The Great Barn Restaurant in Chesterfield

I normally love coming here for lunch. You get a good sized portion and it’s tasty. (I’ve often shared one meal with my husband) Unfortunately I came on Sunday and was very disappointed. I had the lamb stew and the portion was tiny. Baring in mind that I’ve had a gastric bypass and can only eat very small amounts of food, (think the size of a 3yos meal, I can’t normally finish a child’s meal) I ate all of the stew (and wanted more)! Also it wasn’t as tasty as usual. The gravy was thin and not well seasoned. My husband had the ham on sourdough special and while he enjoyed it, again it was quite small. I’m hoping that this is a one off and things will go back to normal because I do love coming here.

Good selection of snacks and light meals. Plenty of seating inside and out with a large area for those with dogs. Food very good and came quickly. Good accessibility pretty level with ramps . Toilets ect next door. Cost wise good portions and value.

Quick bite after a walk around the excellent Hardwick House. There are no other options for food here so we gave it a shot. I had the sausage & mash and green, which was delivered as 3 sausages, mash soup and some kale. The sausages were OK the mash was just awful and really watery. The staff were super friendly though 😊

Really tasty food and coffee. Lots of sitting area outside and on the balcony (2nd floor). Spacious and atmospheric. Managed to get coffee there before the hall was opened and come back for a lunch.

Very nice place to stop for a tea and cake.

Delicious food delightful setting

Long queues, weak tasteless coffee, an inedible baguette (so stale it would've made a good weapon) and a miniscule crusty scone, all at an eye-watering cost that makes even an English Heritage cafe look like astounding value for money. We'll return to Hardwick again, but next time we'll make sure we bring a picnic.

Enjoy going to Hardwick. The cafe is normally busy. Wish there was more vegan food available. The coffee is usually good.

Good selection of snacks and meals for when you are visiting the nearby Hall. I enjoyed my vegan festive bap when I ate there on New Year's Day.

It was and had been all day , according to the staff , very busy. They had run out of most of the normal foods on offer.

Coffee poor very weak £3.30 a cup had a breakfast bap more fat than bacon very small egg snotty very small bread cake £6.25 each

Excellent venue, helpful, friendly and very pleasant staff Recommended

Awful attitude from staff and service. Everything too much trouble and an inconvenience for the staff. Will not recommend

Initially called for a drink before looking around. The tea was good but the latte was half froth if not more. They had no tea spoons so I asked and some were brought out but looked like they had not been cleaned. I pointed this out and the girl looked at me blank. Called in for lunch the jacket potato with cheese was pitiful and the. Chilli wasn't any better. Once again the latte was 65% froth even when asked to remake. In future I'll eat elsewhere or spend my £19÷ on a picnic feast. Sorry but not impressed at all.

Just off junction 11A of the M1, the place does lovely coffee and the best cheese and ham ever. Well worth a visit.

Had a nice flat white and a Caramelised biscuit blondie which taste even better then it looks!

Nice cafe but long queue out of the doors. Sadly, the fact that it was lunch time seemed to have surprised them so many items on the menu were sold out, hot snacks , sausage rolls etc, service was slow going. News Flash, lunch time happens every day and on a fine weekend day you should have been more prepared to be busy, it's basic catering not fine dining.

Nice cafe with indoor outdoor cheating clean and modern inside as most national trust places the menu is expensive but does a nice takeaway latte

Good place for a sit down and a cuppa after tramping around this glorious estate. Lots of helpful and kind staff. Gets busy and there was a bit of a queue - this was later in the day post the lunchtime rush. Ginger beer and a pot of green tea and twud have been rude not to sample a cake or two, hee hee. Not normally a fan of brownies, but the chocolate brownie was good. The classic sponge was too sugary sweet and synthetically tasting for me. Ate it anyway, lolol, snort snort, grunty pig! Has outdoor seating.

Après la visite du sublime Hardwick Hall, on fait une halte pour manger une soupe et de bonnes pomme de terre. Ce fut bon, pas trop cher, et avec des serveurs charmants. Seul bémol : la longue attente pour être servi, sans qu'on nous prévienne (alors que les autres tables ont été servies rapidement).

My partner and I decided to have a cream tea. An aggressive woman barked at us 'no cream'. Why advertise cream teas if you have no cream? Don't waste your time, there are much nicer places to have a cuppa. Thankfully the volunteers at Hardwick Hall were lovely.

At the moment they are working with a reduced menu following Covid but I was assured that would be remedied,but what they are selling are wonderfully cakes and scones, and yummy coffees, a big thank you to the management who have finally accepted the popular request to provide an indoor area for dog walkers and their pooches, we walk our dogs twice a week in the park in all weather's and a warm place to relax and dry of is wonderfull. Thank you

Went in for a piece of cake and cup of tea, but changed mind to a cup of tea and a cheese & onion pastie. The pastie was £3.75 but worth it, as it was generously filled with filling and the pastry was really flaky. The pot of tea we shared between us as you got 3 1/2 cups from the pot. My daughter who is gluten free even managed a cake. What I really liked was that they have moved away from selling bottled water and were providing it for free.

