Home made buns/cakes. Staff friendly and food freshly made.

Had a lovely cuppa and gorgeous slice of vegan chocolate fudge cake. Friendly service and cosy tea room.

This is a first floor restaurant but worth the climb up stairs. Good handrail. Although updated this cafe is still very similar in atmosphere to 30 years ago - great cheese rarebits and all freshly cooked. Ill be going again soon.

We ate here for breakfast this past weekend and thought it was great! It was exactly what we were looking for: a good honest hearty breakfast that wasn't rip off. We both had the full english breakfast where a hot drink was included and we were impressed to find an additional pot of boiling water to make even more tea! A small touch that was really noticed by us. The breakfast was really tasty and felt locally sourced. We'd definitely visit again, maybe next time for cake!

we visited for breakfast as it was possible to have a full English gluten free, the 3 cooked breakfasts were delicious, thick bacon, tasty sausages, lots of tea. four stars would have been five but we were a little shocked at the price of one egg on one toast as one of the full english had no toast, fried bread or egg, but it was cooked to perfection, would just take off full english next time

A superb breakfast served here piping hot from the kitchen and always with a smile! Well worth a visit if you are in town!!

This place can be a tad difficult to find, on a narrow side street off the main square in Bakewell, and it closes early, but well worth the find. Very nice sandwiches and soup, and great selection of pastries.

When we visit Bakewell, a lunch at Byways is always at the top of our list. It is a small family run tearoom, with lovely staff, which offers good basic meals, snacks and cakes at reasonable cost. They also offer several gluten free options.

The cafe is upstairs. As you enter the room you step back in time to the tea rooms of the past. Old furniture with table cloths, and old style decoration. But the food and service are right up to date. Espresso, no problem. Views over the town from the windows.

We visited Bakewell on Monday, which is market day and the town was heaving. I thought we’d have no chance of getting a seat and something to eat at lunchtime. We spotted Byways and went upstairs to discover rooms which reminded me of places we used to go when I was a child. It was worth it just for nostalgia value! Having said that, we were seated quickly, the staff were very efficient and friendly. My husband had a pot of tea which I normally avoid having because the tea is usually weak and tasteless. What a lovely surprise to see he was served loose tea (no tea bag!!) with a tea strainer and it was a lovely looking cup of tea. I had chosen the hot chocolate which was delicious and nice and hot. We both had the rarebit and were amazed at the size of the serving! It was terrific value and very tasty. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and I would definitely visit again.

We went here whilst going around Bakewell trying to find the best place to have breakfast. Byways was very clean with really friendly staff. The breakfast was reasonably priced, well cooked with quality ingredients and a good choice. We will certainly be happy to return.

On local recommendation we popped in prior to our long walk. The cafe is hidden on the second floor and there are 2 rooms that seat a good number of people in a quaint set up that looks aged but we liked it. There are only 2 people serving but despite it being busy we got served quickly and food came in a timely fashion (others on here suggest it is slow). There is only one person cooking and one making the drinks so that should be taken into consideration after all! We had hot chocolate, Americano both of which were good and large in portion size. I had the fry-up and my partner the poached eggs on toast which we both enjoyed. Aside from the burnt toast everything was good for us. The lady serving was lovely as well and we had a nice chat about Bakewell etc. Plenty of cafes around that look nicer but we thought they were good so worth checking out.

We spent a day out in Bakewell with my partner and his son and a friend of mine and wanted to have a late lunch at this place partly because it offers a gluten free menu. We went in after 2 PM keeping in mind that we had over an hour left on our parking ticket. Nobody greeted us at the door so we had to walk upstairs to be told by someone stepping out of the kitchen to find a table. Someone came to get our drinks orders but we asked for a minute to decide, after which NOBODY came to take our order for about 15 minutes. Not to mention she wasn't very pleasant to talk to. Then we proceeded to wait for another 30 minutes during which not even our drinks were served or just a glass of water which we also asked for, with a 3 year old child at the table mind you, which is absolutely unacceptable. Not to mention a table behind us was full of dirty dishes and didn't get cleared during the entire time we were there. A couple who arrived 15 minutes after us were eating their sandwiches and drinking their coffees by this point. After 45-50 minutes of waiting we got up and left, again the only person we saw on the way out was someone stepping out of the kitchen. I told her we were leaving and all she could say was I do apologise then disappeared off to the kitchen again. Absolutely disgraceful, judging by the amount of food left on other people's plates we didn't miss out on much. AVOID

Lovely traditional English tearoom fantastic gluten free fruit scone and good selection of cakes. Really excellent for gluten free diets. Husband enjoyed his Bakewell tart. I loved it.

