Cafe Impromptu in Derbyshire Dales

Chose from the amazing selection on the Specials Board and it did not disappoint - I can confirm it tasted as good as it looks!! - Crispy Halloumi, Moroccan Couscous, Mint Yogurt, Pomegranate Molasses & Flatbread. ❤️🍽️🫖

Friendly, attentive & welcoming staff. We have a small full breakfast…it didn’t disappoint & was plentiful. The only negative, we were too full to consider the cake on offer.

Today's visit to Cage Impromptu was absolutely wonderful. The venue is small but very cosy and clean. The staff are delightful. I eat a carb free diet, and they went above and beyond to accommodate this. The steak was delicious and perfectly cooked. Definitely recommend and I will definitely be back. A+++

Friendly staff, excellent food, dog friendly,food beautifully presented, and tasted wonderful ,.Will definetly be returning.

Super fresh food with excellent choices of quality drinks and speciality teas. Great value for money for this exceptional lunch.

Went for the first time and we were both really impressed with both the food and service. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. There’s a good variety of choice too especially if you have any dietary requirements. On top of that there’s a specials board with additional choices! We were really impressed and had a lovely time. All staff were polite and friendly. Definitely would recommend and will be going again to try other dishes! Thank you cafe impromptu!

The most stunning, refreshing and flavourful Hallumi and cous cous salad! Incredible taste and presentation, I could choose any of the specials. Definitely recommend 😀

Lovely local cafe that delivers on every level. Customer service was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The meal (steak baguette) was excellent and cooked to our request. Superb on every level. If you visit Ashbourne please give this place a visit. You will not be disappointed.

Having read previous reviews we were looking forward to our visit, when we received our menu I was surprised how few choices there were but I can honestly say I normally choose what I want quite quickly, however I was spoilt for choice, in the end I went for the hot beef baguette which came with a lovely salad and the nicest fries I have ever had, hubby went for salmon and scrambled eggs and must have had a full packet of salmon on his plate. Staff were lovely and helpful and there where plenty who seemed to be regulars, and if we lived closer we would be one of them. 👍👍

Called in for breakfast after reading a few reviews and they were all so true. Excellent English breakfasts, great coffee and lovely, friendly staff. We will definitely return.

Found this cafe for lunch. Dog friendly. Very clean and tidy. Good choice of food at reasonable prices. Excellent choice. Staff very friendly. Would certainly recommend

Stopped here for lunch. Staff were great. Good choice for lunch. Food excellent. Very dog friendly. Could not fault it.

Well, where do I start Nice comfortable atmosphere, me and my business partner opted at the specials board after a meeting locally, I had a barbecue pulled pork baguette which was delicious, very filling, comes fries and lovely homemade coleslaw, my partner had beef bourguignon with the mustard mash, very flavoursome and the beef cooked exceptional I feel like I could bring clients here for a meal after another meeting Looking forward to trying more from the menu as some of the other guests meals looked well prepared and smelt delicious This is definitely a fantastic find I will be returning promtu

We frequented this place in the past, so decided to give it a try today. We were not disappointed, the staff are kind and friendly, the order came fairly promptly and the food was as usual delicious!!!! We will definitely return!!

I used to LOVE Cafe Impromptu! What has happened? In recent weeks, the cafe has taken a sharp nosedive, leaving both regulars and newcomers disappointed and puzzled as to the sudden change? I thought at first this was an isolated incident, but this is now the third poor visit. Unfortunately I will not be returning, which is so sad because this was my favourite cafe in Ashbourne.

A great place for breakfast, good service and a freshly cooked breakfast. Staff were very friendly and welcoming.

What has happened here ? Been coming weekly for a long time, but these last two weeks it’s gone downhill drastically !

This is the nicest, friendliest cafe in Ashbourne. I have been coming here with friends for some time. We normally have coffee or a light lunch. The food here is really good, and reasonably priced , and the staff are pleasant and efficient.

First visit here, took my 4-year-old son as a special treat for completing his first month at school. The staff were friendly, helpful and accommodating. We ordered milkshakes and cake, and both were very delicious and served in generous portions. We had a lovely time and will definitely be back - thank you!

It really doesn’t get any better tasty local food cooked by great people and served on hot plates and the right money

Advertised as dog friendly, and genuinely was - blanket and treats provided upon arrival, staff genuinely interested in said pooch. For the humans there was excellent coffee, tasty tea cakes, and a good atmosphere. Toilets were spotless, a little outdoor space upstairs as well, but weather didn't permit using it the day we visited. Prices reasonable, would happily revisit.

