Haddon Restaurant in Staffordshire Moorlands

Food and service were pleasant enough, but this is not a two rosette restaurant. The AA person must have been on something when they rated this restaurant. The restaurant is basically a corridor for members of staff and the public, they just wander through it's laughable, at one point the manager walked through with an iron and an ironing board under his arm!

Stunning location, overpriced indifferent food. We ordered a bottle of white wine but we were charged extra for some ice!!

Imaginative, creative and delicious food impeccably served. The menu consists of seasonal ingredients and is changed weekly. A chef with a bright future - watch this space!

Very poor menu, 4 starters and 4 main course, both the nights we ate there one of the options was unavailable. Only one vegetarian choice and bar menu exactly the same. Portions small and a lack of fresh vegetables. Food adequate pubgrub not fine dining, not good value for money.

Menu didn't reflect what was actually served. The menu is no better than a pub menu but had fine dining prices.

Just had a lovely family weekend staying at the Izaak Walton hotel in Dovedale. The hotel had lovely grounds and was within walking distance of Dovedale, Ilam and Thorpe Cloud. The staff were helpful and friendly Only problem was a bit of a mix up on rooms when we arrived.

Lovely restaurant, with beautiful views across dovedale, food was excellent, staff friendly and nothing too much trouble, eat here every night of our stay. All meals were delicious local produce & cooked perfectly.

Two weeks ago, we were looking forward to an enjoyable lunch in the restaurant of the famous Izaak Walton Hotel; we had stayed in Derbyshire in the past and always said that we must go there. We were on holiday very nearby earlier this month, so it seemed the ideal opportunity, and I emailed to make a booking for Sunday Lunch. The reply confirmed the booking, although said that they were not doing Sunday Lunch, but there were "plenty of other nice things to eat". I checked the website and the only menu displayed said that it was served 12.00 to 8.00pm daily - it indeed had plenty of nice choices for a meal, so we were quite happy. When we arrived, the first surprise was to be directed not to the restaurant but to a virtually deserted bar. The second was when we were given a menu with nothing but sandwiches and a few other bar snacks. When we said that we did not wish to order, the gentleman serving us seemed surprised that we were not aware of the limited offer available; we told him about the reply to our email, and what was on the website. He was very apologetic and did not charge us for our mineral waters. (He blamed "the situation", which I assumed meant the COVID restrictions, however we were fortunate to find a restaurant nearby that was doing a flourishing lunchtime trade, so there cannot be any lack of demand in the area!) The server said that he would mention the matter to the manager, and, since I had booked by email, I thought that perhaps he/she might contact me. However, they are clearly not worried that customers had left without eating because they had been misled both by the website and a personal communication from a staff member. So disappointing!

The food here is very hit and miss which is a shame because the faults are so so easily rectified! Sunday lunch was fine but we were only served two rather small pieces of beef and the parsnip was rock hard! The desserts were all very good. Evening meal the next day was spoiled (I had blade of beef) because there wasn’t enough gravy or mashed potato and veg for the amount of meat-it was all very dry. The whole experience was ruined by the abrupt and rude manner of the front of house waitress who ordered us to “eat at the bar” because our booking wasn’t on her list. We tried to explain that we had changed rooms but she refused to listen. The receptionist had to intervene on our behalf before we were seated. Had she suggested pleasantly that we might like to eat in the bar (or in fact outside as it was so hot) there wouldn’t have been a problem. I personally felt uncomfortable during my evening meal-she wasn’t particularly friendly during Sunday lunch either-our son and daughter in law commented on her brusque manner.

Even though Covid restrictions have reduced the menu, we ate in the restaurant on 3 consecutive evenings and all our choices were attractively presented, beautifully cooked and wonderfully tasty.