Just average, service was a little slow, just came in for tea and cake. It wasn't particularly busy and around 2pm. Didn't have any carrot cake left. drinks came out and the cakes came later, tea was all gone by the time cake arrived, shame really.

We visited Bakewell for my 30th Birthday with the plan to find a lovely tearoom for tea and cake. Upon entering we were advised to go and sit in a room where our orders would be taken. I asked if the milkshakes were included in the "any cake and drink" offer. The response was, I'm not sure... I guess they can be. Fab... one slice of carrot cake, 2 milkshakes, coffee and cheese on toast ordered. The drinks came and were delicious however the service was beyond slow. The table next to us asked where there food was as they had been waiting a while. We waited some more... And some more.... our drinks were all finished and still no cake slice!? After half an hour we asked where our food was and was told another 10-15 mins. I mean seriously? 45 minutes to get a slice of cake and some cheese on toast? We decided to pay for our drinks and leave as we didn't want to waste any more of our day in this place. Very disappointed that this ruined my birthday.

By ways is one of those places that we liked to take guests, and my children always enjoyed going too, their menu used to have a lovely selection throughout the day and the tea menu (a massive selection of teas from around the world) was worth the trip to Bakewell alone!

We went in with our kids for dinner on Monday morning. The service was lovely and the food came reasonably quick. However the salad was dry and warm so was the coleslaw. They only had one jacket potato at lunch time and our daughter had to change her order. When it came for our other daughter there were two little jackets. The cafe changed its menu as it has alot less choice and now is only light meals.tje tea pot for my tea was all cracked and bits were coming off. The bread was stale and a sandwich was 5 pound and all you got was a stale sandwich with dry salad and a few crisps. We went here as a last resort as all the other cafes in Bakewell were full but this one was nearly empty. I have been going in since a child and this was very disappointing.

Bakewell is a delightful town to visit, except we went on a Monday which is market day & the place was heaving ! Nevertheless my wife & I thoroughly enjoyed the "carnival" atmosphere. Deciding upon a late breakfast, we climbed the stairs up to Byways & both ate an exceedingly tasty fry-up. Plenty of everything, well cooked & well served. The cost was exceptionally competitive too. Very nice dining rooms & I would heartily recommend to all. (I did notice other dishes sent out looked pretty decent too).

Went here for a veggie breakfast. staff were polite and I was served promptly, coffee arrived well before the food and was fine. The vegetarian breakfast was good value apart from poor quality sausage - the type that is basically mashed potatoes with a few veg in rolled up to look like a sausage - this rather spoilt the breakfast and made it too carb laden as also had hash browns and toast. I suggest they try the sausages from Quorn or Cauldron foods which are far nicer.

Six of us had breakfast and really enjoyed it. Top quality ingredients cooked really well. My loose leaf tea was very delicious. Beautiful quaint building and old fashioned hospitality. Would recommend and Re visit.

You know I almost missed the entrance but we decided to abseil the stairs and get a snack each.

Seven of us visited here for breakfast. Order was taken by a very pleasant lady. We all had a full English with various eggs. Food was really lovely and nice and fresh. Great to see black pudding included :)

Enjoyed an enormous sandwich for lunch. Chunky slices of bread with beautiful carved ham, fresh salad and potato crisps and coleslaw With a great pot of tea. Climbed some steep steps as cafe in a 17th century building. Worth the climb. Would come back and recommend this quaint cafe.

Always love visiting Bakewell and find sitting by the river most relaxing. The bridge is a true sight with all the love locks on it. However our visit today required a little food and we found ourselves in the Byways. Love the building quirky and old with lots of character. We ordered a couple of breakfasts one veggie and a full English. Delighted with them both as you could tell the produce was of a good standard and quality all washed down with an amazing breakfast tea. Service and welcome was fab and wifi too. Great also for Milkshakes and GF menu!

This used to be our go-to place for breakfast in Bakewell, as the service was always brilliant and the food top notch. However on our latest visit it all went downhill rapidly! We were told that breakfast would be an extra 10 minutes as they had a big party in, so no problem we thought, and we were more than happy to wait. The lady serving came with our hot drinks, and we didn't think 10 minutes was unreasonable anyway...