Having previously visited this cafe and had wonderful service, delicious cakes and excellent coffee I returned today. Unfortunately my experience this time (09/09/23) was unprofessional and discriminatory. I saw a table which was free and mentioned to the waitress I would like to order but first needed to use the toilet. She advised me they were upstairs. I glanced to the side and they looked relatively narrow and steep, and I mentioned to the waitress the last time I was here I used the toilets down towards the kitchen, which are wider and only two or three to navigate. The waitress said they were for people with mobility issues, which I said that was me, and that I had left my Blue Badge in the car across the street when I parked up. She looked me up and down blatantly assessing her view of my mobility, and asked me if I could manage stairs, which I said not really - she then allowed me to use the toilet near the kitchen. This dialogue happened in the centre of the cafe, where other customers couls hear and see. Fortunately, I have a copy of my disabled badge on my telephone and when I came out of the toilet the waitress was sat down speaking to her colleague. I waited until they had finished speaking and showed the waitress my disabled badge photo, even going as far as enlarging the picture so she could visibly see it was me. I said to her quietly and discretely, which was not the privilege she afforded to me earlier, she should be aware not all disabilities are visible, when she had asked if I had mobility issues. It was unprofessional and insensitive to have challenged me further by asking if I could manage stairs. The conversation should have ended there. The waitress in question became very defensive, began sighing and huffing and initially denied she questioned me further, saying she asked if I could manage stairs which was her attempt at re-writing history. When I corrected her and said she shouldn’t have asked me if I could manage stairs after I had previously answered her original statement regarding mobility issues she pressed further. I stated to her she would not have asked me that question had I had a walking stick, crutches, or been in a wheelchair. I firmly believe she discriminated against me from the way I looked, in addition to my nationality. I asked her why she was becoming increasingly defensive, as I hadn’t been defensive when she questioned me which she denied, then she said she was too busy to discuss it further and called herself a terrible waitress - clearly her benign attempt at being facetious. I left the premises after this, which was a shame as the food is terrific and the staff usually so friendly and kind. That particular individual needs retraining and awareness in equality and discrimination as per the Equality act 2010, in addition to intense training on professionalism and general courtesy.

Visiting Ashbourne today, popped in for lunch, had a lovely bowl of moules mariniere from the specials board and prawn salad. A delightful place, good decor, comfortable seating, happy staff, seemed busy and popular with locals and deservedly so.

Staff were extremely nice. Eggs Benedict and salmon were delicious and came out minutes after ordering. Sat outside in the sun and was lovely. Would 100% recommend

Unbelievably fresh food, presented beautifully, amazing flavours and all extremely good value!!! Wanted to return on the Sunday but unfortunately closed! We loved it that much! Such friendly and efficient staff too! Quality and quantity is rare! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! 5*

Amazing cafe, great menu choices Well cooked food with very friendly service Good choice of drinks Excellent value We had the home made quiche with salad and fries which was excellent even enjoyed the bits of fruit in the salad

This is an excellent place to eat - we had delicious food, excellent service and they even made our dog welcome and provided him with water and a biscuit. I would say that the food was exceptionally good and I really wish we lived closer...

We came across this delightful place , on a visit to Ashbourne , all staff very friendly and the food is amazing, well worth a vist, totally recommend the salads

What can I say, apart from excellent? This is now our 'go-to' place in Ashbourne. The staff are lovely and friendly, the food is great and the prices are right. Well done Cafe Impromptu - you are the best!

Just brilliant in every way. We went there because TripAdvisor rated it number 1 and everything was even better than expected. The kids said not only was the hot chocolate the best they had ever had, it was in fact the best drink they had...

We chose this cafe because we were looking for breakfast on our way to a long walk and it was the only place open early enough! But it turned out to be a gem. A warm friendly welcome, extremely prompt service and most importantly, an...

Whilst in Ashbourne we called in for a coffee, we’re made so welcome together with our little dog we said we would call back after shopping for lunch. The staff member offered to save us a table as they get busy over the lunch period....

Absolutely lovely cafe! We were camping nearby and visited the cafe based on Google reviews and it didn’t disappoint. It’s clean has nice decor and the staff were great. Really welcoming! We both had the breakfast which was fresh, hot and delicious - genuinely one...

Called in today with a friend for lunch amazing choice lovely and relaxed and efficient and friendly service the soup was to die for with a warm cheese and sundried tomato scone and some bread and croutons my friend had the tuna and cheese pannienie...