I agree that whoever from Stoke on Trent wrote “poor Christmas lunch” review was clearly on another planet or more likely from a jealous competitor restaurant. We are in our 60s and were there with parents in their 90s and had an excellent lunch with great and plentiful turkey. Roast potatoes, forgotten initially, were delivered subsequently in two huge tranches. Vegetables were possibly the best I have EVER eaten in 62 years and over 50 countries with 100s of five - not three - star hotels and the service from staff was impeccable and could not have been more helpful and friendly - efficient but non -intrusive. Much of the food was home made and while the Christmas pudding was a little heavy for my 93 year old father the flavour was excellent and the mince pies again some of the best I have ever tasted. As another reviewer present has written this is a “gem”- and far from “poor”. The latter reviewer from Stoke-on-another-planet perhaps should stick to KFC next year...!

Food was okay but very salty and not really worth the premium paid at 35 pounds for two courses. Beef served as an amuse bouche. I'm a vegetarian. Staff quite helpful though.

We are spending the night in this lovely place. The meal was full of intense flavours. Much enjoyed by my wife and me. Thank you so much.

Stayed overnight at the hotel and booked into the Haddon for dinner. The entire experience was faultless and I can see why they have earned the Rosettes among other awards and great reviews. The staff were friendly and professional at the same time making for a relaxing meal. The food was sublime and with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients in the main. The asparagus starter was perfectly cooked and the Ocean Trout Main melted in your mouth. A definite return visit

We made a lunchtime visit. Restaurant was very busy due to unexpected coach party, but staff worked hard to process customers. Food and coffee was excellent.

Do not eat here. Value for money appauling. No walk in tab facility. Would not return. Staff friendly but not empowered to make choices.

Interested to see all the "old" Bentleys there that evening. Average bar meals served in pleasant bar with view of the Dales.

Both dinner and breakfast was the best yet. The Haddon room is bright clean with wonderful views. The staff are attentive without being intrusive.

The only criticism is that the menu is a little short and does not seem to change that often. The food is however very well cooked and presented and service with a smile is exceptional. p.s. Bar food is good too!The gardens surrounding the hotel are also great for a drink with fine views of Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale.

An excellent stay in a great location. Food was very good, we had a brilliant evening meal in the restaurant and a good traditional breakfast, lots of choice.All staff were warm, welcoming and knowledgable. Shaun, our waiter last night stands out.Highly recommended.

Nice dinner here while staying at isaak walton hotel. Very nice food and great waiter. Made for a lovely meal.

Excellent service and food with a good choice of menu. Possibly the best cheese and biscuits we've ever had in a restaurant. The frozen grapes were a new experience and complimented the cheese perfectly.

Reservamos una cena durante su estancia en este fabuloso hotel. El servicio era excelente y el personal muy eficiente y sonriente. La comida era deliciosa y bien presentada. Al final del día me sentí que tenía una noche realmente agradable y servían una comida muy sabrosa. Sin duda volveremos pronto.

Modest but most satisfying lunch in clean, spacious converted stables. Quick service, very pleasant staff.

Llamamos aquí mientras estábamos caminando solo por una bebida, pero era tan agradable que una reserva para cenar. Fuimos los primeros en el restaurante y nos dieron la bienvenida y con un menú en el bar. El menú era realmente precioso. Mi marido tenía el salmón como entrante, bien presentados. Tuve el pan frito rape con el risotto y mi marido tenía el filete de ternera. De nuevo, muy bien presentado y absolutamente delicioso. Las verduras (coste adicional) estaban cocinados a la perfección. Mi marido tenía el queso y este era abundante y, de nuevo, realmente precioso presentado. Yo opté por la oscuridad de chocolate bavarois. Este fue acompañada por helado de avellana. Todos muy deliciosos. Tuvimos una velada con comida deliciosa y un servicio excelente.

Tuve un breve descanso en el Isaak Walton recientemente y fue la suerte de comer en el restaurante en mi última noche.