Excellent staff a really good place to meet up for a coffee or even if you want a meal the food is really good and they cater for vegans

Unbelievable, been going there for years now you can't even go there unless you pay admission to the hall and gardens. Only wanted tea and snack. Absolutely ridiculous customer service. Disgraceful

When we first went out after lockdown we were pleased to get any kind of refreshment on our visits to Hardwick Hall and its wonderful parkland, but the standard and offering hasn't recovered a fraction. Now there's little more than packet sandwiches, sausage rolls, soup, baked potatoes, biscuits cakes and scones. They used to offer a decent proper main dish. On a recent visit service was chaotic and despite notices that apologised that they were struggling with a shortage of staff, behind the counter was crowded with staff members falling over each other. This, of course, caused a crowded and slow-moving queue. Restaurants like this used to add to the experience of visiting an NT property 0 but now they detract. It's time the NT got its act together again.

Pleasant cafe with comfy seating in various locations indoors, or outdoors if you prefer. The food range is a bit limited because of supply issues at the moment but OK for a light lunch and still a good choice of cake- never tried the unusual chocolate and beetroot cake before but it was delicious (and I don't like beetroot)

Friendly staff, good coffee . Pity the compostable coffee cups and lids are not recycled

It's more of a cafe bit it's still nice. Better on a sunny day when you can sit outside. Friendly staff and a reasonable selection.

I visited Hardwick Hall on 01/09/2021 and I'm writing this review as I sit and enjoy myself. I was a little dubious about coming in here after reading the negative reviews, however my experience was fantastic. The staff were welcoming and friendly as I arrived around 9:45am. I wanted a cup of tea with a scone but there were no scones on display. I asked if they had any available and a member of staff went to ask if they were our of the oven yet. They were and she brought me a lovely.warm scone with clotted cream. I helped myself to a pot of strawberry jam and the lady asked if I wanted any more milk. I said yes and she happily.topped up my milk jug. When I got to the table, I found that the teapot full to the brim with hot water, it made over 3 cups of tea for myself. Overall, a fantastic experience and I'll definitely be back. ♥️

Visited here this morning Saturday 28th August 2021 with wife, daughter, her hubby and 4 year old grandson. We were early and it wasnt very busy . Taking the order for us and the same with the lady in front took ages. The staff behind the counter one being the supervisor didnt seem to know what they were doing. We sat down with our drinks and seemed ages for the toast to arrive, there was a whole slice missing so another wait of a couple of minutes. We were given one knob of butter for 2 slices of toast which isnt enough so i had to go to the counter again. wasnt impressed at all and will ot use again. also the price was very expensive

Was very busy between 11:30 and 2pm (lunchtime!) Queued for about 30 minutes to get in. More of a cafe than a restaurant - but the food was pretty good if expensive. We ordered cold food except for one hot meal - unfortunately this took over 30 minutes to be prepared. I'm sure when it's less busy then it's a slightly better experience

Well sorry to say It was the worst scone i had ever tasted was dry, tasteless and definitely not worth the calories if fact left it and wasn't just me my partner Mother and Father did the same I expect more from the national trust at these prices wow complain but the que was so long we just walked away .

Great cafe for lunch or morning tea. Lot's of choice of food and drinks. Had a sandwich and cake which were delicious. Had to wait for a little while to get served but not too bad. Staff were very friendly.

Delicious food, helpful and friendly staff and good covid precautions very goood

Well geared up for Covid safety. Unfortunately the scones were very dry - only edible with lots of clotted cream and jam. Would have complained if we'd paid full price, but they were participating in Eat Out to Help Out so 50% off.

The best food and drink in all the national trust venues we have visited.they are all reasonably good but this one is exceptional.it was a very busy day when we called and as my wife had trouble walking she had a chair brought to her until she was found a table and was taken to it when it was available.i shall be forever grateful.thank you.

Try the eggs Benedict best I have tasted!

Great cafe for a bite to eat in the grounds of Hardwick Hall

Food is nice. Prices reflect this. Places outside if you want to have your own picnic.

We have been here before but on this occasion we were a bit disappointed. We had been on the road early this morning and wanted something a bit more substantial than cake or scones to eat. Unfortunately we were there at around 1100 hours and they did not serve hot food or even sandwiches until 1200 hours. We were on a tight schedule and by the time we had been around Hardwick Hall (Old and New) we did not have time or want anything else at that point.

Fainted on the floor and was ignored by the staff. Had a friend to help me while everyone else did nothing except stare.