Another delicious brunch at Café Impromptu. Why go to expensive restaurants and so called 'gastropubs' when you can have delicious homemade meals in several cafés in Ashbourne. Excellent!

Met here for a work breakfast with friends great food. Clean and warm place to eat. Great service my 4th trip here and I will be back. Well done chef and staff

Slightly away from the main centre in Ashbourne found this delightful little cafe. Was very busy when we arrived with lots of reserved tables but were able to accommodate us for a spot of late breakfast. Full English and smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs on...

fantastic little cafe - amazing restaurant quality food at cafe prices, lovely setting and service. We had moules frites and steak with salsa verde , fantastic proper frites, fresh side dishes and homemade ginger sponge. Will definitely be a regular customer. Best food in Ashbourne.

Only found out 3 weeks ago this place had re opened. And it’s even better than before. Great chef who knows how to cook. Great front of house It’s always nice to eat hot food off hot plates and clean knifes and forks I think...

Took the wife here for lunch whilst on holiday in the area and was very pleased with the service (very attentive and friendly), the food and the coffee too. Would highly recommend and will definitely try to come here again if we're anywhere nearby.

Having visited Ashbourne many times and finding some of the cafes disappointing, I spotted Cafe Impromptu's reviews on TA. Well, they weren't wrong! Just managed to get a table for two at a busy lunchtime. Staff were friendly and welcoming. We both had 'Specials' from...

Amazing food at realistic prices. The staff are excellent and attentive. A great choice from the menu including a Specials Board. The food was amazing, we opted for the Sirloin Steak in ciabatta with French fries, salad & slaw. The steak melted in your mouth....

The wife and I went again today and I think we must have been at least ten times and just like normal everything was spot on. Great staff, quick service at a good price. This place deserves to be busy from open to close. Thanks

A very welcoming place after a long dog walk. Nice hot drinks and cakes - make sure to try the scones. Would highly recommend to those visiting the area

We live locally and decided to pop in for a breakfast on my wife's 60th birthday having seen fantastic reviews. We were not disappointed a warm friendly welcome was followed by a exceptional service and an even better full English. Thankfully we live locally and...

Stopped here for Saturday morning breakfast. There is an extensive menu; excellent vegetarian (or meat) breakfasts and Staffordshire oatcakes with fillings. Great coffee too. The staff are friendly and attentive. Simple, light decor and very clean throughout.

What q great little cafe in the heart of Ashbourne. Lovely food and the staff are very nice helpful and friendly. I highly recommend this lovely cafe. Steve Rowley

Excellent breakfast. Highly recommend this cafe. Lovely food, friendly, welcoming and efficient service. Wish we found it sooner than out last day in the area !

Our first visit, but definitely planning to return very soon. We had a delicious breakfast, Eggs Benedict, one with the optional smoked salmon. Served on warmed plate, perfectly cooked on a tasty toast. Lovey fresh coffee and great service from a warm welcome as we...

When the waitress asked me how my meal was, all I could say was that every item on my plate was perfect. Service was polite and friendly and the food came promptly. The most succulent gammon I can remember.

We popped in for breakfast after a heavy night on the pop. Oh my word did this sort out my hangover? Absolutely 100%. The breakfast was amazing. Good quality sausage & bacon, hash brown, beans, toms, toast & fried bread! We also had on our...

We visited here twice for food when we stayed near-by. The full English is superb -- beautifully cooked, good, local ingredients (the bacon was especially tasty) and piles of it! We can also vouch for the toasted tea-cakes and the coffee. The service was fast...

We found this almost by accident but my goodness was it worth it!! The most beautifully presented meals with the most fresh ingredients also the friendliest staff 10/10 best meal we had since we arrived here.

Fabulous scrambled eggs and smoked salmon and the tarte tatin was delicious. Despite being near to closing time the staff were really attentive, helpful and we didn’t feel we were being rushed.

My biker pal and I arrived in Ashbourne at 8am having ridden from Northampton to do a day of on/off road riding in the Peak District. We couldn’t have been more fortunate than to find Cafe Impromptu. Very welcoming lady greeted us and the quality...

Great breakfast sandwiches and the other half loved the coffee which I found too strong and undrinkable but that's personal choice. Great little sun terrace upstairs which is great if the weather is good. Definately worth a visit

Went in with our young daughter and staff were really lovely, friendly & helpful, offering a high chair and also cleaned her little bowl up that we brought in after we had finished. Food was delicious and came out quickly. Would highly recommend , great...

We discovered this wonderful cafe by chance and loved everything about it. The service was prompt and friendly and the food was even better. The attention to detail and extras were extraordinary and the food was delicious. The facilities were delightful and recommend the upstairs...

