Machine Inn in Derbyshire Dales - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Having had lunch here today with a friend I hadn’t seen for about 20 years, I wanted to take her somewhere special. It far outweighed anything I had heard, the food was as good as any Michelin Restaurant I have been to, absolutely superb, credit to Jamie the Chef, so was the service from the young lady, Maisie who served us. This was an experience I would highly recommend!

Wooo what an amazing venue, the atmosphere was just right. It was a family get together just myself and my brother met up for a bite to eat and a drink just to catch up. The food was amazing and when I say the atmosphere was amazing I mean, we could talk to each other without any rowdy drunkeness that you get from a lot of other venues. Don't get me wrong it was busy and everyone was having a good time and everyone was very friendly. All the team are very friendly and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. We struggle to fine a nice place to eat and drink usually but this place is somewhere that you can go with your partners or with friends and know it's going to be a good night without the trouble you may get in a lot of town centre venues

We had dinner at the restaurant on a Friday night and it was dreadful! The atmosphere was non existent and it was so quiet we didn't feel comfortable having a conversation. The menu makes no sense - you are told to select 2/3 small plates, but the options didn't fit with each other and the sizes of the dishes were so inconsistent- some massive some tiny. They came out when they were ready rather than at the same time - fine if you're at a tapas restaurant but just doesn't work with the options on the menuand practically the crockery didnt even fit on the table. The food all looked great- some of it tasted good but some was just unpleasant. We were in and out in less than 50 minutes and went and bought pudding from coop to avoid staying there any longer!! That being said, the waiting staff were very friendly and efficient- despite being yelled at by the chef.

Had lovely meal, really enjoyed the food. Good staff with just enough attention to not feel overwhelmed. Then came the issue of paying for it. I put £105 IN CASH on the table to be told, ITS CARD ONLY WE DONT TAKE CASH. I did say that was illegal and cash ( sterling) was legal tender. One of the waitresses did say: "I'm doing criminology and that's right" I did pay with card but now have to to sort it but at the bank. I will take cash next time and just leave it, what you do is your problem.

Called in today to see what it was like with a view to booking a large party in later in the month. Asked if we could have coffee and see the weekday menu. Asked to sit away from the dining area. Twenty minutes later no coffee , no acknowledgement so got up and left ! Won’t be returning . They may last a year no more with that attitude

We went for Sunday lunch after reading good reviews. We weren't disappointed! The staff were helpful and friendly - without being too 'in your face'. The food was delicious - we had the roast beef and then the brownie. Absolutely superb! On the strength of this, we booked to come again for dinner later this week. The price was very reasonable too.

Quality venue. Quality food. Quality service, Great decor. Good lighting. Food was delicious and service excellent. Good menu. Lots of choice. Steaks cooked to perfection .Not what you would call cheap but we thought good value. Will definitely visit again and highly recommend to others.

An absolutely outstanding find. We’ve been to Ashbourne a lot but this was our first visit to this restaurant. Service, price, food, all impeccable. Will definitely be back!

We’ll what a find. Beautiful surroundings and ambiance and the staff are top notch. The food is excellent and probably THE best vfm quality food around - impressive and by god we will be back!! P.S the dunnies are luxurious x

Fantastic food and lovely staff Leigh the manageress was very attentive and friendly , will definitely be back.

Having visited the Vault many times and always been very impressed with both the quality of food and the excellent service, we decided to book a table of 4 at the Machine Inn. I booked on line and received a confirmation e-mail. At no stage during the booking process did it state that this wash a cashless business. On arrival we were greeted with “just to let you know we are cashless”. I explained that we didn’t have a card with us and were not made aware of it being a cashless business. The member of staffs reply to this was “shall I cancel your table then?” She assured us that it had never been an issue with anyone else. As it was the first thing she said to us when we came through the door I suspected that was not true. We asked to see the manager and she said she was the Floor Manager. Again she asked if we wanted her to cancel our table. We asked to see her manager and an equally condescending manager appeared and flatly refused to let us pay cash. I find it staggering that we were allowed to leave without spending any money. Surely the solution would have been to accept our cash on this occasion as we hadn’t been made aware of the cashless policy but next time they would only accept card payment. The Machine Inn may well fill their restaurant during the summer months but surely they will need the support of local residents out of season. I for one would never return, not because of the cashless policy but the arrogant attitude of both of the managers. The couple with us will not return and will doubtless tell many other people of the bad experience as will I. However, it didn’t spoil our evening as we went to the Old Dog in Thorpe where we had a splendid meal and the customer service was second to none. May well be worth the owners of the Machine Inn sending their managers up to The Old Dog to learn how to treat customers.