Food good service OK no complaints all good

Lovely staff and great place but I had to send my vege curry meal back because it was only lukewarm. Would have preferred healthier wholemeal bread instead of a big chunk of white bread. Good that they have soya milk available.

Clean comfortable good food but can be busy

Nice enough, but some staff need to learn how to smile whilst working with the public

The food came out cold which wasn’t a surprise to say how long it took, complained to the manager Sophie and she told us that we were just moaning for the sake of moaning..... we paid for the food but will never return although the setting is gorgeous I would recommend taking a pick nick

A consistently great place. Friendly staff. Great Food. Breakfast sausage or bacon sandwich excellent value at about 4 quid (served before noon but not that well publicised on the menu board). We go here time and again on a Sunday morning. How a cafe should be and shows up Clumber NT cafe for all it's flaws.

Brilliant food, excellent choice and service.

Love this place . We go regularly for a walk around the grounds and a hot chocolate

Lovely place to grad a bun or cake after walking round Hardwick Hall.

Fabulous scones lovely freindly staff

Had a very nice meal here. Would definitely recommend it to everyone.

Typical NT food. Nice and wholesome.

It was clean and had good service.

Horrendous experience! We arrived just before 4.30 however after queuing for 5 minutes (only one till in use) we were then told we couldn't order hot food as they stop at 4.30, having two young children hungry I really wasn't impressed. The scone I then ordered was awfully dry and to top it off the tables were filthy.

Stopped here for a spot of lunch Had a nice pea and mint soup with bread, washed down with a pot of tea. My partner had pork pie and salad. Both were tasty. Service was good, but it got very busy later with a queue reaching outside the building.

National trust. Good food at good prices

Server messed up our orders and drink orders were all confused to which customer wanted what. Childs pasta and the roast vegetable pasta were made from the same overly wet pasta. Sausage and mash had too much gravy and hardly any mash. The jacket potatos are the only food worth buying.

The worst scone I've ever had. So hard and dry I couldn't eat it. I'd have taken it back but it was purchased by a friend a didn't want to upset him

On arrival at the restaurant look for a 'Reserved' markers just inside the door and take this to your chosen table - note the table number and then go to order your food and drinks at the servery. There are menus on the tables and also a 'specials' board near the servery, which normally has two or three extra hot dishes. There is more seating at the back, upstairs and also some outside. The food is generally good, both the hot and the sandwiches, which are made daily. The several types of scones are also excellent along with the various cakes and what you would expect from the National Trust restaurant/cafe.

£40 for three sandwiches (basic does not describe), one wrap. One coffee, two cream teas a 7up and a very small sausage roll and piece of cake. Crazy prices, but overall quality is there. Fresh and served on site. Sandwich's are the real let down @ £3.95 each. They were quite simply 2 slices of bloomer bread and the filler, which in our case was grated cheese and a pot of onion relish. I was gutted. Then if you put that on the cost of a visit to the house and car park; nearly £90 for 4 adults..... wow

Eat here most weekends food good first class cappuccino and very pleasant staff even bring out water for the dog

Lovely atmosphere and fantastic cream teas.

Nice place house not opened Monday and Tuesday so we went around the gardens and the ruins. ..had a lovely sandwich

Good food, I know its very busy but the tables have not been cleaned ( why I only gave it 3 stars), other than that, a nice restaurant.

Chaotic experience. No obvious signs that you need to find your table then order. When the food did eventually turn up was not worth the money and one was not even what we asked for. We were told it was taking a long time because breakfast was over and we hadn't even ordered a breakfast item we had ordered from the main blackboard. If you visit find your table and keep your receipt as proof of ordered. We had waited so long that we couldn't be bothered to complain. Someone complained about something being salad heavy mine came without any salad whatsoever. Will not be eating in there again.

We had arrived early and couldn’t get into the house yet, so we decided to have two cooked breakfasts to warm us up. The poor ladies on till couldn’t find a button for cooked breakfast, so they had to use something else and then give me discount to get the correct price. We had two cappuccino’s very nice, but the breakfast was under whelming. Tinned mushrooms, very cardboard like bacon, the sausages were nice. Overall is was ok , but a little pricey. Would t have it again sorry.

Great little restaurant and cafe rolled into one.great selection of foods on offer.you have plenty of seating inside and outside front and back.seating at back has some massive brollies for shaded seating.you can pay by credit/debit cards or cash.also good access for wheelchair bound visitors for restaurant or outdoor seating areas.i have knocked 1 point off simply because we visit all times of the year whilst walking our dog and they have no sheltered seating outside in late autumn through to late spring.as we arent allowed in the restaurant with our dog this curtails our visits which is a shame.its still a lovely place and staff have been very helpful.access from carpark all on one level which is good for elderly and disabled.