Fantastic breakfast, swapped out black puddinng for something that normal people eat, everything was very nice, hot and well presented. Friendly service and very welcoming.

We'd been for a lovely walk around dovedale and stopped off at Ashbourne looking for a nice cafe. We exceeded the nice in finding impromptu such a warm welcome to us and our dog Syd. We sat upstairs on the terrace and being the only...

We had the most fantastic lunch here. I had the Icelandic Prawn House Salad and my husband had the Crab and Spring Onion Quiche off the specials board. The food was delicious along with superb service from the lovely staff. Cannot recommend highly enough. We...

New owners have done a fabulous quality refurb. Little outside terrace upstairs. Called in just as they were closing but they happily accommodated us. Really friendly. Beautifully presented pots of tea with scone and earl grey tea loaf.. Highly recommend this place.

Popped in for a quick lunch and was utterly surprised by the food, presentation and the effort that obviously goes on behind the scenes. We will be back. The roast beef and horseradish baguette was sensational!

Dropped in here for a light snack, based on the reviews here which described the efforts to make in safe from Covid 19. It was quite busy but we were found a table which was cleared and cleaned for us. The steps to make it...

Sanitizer, track and trace and transparent protective screens were between the tables so we felt very safe. I had the baked goats cheese salad and it was absolutely delicious, packed with so many different ingredients. The owner came over for a chat and she was...

Lovely little place on the main road towards Mayfield, Just passing through but needed a quick bite to eat so decided on a Mushroom Omelette with a couple of slices of toast. Unlike a lot of places where you get a greasy attempt this was...

A lovely quaint cafe on entry into the town from the tissington trail through the tunnel exit. Called in for breakfast a bit busy on entry but found seating upstairs and outside on the rooftop However did get the feeling the staff forgot about us...

Great breakfast. The difference is that the ingredients they use are top quality. Great Bacon and black pudding.

This cafe has a excellent reputation locally so we thought we ought to check it out for ourselves. I was surprised by the range of daily specials on the blackboard, so as well as the usual range of sandwiches and salads that you would expect...

The quality of the meals is always excellent. In lockdown the takeaway meals have been five star, and much appreciated. Thank you.

Excellent tasty food fast service Very welcoming, easy to find will return. Ground floor but toilets on first floor which maybe an issue for some people

it's a tiny place but always has an interesting menu , great food ,well priced - never a disappointing meal in many visits , delightful staff who are so busy yet never fail to serve beautifully . Always a pleasure to visit .

2x breakfast cobs and 2 coffees for £16. Very nice but coffee expensive at £3 for small cups. Please improve.

We have been eating at Cafe Impromptu for many years and can honestly say that we have never had a bad meal. The food is of exceptional quality and Jane and her team couldn’t be more attentive. Looking forward to trying the Friday night menu!!

Superb food, fantastic hospitality, beautiful quaint quirky decor, great variety on the menu, very reasonably priced: highly recommended!

We were overnight at the Travel Lodge in Ashbourne a week or so ago and chose to come here for a cooked breakfast. What a good decision! Excellent orange juice, lovely creamy porridge, fine bacon and eggs with a hot pot of tea served exactly when we asked for it. Unbeatable for quality, service with a smile and very good value. Thank you !

We stopped here for lunch today and ordered one BLT on whole meal bread with salad garnish and a cup of tea. Hubby ordered the lasagne, fries and salad. All really fresh and very very tasty! Very friendly staff too.

You can travel far and wide from here ,you will not it find better even if you pay the price,five star service and menu and chalk board menu,fastest service ever ,super pleasant staff and owner.......marvellous

We always have the warmest welcome here! Jane and Dave are so welcoming, and the food is always spectacular! Best cafe in Ashbourne!

We visited Ashbourne and found this on Trip Adviser. It really lived up to it’s reputation ! Cosy and relaxed atmosphere. Food piping hot and large portions ( breakfast ). Quick service. Staff so polite and friendly. Thank you :)

We visited this cafe yesterday. The Special’s board was all we needed, An excellent Beef bourguigon and Seville orange bread & butter pudding. The service was quick, efficient & friendly. The food is homemade, delicious & hot. We will definitely be returning soon.

A quick cuppa, has the Seville Bread & Butter pudding really lovely washed down with a great Mocha Recommend

A very unassuming cafe from the outside with basic tables and chairs. But the food is brilliant. My husband had perfect eggs Benedict, I had the best chicken Caesar salad I’ve ever had. It was delicious. The staff were friendly and helpful. We will definitely we coming back.