Fantastic lovely friendly staff. Most helpful. I am gluten and dairy free and for the 1st time in a long time I could have an afternoon tea, well what a delight that was. Tasty fresh, and as I could only have 1 choice of cake I got a big piece made my day, all the staff understood as soon as I said dairy and gluten. Fantastic.

Blink and you might miss the entrance at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs. But its worth the climb to a more sedate (compared to the frenetic ground level cafes in Bakewell) pair of rooms on the first floor past the small kitchen presided over by a genial chef in a white coat who for some reason reminded me of an actor in a TV show who played a chef. Anyhow once seated which was without any delay we ordered. Service was pleasant and efficient the food was of a good quality standard and good portion size and it was reasonable value for money. The atmosphere is perhaps a tad refined and might benefit from something being done to the decor or furniture whereupon one might think it not that unlike little Bettys in Stonegate York although its actually much better value for money at Byways.

Day out on sunny day deciding where to eat so many nice cafes and pubs in bakewell but I enjoy a good breakfast as main lunch and this cafe/resteraunt is very nice. old decor as I guess the tea room would of been all them years ago. Friendly staff and nice and clean and quiet away from the road.

Says it's child friendly but no children's menu , high chairs and a colouring book and crayons available . Very long wait for drinks and food a lot of people saying they had waited 30 -40 minutes but the food was nice enough when it arrived . Something I have never encountered before , a normal menu and a gluten free menu when I accidently ordered a toastie from the gluten free menu I was asked if I was gluten intolerant when I said no I was told in no uncertain terms that I was not allowed it and could only have it on a ciabatta from the normal menu . Now they had sandwiches on the normal menu so therefore had normal bread and they had the same filling on the normal menu so therefore had the filling I didn't get the problem ! My daughter in law is actually gluten free and we've never encountered issues like this before I just didn't see the problem ! I didn't bother with anything in the end . Just be careful which menu you order from or be quicker than me and say you are gluten free .

We went in here for a coffee so I won't comment on the food, but it did have a pleasant atmosphere. The corridors are very narrow and the decor very old-fashioned if that's your thing. The service was prompt and polite. Would go again.

Popped in here for our lunch whilst spending the day looking round Bakewell. Fair prices and nice food but it did take a while to be served. We would come here again especially to try the desserts next time.

Decided to have a drive out to Bakewell for a walk along the Monsal Trail and popped I to town afterwards for a late lunch, arriving at Byways around 3pm. Found a table for 4 and was greeted relatively quickly by the waitress who took our order of paninis and coffee. Some time passed, about 30 minutes, and noticed that not many customers were being served, I approached the staff to ask how much longer we were expected to wait and were told about 30 minutes which I thought was very excessive and they didn't look particularly fussed about how long their customers were waiting.

Haven’t been here for a couple of years since we got our dogs. No dogs today so thought we’d revisit. Wish I’d read other reviews before going. Waited a good ten minutes before our order was taken, then a further 25 minutes for food. Party of four on the next table arrived five minutes after us, still hadn’t been served when our drinks arrived, and eventually left - despite one of them going up to the counter and asking for someone to come and take their order. Menu looked very basic compared to previous visits - wonder if it’s changed hands.

Popped in for lunch. We were shown to a table quite quickly that was when it went downhill. We waited more than 20 minutes for someone to take our order. A couple who arrived before us were served after us. Another couple walked out as they weren't prepared to wait. My husband enjoyed his soup. My eaten it was tasty nut the toast was soggy. The staff didn't seem to care. They just seemed to stand around talking or texting on their phones. What a disappointment.

Stopped in for some lunch on visit to Bakewell, waited 20 minutes for drinks to come out, but had to remind them. After 50 minutes food hadn't arrived. When asked was told that ours would be the next order out. Whilst we were waiting the very other table in the parlour had their food and left. Obviously someone got the checks out of order. No apology or explanation and when we told them we were leaving the response was 'I thought you might'. Great customer service, not!!!!. Need to get their act together.