Very good choice of dishes, excellent quality ingredients with a modern style. Eggs benedict for breakfast was delicious

Could thoroughly recommend this place for excellent food. The staff were very friendly and the food came out perfect

La comida aquí es absolutamente excelente, comíamos en el restaurante, para empezar Haddon nos tenía acceso amuse bouche y cálido, una selección de panes caseros con sabor mantecas (muy agradable). Mi esposa tenía la sopa y tuve la Terrina de verduras mediterráneo para empezar. Para los platos principales pedimos el filetes de ternera derbyshire que eran cocinados a la perfección y realmente sublimes, todos los cursos fueron presentados por encima de las 3 estrellas este hotel tiene.

Todas las comidas eran de alta calidad, con una amplia variedad para satisfacer a todos los gustos. Exceiient selección de vinos. El personal es magnífico.

I went to this restaurant some 10 years ago and it was wonderful, oozing quality and service; so when I visited the area again with a friend of mine, I had to make a return visit. I discovered the old hotel had closed for a couple of years before it was bought and reopened a couple of years ago - I suppose that explained the standard ballroom chairs in the dining room - they may be suitable in a ballroom but not really in a fine restaurant. Then again, I could not really expect the same excellent meal I had had previously but still wanted to eat there. The starter of grilled macarel was superb - fresh fish, well cooked and good accompaniments. Then it went a little pear shaped after that as the server tried to give us the main course as we ate the starter (wrong table). Our mains were ok, beef nicely prepared but my pork was a litle dry and overcooked. I had the dessert, down as a lemon merangue macaroon and expected a dainty macaroon with sorbet etc. It was huge! A merangue bigger than a wagon wheel (those chcolate biscuits) in diameter and very, very sweet; the smaller one (also a merangue, I am sure) fared no better. I ate less than half and really couldn't have any more sugar; a rather disappointing end.All in all a pretty decent meal but the dining room needed a lot to match the standard of the cooking and the service was reasonable, I can only assume the team is new and learning their trade; if so, it will only get better.

After staying for a night in the hotel we had an evening meal and breakfast in this very traditional restaurant. We had excellent food , the staff are friendly and attentive and the views over Thorpe Cloud are the best!

We dined in the breakfast room of the hotel as the restaurant was fully taken-over for a wedding party. As we were the only diners it was a little like having our own personal service - which was excellent & the food was very good. We went there on a chance recommendation & we were not disappointed. Although we didn't have opportunity to enjoy the location in the valley - it is truly spectacular.

The dining room is spartan but clean and airy with crisp white tablecloths and silver service. Menu was odd; lots of posh sounding courses but not inspirational. Some selections on the menu were not available. Food very well prepared and presented. Service was friendly but staff did not know the menu and had to keep checking back with the kitchen for answers to questions. Weirdest thing was the beef which was perfectly cooked but tasted of stilton; apparently aged beef does have this taste and can be a delicacy but we weren't convinced. Would possibly eat there again but more likely to try somewhere else next time.

I didn't realise you could review the Restaurant separately.Dine here!Nothing else to say!!Absolutely top notch, great food (We had the lamb - local, I believe and just about the best I've ever tasted) but there was nothing on the menu that you wouldn't have eaten.The service was correct but not too stuffy with very good staff.Congratulations and we hope to visit again, soon.

Superb meal in the Haddon Restaurant on a beautiful summer evening in Dovedale. Completely relaxing evening using the new Ilam Shuttle service from Ashbourne

We were in the area after visiting the lovely village of Ilam and decided to call at The Izaak Walton Hotel for a light lunch. We ordered and ate in the Haddon Restaurant. The service and food is very good and promptly served. After lunch we took our drinks out into the garden where the view is breathtaking.

My wife and I had an excellent meal in the restaurant - a far higher standard than we were expecting from this hotel. Every course was beautifully presented and extremely tasty. A pleasant surprise!