The 'restaurant' was nothing more than a coffee bar. The soup on offer was most uninteresting and the food was mainly 'scones?' I do not have high expectations of National Trust catering despite that, we were very disappointed. Fortunately we lived less than half an hour away so returned for a decent hot snack having forgone our intending visit.

National Trust restaurant worth a visit.The usual NT menu with a good selection of daily specials. Well worth a visit

Nice place for refreshments. Just be warned it isn't on the cheap side. £6+ for cake and coffee and £6+ for jacket potato with tuna mayo. Great margins! Menu looks nice and display food is tempting. Not sure why they can't just do smaller portions for kids rather than a different dish.

Delicious soup and coffee, but the kitchen was rather slow for the Christmas period, and people were having to queue in the rain to get in. Table service would mean higher prices, but less queuing.

A very well designed restaurant on the Hardwick estate close to the entrance exit. There’s two levels to enjoy your chosen food or beverage with a large outside paved area when the weather is clement. Some of the staff can be a little surly though and should be encouraged to interact with the customers more, or in fact, at all!

Very pleasant if not over cheap. Food choice limited but varied to cater for most conventional tastes.

Used as a pit stop on our way north. Staff very friendly and very prompt service.

Excellent locally sourced food prepared and served by pleasant staff.

Good quality. As good value as any NT cafe can be. Staff always helpful. Toilets clean. Very good disabled access /toilets.

I popped here for lunch while I was visiting Hardwick Hall and had a really nice meal. The mushroom,onion and smoked cheese quiche is very tasty and comes with a good salad. It's a touch on the expensive side - just over £10 for quiche with salad and a coffee but it was a nice treat. The setting is nice and the staff are pleasant.

Food and service well above expectations and one of the best of National Trust places to eat in the area.

Good food at reasonable price, comfortable surroundings, pleasant staff

Plenty of choice and not bad prices. I ordered salad and homemade sausage roll which was very herby. The coffee cake looked delicious but didn't have much taste. Very busy and hard to find a table but if you are lucky to get one outside, a very pleasant place to have a meal.

Food is nice but the service is really slow.

People were queuing out of the door, but luckily there was a nice assistant helping people find seating. The queue didn't last long and was well worth it. the environment was welcoming, clean and attractive, with seating inside and out. A good choice on the menu, and reasonable pricing. I had the pork pie with stilton, (which fooled me as it looks like quiche, but tasted lovely,) and a decent leaf salad with it. With a bottle of real ale - very welcome.

We visited Hardwick Hall again today (we are National Trust Members), just for lunch, and we weren't disappointed :-) Had sausage and mash, reasonably priced, good portion size and absolutely delicious. The surroundings are clean and pleasant, there are adequate facilities to accommodate for pushchairs, wheelchairs, etc.

Great restaurant offering good quality food with excellent & very efficient service

Friendly staff and a great cream tea

One of the best jp with tuna and crisp salad enjoyed here today. Staff very pleasant as well.

Always really enjoy visit here. Great for kids too. Today we just had a coffee and very satisfied.

Busy. Value for money. Recommended

The location is wonderful but that's where the positives end. At £8.95 for a main you'd expect high quality but out of the three we had none were satisfactory. Vegetables boiled from frozen without any further seasoning, plonked on the plate with no heed paid to presentation. The chicken pie was dry and was a miserly portion for the price, the tandoori chicken was again dry and lacked any real spice, and my lamb casserole was indeed tender but lacked the promised mint or any other non-manufactured flavouring. Please don't let this dissuade you from visiting hardwick, I would just suggest you bring a pack lunch.

It's full of great history the staff could be a bit more attentive

Visitar Hardwick Hall hoy. Gran lugar. Necesitan comer algo a media tarde y pensamos que nos llaman para la compota de ruibarbo y café con leche, crema pastelera que sabían encantador. Natilla fría pero el servicio era desorganizado, así que probablemente a la izquierda en el lado antes de ser traído a nuestra mesa fuera. Té y coco con pastel de piña. Sentamos en el sol. 15 mesas fuera y mucho más en el interior. No tan bueno como en otros restaurantes estándar propiedad nt. Limpia, aunque lo que es importante.

Food was really nice, cake was a bit bland. But excellent and friendly customer service.

It was just ok. Make sure you get a table number first. The position of the tables seem to vary from day to day. So the staff have no idea where the tables are even if you do give a table number!

Enjoyed a lovely cream tea here today. Rhubarb and ginger scones!

Un restaurante excelente en Hardwick Hall, muy práctico para el almuerzo entre visitar Hardwick Old Hall y Hardwick Hall.

This is attached to the National Trust property at Hardwick Hall. Fairly standard NT restaurant with decent food at a fair price . Service ok but not a massive amount of tables.

Great Location with a Good selection of Home made Cakes along with other Snacks and Hot food, Cream Teas are nice, be warned though its all very (too) expensive.

Nice food but a little expensive, plenty of outdoor seating in nice weather.