Visited Byways today for a ‘quick’ lunch. Had never visited before so didn’t realise there was more than one room. The room we were in just had one other party of 4 in it so we were sure it would be quite a swift meal. The waitress eventually came and took our order and did not mention any delay. We waited for at least 40 minutes for a panini! When the food came it was very tasty and nicely presented. The Chef came out and explained that he had sent staff home earlier as it was very quiet but then it had got busy. It would have been nice if the waitress had explained that at the outset. Unfortunately as time was limited by the car park it meant we didn’t have time to enjoy the rest Bakewell may have had to offer

Called in the Byways tea room today for lunch with my husband because they offer gluten free options, my husband enjoyed a delicious sweet potato curry (gf) and I had a lovely all day breakfast. The food was excellent and the staff very friendly. Would strongly recommend this lovely place

Popped in as the menu said lots of gluten free choices. Compared to other cafes and pubs in Bakewell, the prices were really reasonable and the food was great value.

We went to Byways as we have done for years. We ordered Breakfast, cake and tea cakes.

My husband and I decided to travel to Bakewell recently and have our breakfast at Byways.

We visit here quite often when scouring the charity shops and craft fairs of Bakewell. Our most recent trip was last week, where the four us ate a lovely cooked breakfast in front of the roaring fire. Excellent quality food and service was quick and attentive. The only criticism is the bacon could be crispier, but I’ll ask next time. The decor of the tea room is very quaint, with it’s mis-matched chairs, creaky floorboards and quirky features. This is most certainly it’s charm. The chef (possibly the owner?) is always very friendly and often has a story to tell us. In fact, he recommended where he gets their beautiful earl grey tea - a lovely little tea shop on Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield. Well most definitely be returning in the new year for another breakfast.

The best Welsh Rarebit ever ! Lovely loose leaf tea. Nice open fire. nice atmosphere. Friendly staff.

We popped in here hoping for a nice lunch. Ordered Welsh Rarebit to share with a view of having a pudding all to myself. The Rarebit was £4.95 for one slice with 10 (yes I counted) crisps and a very meagre salad.

Had a meal here on a day trip to Bakewell.

Lovely tea and coffee. Chef came out to chat. Nice chap and nice touch. However is very old fashioned (I don't mean vintage or traditional!) and in need of decorating or will get left behind. Some gluten free and dairy free options on the menu

I visited with two friends for lunch. The menu looked lovely. The interior is quite odd and uncomfortable - it feels as though you are in someone's living room. It took ages for our order to be taken and my friend was served tea in a teapot that was rather disgusting- the spout was blocked with some kind of fuzz. The staff didn't apologise or seem remotely concerned. We had panini which were bog standard and overpriced

A friend and I visited this cafe this morning. It was the only place we found open early and we were greeted by friendly people. I was really impressed with the gluten free options and the chef even came out to ask me if the breakfast was ok. I also took some carrot cake home with me which was divine. Great value, great staff, great cafe. I would definitely like to visit again.

We ordered 2 sandwiches and 2 drinks, the drinks took 15 minutes to arrive and the food didn't turn up at all! After 50 minutes we went to the kitchen to ask where our food was to be told they didn't know what we were talking about, what food?! We definitely ordered it, with the miserable waitress who had to be prompted to come over to our table (which was piled high with the previous diners dirty plates and cutlery) to take our order.Needless to say we got out things together and left, poor service, uninviting and disappointing.

We went here twice, first time for lunch which was really good and then as we seen another table enjoying an all day breakfast that just look amazing, we had to go again the next day to try it out (for breakfast)...We were not disappointed!!!Very friendly staff too.

Good home cooked food. Helpful, friendly Staff, always good for lunch at Byways. We have visited several times and have never been disappointed. Good place to eat.

Visited Byways for a full England breakfast with my son, overall the breakfast was pretty decent. Service was pretty good, although could have been quicker for initial order. (Another customer there couldn't be bothered waiting and left, and there was only 5 customers in the place!)Only negative was that the tea strainer was dirty.

Have been twice now to this tearoom, and have been impressed both times. They do a lovely variety of different Welsh Rabits and they are very good. This time I had the cob special, which was either bacon, or sausage with tea or coffe, and a choice of white or brown cob. It was very good value and the sausages were very tasty, and filling! It is an old fashioned tearoom which I like, with different rooms, and no one rushing you. Only thing is there are a lot of steep stairs to get to the rooms so you have to be pretty fit. Staff friendly and helpful. Will definitely revisit.