Last December my wife and I had the warmest of welcomes at this estimable establishment, so good in fact that we have just returned with a group of 28 Rotarians. Delighted to report that the high standards have been maintained, if not improved, and we all enjoyed a splendid weekend with delicious food and excellent service provided by the friendly and competent staff. Put all this in the hotel's exquisite setting of Dove Dale and you have a mighty impressive package - congratulations to Shura and her team.

My starter of pear with baked beignet cheese, roast peasant main course followed by pear & elderflower sorbet and white chocolate ice-cream were all delicious. The service was excellent and Lily our waitress was very pleasant and professional. Breakfast was also exceptional - first class ingredients cooked perfectly. Andy was not just an excellent waiter but helpful in solving a quiz question.

Really excellent food and good value for the quality of the cuisine. The room is a little austere; try for a table next to a window.

Good evening menu and good food.A shame all the tables for 2 are in straight lines down either side of the room.

Great food in the hotel restaurant ,perhaps a more changeable menu for people staying more than a few days or possible Specials some evenings only comment

A good range of choice, with nice little extras ("amuse bouche", speciality breads/butters) and a good wine list (with wines by the glass). A most attractive dining room, especially in daylight with views of the Dovedale hills.Cheerful and efficient service.

Fantastic meal including an amuse bouche. Beautifully presented courses and attentive staff. An imaginative menu and all cooked to perfection. Worthy of a Michelin star!

We ate here 2 nights while staying at the hotel and were impressed with the quality. Highly recommend

Quality food and great service. The decor is a little old-fashioned but this is a minor criticism. The main courses would benefit from being a little bit more adventurous to get a full five stars.

Food excellent , good choice for both 2 and 3 courses for dinner , well presented with local produce used in the dishes

Very high standard of cuisine and beautifully presented. Good choice especially the Derby beef and interesting deserts. Very friendly staff with nothing too much trouble. Good selection of wines to choose from both by glass and bottle

Great food, great service. Every effort made to make you feel special. Everyone one of us enjoyed the day, the meal and the atmosphere.

beautiful food well presented, we enjoyed our quite diverse choices. they were inventive and so flavoursome we were both very impressed with it all

The food was superb, table setting lovely with candles and white linen, staff were very attentive, friendly and overall excellent.

Very tasty imaginative food, very good choice too, something to suit all pallets. Cooked well & great service. We will be back

Could not fault the food. Atmosphere was upmarket but very friendly. Very good value for money too. Its a long time since I had such an excellent meal for such a good price. Brilliant.

we had lunch in the bar, which was lovely. Dinner in the evening, which was all well served and piping hot. I thought the service at breakfast was a bit slow, and uncertain, but might just be me, and the cooked breakfast could have been warmer. Hot plates would have kept the food warm. The room was also quite cool.

The food was beautifully cooked and presented, with relaxed and friendly staff who provided excellent service, The decor has been refurbished, and all is clean and comfortable.

After going round one of the oldest manor houses in England to have a Christmas meal here is sublime. it is an experience.I would love to go back and do it again in the summer.

OK - we were meant to go on the Saturday, but the snow stopped us. We went on the Sunday, and the restaurant had been shut, but the full menu was to be served in the bar. If you wanted the restaurant menu, it was all costed out separately, with the most expensive 3 courses coming in at around £28 (good value). Problem is, you have to have 3 courses - and it costs £35 (not quite as good value). The bar menu is OK, and the food is decent quality bar food - but we were expecting something a lot more up-market. The hotel chef did do an excellent birthday cake for my sister, though - this would get 5* on its own.

There were only three choices for each course on the menu and the menu did not change over the two nights we were there. The food looked wonderful when it arrived but silly mistakes let it down. The green beans with the lamb were not cooked (and I don't mean al dente, I mean not cooked) and the fish was overcooked. Service was friendly but complaints were not addressed. The cheese that was presented to us for our third course had obviously been left over from the wedding earlier and was shiny and rubbery. High expectations and high prices plummeted in the reality of the restaurant.