Wow!!! Flavour flavour flavour... They have an amazing chef, and such good value, not overpriced in fact I'd say cheap for the quality! Decor a little pretentious but nothing wrong with that 😊

Excellent food - Fantastic Decor This is my second time here and both times have been excellent The food is beautiful, well presented and taste’s amazing The decor is beautiful, the restaurant is small but cosy , everything from the cutlery , glasses , table wear was perfect Staff were friendly and service was spot on Would highly recommend

Queit restaurant 😋 great service: lovely Sunday lunch reasonably priced with a good choice of 3 courses

Tremendous food , service and ambience and scarcely believable value for money. Shame we live too far away to be regular visitors

The Machine is a very classy restaurant in the centre of Ashbourne which my husband and I visited this evening after it was recommended to us. We were not disappointed - the food and service were outstanding and the meal was excellent value for money given the quality of the ingredients and preparation. Staff were attentive without being overbearing and the presentation of each dish was beautifully executed. The chef obviously has a great understanding of flavours and we both enjoyed every element of our meals. Well worth a visit and thoroughly recommended

15 of us went for a meal for my birthday and it was amazing! The food was outstanding,the staff were very helpful and friendly and the place itself is modern and very stylish. If you ever visit Ashbourne this place is a must. The owner is also investing a lot of money and effort into our little town so I’d like to personally say a big thank you for bringing our little town back to life again. 🙂

Fantastic spot! We attended for a date night while on holiday. We saw it was newly opened so weren’t sure exactly what to expect but it was absolutely divine. The service was perfect and the menu was extremely good value for money. We both had...

Excellent dinner, high quality food drinks and service at reasonable price. We ate here as we stayed at the Rivendale Lodge Retreat just outside of Ashbourne and we really enjoyed our meal. Family of 4 and the meals and drinks were lovely. I would highly...

Hubby wanted to go for a drive out today and we ended up in Ashbourne after having a walk round we came across this restaurant , well all I can say is absolutely first class from the staff to the the most wonderful food ,...

Nice menu choice. I had the Chicken with sautéed potatoes greens and devil's on horseback. So didn't think to order a side dish. The food was delicious but portions are small and I don't normally eat that much,but I was still hungry. So I would...

Lovely dining experience in nice surroundings. Perfect steaks cooked to perfection. Very reasonable prices for that quality of food. Well worth a visit

Excellent Food and equally good service. Would highly recommend and will be returning. Myself and my friend shared small plates, they certainly aren’t small. The food was so full of flavour and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable! Great to have somewhere locally serving great...

Wow what a beautiful restaurant / Inn. Our evening here was such a special experience from the classy decor to the range of drinks and food and the lovely staff and their high standard of service. The ambience and service reflects a very high standard...

Really great visit mid week to try the ‘happy hour’ menu. Lovely to find it busy at 6ish with really friendly staff. Two of our party had starters & mains whilst the other two had the happy hour meal but boosted it with another small...

We stepped out of the rain through the doorway into the most exquisite boujy restaurant. We were offered a warm welcome from our host and a lovely table by the window and had a choice of banquette and single seating. The menu was relatively small...

The beetroot salad starter was so tasty but quite a small portion. Two of us had the beef blade which was superb. Very good wine list too. Just felt a bit rushed as we needed to give the table back. But will definitely return and...

A great addition to Ashbourne. We had an excellent lunch today, the food was superb. I wish them every success with this new venture.

Just what Ashbourne needs. Amazing food at great prices. We had the beef with potato and burger. The beef was like butter and just melted in the mouth. The dessert were also delicious. The brownie was big enough for 2 ! We will definitely be...