I like to leave honest reviews and praise where praise is due, but I'm sorry: Byways is not somewhere I can recommend. If I could give zero marks I would.We arrived at the end of a busy lunchtime, around 13:15, but there were still a couple of tables free. We were directed to take one and one of the serving staff came over. I asked her what the soup of the day was. "I've no idea" she responded, and went to find out. Good start!Having chosen our food we had drinks delivered relatively quickly, with a couple of less than pristine glasses which we ignored. We settled in and listened to others arriving: two groups came into our room afterwards and sat down, one placed an order and the same serving staff replied "I've no idea" to another question". The other two tables (one a larger group than us) were then served with drinks.After thirty minutes of waiting for our food, we were surprised to see that the larger group received their food. The smaller table of two who'd arrived a good 15-20mins after us received their drinks and I mentioned to my wife "if they get their food we have been forgotten about"Unsurprisingly their food arrived. At this point, we decide not to wait for our three sandwiches (not complex meals) and walked out.I have never walked out of an eating establishment in my life, and I hope I never have to again, but it is unforgivable in my opinion to serve people with similar foods (sandwiches) out of order. We also had a child in our group, not that I believe families should have priority but if we'd been served in good time and in order, we'd have had no reason to be upset.As we left I noticed many other empty tables and therefore I assume the rush was over, so I have no idea what the issue was. I'm certain I won't be back.

We visited and ordered our food it came quite quick but my nan ordered some cheese scones which she wrote down then everyone's food and stuff came but not the cheese scones, so we waited for a while and but if we didn't ask where it was from one of the other staff we would never of been told that they hadn't got any, it was going, probably never going to come back here, don't recommend it to anyone!

Wer hier Tee trinken will, muss Zeit haben. Es dauerte mehr als 15 Minuten bis unsere Bestellung aufgenommen wurde, obwohl nur wenige Gäste in diesem Tearoom waren.Beim Eingang wird damit geworben, dass es sich hier um ein Lokal aus dem 17. Jahrhundert handelt. Besonders attraktiv wirkte es nicht, die Speisen waren es auch nicht.

As walking around decided to have a meal The Wife and I had Fish and Chips very big fish and the sister in law had the meat and potatoe pie she really enjoyed it as we enjoyed ours, good service and good food so left full and happy

Whilst wondering around Bakewell yesterday we came across a sign for Byways saying they did gluten free food, we were a bit peckish so in we went.A good selection of gluten free on the menu and my wife opted for sweet potato curry and I as a treat had the full English breakfast.Wife loved the curry, I tried some and agree it tasted good and a good size portion with rice and salad coming with it.My full English was also very nice.You could also see the chef cooking the food which is always a bonus.Was all upstairs so may not be fully accessible Fully recommended

Visited here over bank hol,for breakfast , was seated quickly, cold drinks arrived but were not chilled fully,enjoyed both a full English, and veg breakfast, gave me brown toast when asked for white, only two of us,so could be chefs fault, my partners bacon was far to salty , other people came in and was not served,so there left,probably short staffed!!

A very quaint atmosphere and on our visit a very popular restaurant. We had the vegetarian breakfast and poached eggs on gluten free bread both breakfasts were delicious. When ordering I forgot to mention that I do not have butter on my toast, the staff were very obliging and replaced it for me. Lovely friendly staff and well worth a visit.

Absolute disgrace!! After having a cold breakfast we were appalled to see the young man in chef whites on the phone outside smoking a cigarette talking about taking drugs rather loudly! WOULDNT VISIT!!!

Having visited Byways previously and enjoyed good food and service we were sadly disappointed this time. Our order was taken reasonably quickly but after nearly half an hour there was no sign of our lunch, just how long does it take to make a sandwich! We might have stayed had they bothered to provide us with the pot of tea we'd ordered but there was no sign of that either. The other tables hadn't been cleared away, it didn't bode well from the start, suffice to say we won't be back.

I enjoyed my sausage and egg cob washed down with a cappuccino very much. Ok I was alone in the place at the time but staff were friendly and food took no time at all to arrive. It has a nice atmosphere, good pricing and worth finding.

We were pleasantly surprised by the cosy tea room after a fruitless search round other places in the town. The menu had plenty of choices and you need to look out for specials and a separate board advertising scones that could easily be missed. The cheese scone was the best I have sampled for a few years-fresh and warm. The teas are served piping hot , made from loose leaves and with extra hot water served as routine. Service was pleasant and nicely paced- well worth any wait which we hardly noticed as it so cosy and comfortable here. Would definitely recommend .