Just passing through but secretly had heard about Cafe Impromptu. The rumours were right. A lovely welcome awaited and in no time at all Breakfast was Served. And what a breakfast. Everything on this menu is exactly what you want for breakfast and served to perfection. What more can I say. Delicious. Well done. Will be back

Stopped here for breakfast on the last day of our holiday, quick service from friendly staff and a good breakfast, I only gave 4 stars as they need to toast the bread better as it was still white and wasn’t given a choice of white or brown bread.

Visited here one afternoon for a light lunch. Welcomed by two lovely ladies who made us feel at home. Had a huge burger with fries and great side salad.. highly recommend!!

Came here for lunch, what a lovely place! Deceptively spacious, with 2 dining areas. Decor is very nice, as are the staff. Everywhere was clean, no dirty pots left on tables and tables and chairs were crumb and drink spill free. Menu was excellent, very varied and all homemade, (Quiche is fantastic). We found Impromptu to be excellent value for money and will visit again and again. On a practical level, the first dining area, just off the street, is wheel chair accessable, but when the cafe is busy, there is not much manouvering space, next ding area, is down a couple of steps. On saying this though, the staff are very helpful and will assist anyone with seating. Lovely place, well worth a visit.

We visited here today after dropping our two boys at Alton Towers. Well what can I say but Wow. Original plan was to just have coffee ..... however food started to arrive at nearby tables and it looked amazing. A White choc and Raspberry Roulade passes by and it looked fabulous, so I ordered one. Well what a fabulous choice .... it was Truly Scrumptious ... beautifully sweet raspberries and blackberries and outstanding raspberry sorbet.

Came here to do some shopping with my wife. The cafe is on the main road in the town. Very welcoming,we were served by a lady who may have been the owner. The place was full ,lucky to get a table. The service was friendly,the food very good. I can now see why it rates so high on TA

What a lovely find. Food fresh and lots of variety. Home cooked food and cakes. Had a lovely prawn and avocado salad. Bread so fresh. Lovely setting. Lady who I think owns cafe is so lovely and helpful. Would go again when passing through

Went here while on holiday near Ashbourne. Nice cafe- good atmosphere with lots of people inside! (A Popular place clearly!). Breakfast was good- loved the fried bread and the sausages that were used. Food was served very quickly and the waitress provided excellent service throughout our time there. Thankyou

We were staying nearby and found good reviews of this cafe on here. They were right. There’s a good selection of breakfasts, well delivered and well cooked. Even our 7 and 5 year olds enjoyed it and ate up.

had a lunch with kids and family, great service, great food, lovely staff. deserts were lovely, definitely recommend

I would come back again oh I will be coming back in September with my mum and dad the staff were excellent and my fruit tea was tasty and I couldn't find anything wrong with the food can't wait to come back in September

We popped to Cafe Impromptu for tea and cake with our puppy, Monty. We assumed we'd have to sit outside but we were welcomed indoors. We had a lovely quiet table, perfect for Monty's first time in a cafe. The ladies were really kind, and went out of their way to make sure Monty was OK. We had the chocolate cake which was delicious and the tea was great too. We spied some of the larger plates leaving the kitchen and were disappointed that we'd already had lunch elsewhere. We will be returning for something else to eat! The menu is varied and the prices look spot on. Looking forward to our next visit with Monty!

Came here for breakfast on our camping trip and it was great. best way to start a day with a Full English.

Great place to eat, I had the Angus burger and the wife had home made cottage pie excellent food very tasty, we will be returning pleasant staff a real gem.

Called in for lunch on a busy Saturday, very helpful staff helped to prepare a table for the three of us. Menus arrived promptly and the service was quick and efficient without been rushed. The food was excellent, presentation was that to be expected in a 5* restaurant. Tea and coffee really good too. A must place to eat when in Ashbourne.

We chose 2 really delicious home made soups. Mine was butternut squash, coconut, etc. Others chose cauliflower but all had really generous helpings accompanied by slices of flavoursome pizza and excellent breads too. My wife’s baked goats cheese salad looked and apparently tasted stunning. Lovely, friendly and attentive service. Also, incredible value.

Visited this establishment twice in one weekend with my family, great service and great food. Attention was also made to children's meals providing good value meals, unlike some places who do not seem to think children's meals matter. The salads were amazing and the steak in my sandwich was delicious. The only very slight bit of negative feedback, would be the fries. If my lunch would have come with homemade or rustic chips, it would have been perfect.