Family of 4 ordered jacket spuds and drinks. 20 mins for drinks to arrive (after asking where our food was), another 10 mind for food. When it did turn up it was warm, not hot. Understaffed, no order of service. Two tables who ordered after us got their food before us. Quite disappointing. Perhaps us city folk have higher expectations? Def wouldn't return.

We stopped of in Bakewell for breakfast and found this delightful little place, well worth the trip up the stairs. A well cooked and delicious full English breakfast with good service and coffee

Not good food. Both my husband and my sandwiches were dry and stale, I asked for white bread but was given brown. The clotted cream for scone was dry and crumbly. Never go back again.

I came here many years ago and was my first ever experience of a tearoom which then began my love for the places. We visited again yesterday after me giving a lot of compliments about the place to my other half to then be made to look silly as the whole experience was just shameful.We arrived and was greeted straight away and asked to pick a table but from there the service was nil. We sat for 25 minutes before even being asked what we wanted. Our teas arrived but with no scone. We ordered the scones with the clotted cream and half an hour later after having drank all our tea the scones arrived... with no clotted cream. We didn't even finish eating them they were lovely and fresh out the oven but was let down by how long we had to wait for them on a day which wasn't even busy! I had to go to the kitchen to ask how long the scones would be as I was ready to leave at this point and was not in a position to then begin to moan about our lack of cream.I totted up the bill to make sure we were not overcharged for the lack of clotted cream and at the payment desk I was asked to pay the full price. It wasn't until I informed the waitress (she actually seemed like the only one who engaged with the customers - she had brown hair, unfortunately I couldn't tell you her name) that we hadn't received what we had asked for and I was paying for what we received and not what we ordered.She was apologetic but I will not be coming here again. I feel very let down by the place. We felt forgotten about which you don't want to feel at any establishment. Is a massive shame as the tea and scones were lovely and the food the people around us looked nice!

Visited this afternoon after being turned away from another tearoom in Bakewell as they were too busy.Mounted the staircase to a lovely welcome greeting and were asked to choose a table.Ordered a coffee,chai tea,carrot cake and Bakewell tart.All arrived promptly and were delicious,in fact I was rather jelaous that my husband had picked the Bakewell tart.Homemade by the owner and can only be described as proper.This was our first visit and we will be back,for the friendly welcome and the Bakewell tart.Thank you

Called in on sunday afternoon for a hot drink, latte and mocha and a scone. Long wait for two drinks considering it was not busy. Eventually the drinks come but no scone. Drinks were barely warm, my husband can not drink very hot drinks as he has a sensitive tongue and even he dranks his mocha straight down. We walked up to the kitchen as we just wanted to pay and leave to find all the staff in there enjoying a good old sunday afternoon chat. We told the young waitress that the drinks were cold and she did say sorry and did we still want the scone ? we did not. Yet another business that does not deserve custom.

Have been coming here for years, and left slightly disappointed this timeSome of the menu items were off already (and we arrived at midday on a Friday...) but we weren't told this until 10 minutes after we'd ordered.Food was either overcooked (egg in the all day breakfast was rock solid, sausage overcooked) or not hot enough, the tables weren't cleared, desserts obviously bought in rather than prepared on the premises.Drinks and food slow to arrive (we overheard another table asking how long a particular dish would take to arrive, they were told '5 minutes'. We left 20 minutes after that, and they still hadn't been served.)Bakewell's a really competitive marketplace for cafe food: this place will lose out if they don't improve.

A lovely restaurant in the centre of Bakewell, with really good home cooked food, including gluten free menu. It's upstairs, so not really suitable for disabled, but well worth a visit nonetheless. With friendly service, and Georgian atmospheric rooms, it's not to be missed. It's our go-to place for a good meal every time we're in Bakewell.

Being celiac can always be a tricky mine field when trying to eat out.Here I had a wonderful cauliflower cheese tart and a beautiful brownie. They had lots of gluten free options and understood my requirements. Great little stop, would most certainly return if in the area again

It was so lovely here. Feels like you're in a b&b. Very impressed with the vegetarian options and all at a good price too, nothing too expensive. The staff were very friendly and the chef even checked everything was alright. I will definitely be going back :)