The Knockerdown Inn and Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

Booked a table looked at the menu online and already made a choice of a mixed grill . On arrival, I asked for the mixed grill to be told the menu had just been changed. So after looking at the menu, I asked for a beef and suet pudding only to be told that they had run out it was only 18.00 hrs so ordered a Burger which was ok nothing special. My wife had the pan fried cod and again was ok ( came with no vegetables) it was just ok but we did get a bowl of water for our dog.

Really good mutton and dumpling on menu along with excellent vegetable dish in front of a log fire drinking good wine and a pint of Hartington IPA. Lovely night out and looking forward to music night starting.

Having parked up at Carsington Water and a lovley wal we decided to try the Knockerdown Inn. What a mistake that was, contactless payment only???????????? Four of us there and only one person had card payment, Cash is King Knockerdown Inn. I will say it again 'CASH IS KING'.

Great pub ! Great food ! Warm real fire! Even brought extra food home as too much all packed nicely in a box! Smoked salmon salad with boiled eggs recommended ! Lots of seating and good staff ! Thank you to Ben for getting the nail out of my shoe 👍🙂

The Sunday lunch needs alot of improving on veg very raw ,potatoes like rock to well done not soft and fluff y pud well dont want that was But definitely not y pud only nice think on there was the pork , chocolate Brownie lovely popcorn definitely a no no burned very crisp for the price of everything i wouldnt off payed for basic Cafe food not pub food.

Revisted the Knockerdown on sunday to try their roast dinners. The portion size is massive, and the beef was so tender and pink just the way we all like it. The gravy was delicious, and you can tell its homemade. It was just a pity that we had no room for puddings. The service was excellent from start with a genuine, warm welcome from the manager to the moment we left.

Had Sunday lunch but wished we had not bothered. We were expecting great things - service met our expectations but the food, oh dear! Cold chewy Yorkshire puddings, vegetables that seemed to have stewed, then soaked in salty gravy. Even the roast potatoes were soggy. Very disappointing but perhaps we caught a bad day. At that price we were not amused.

What a contrast to the lunch in another pub yesterday. Great greeting and service, superb food. Will definitely go back

Am afraid not the greatest slow cooked belly pork not cooked very well and only one piece the sauce that was called burnt apple sauce lived up to it's name burnt and couldn't eat it next the burger was ok was definitely not smoked bacon the melted cheese was none existent and the fries were covered in salt which I don't do salt they should come out with nothing on so you can add your own preferred seasoning for the price you pay it's disgusting

Visited on a Wednesday night, nice and busy. Service very quick and attentive. We had the steak offer, both steaks excellent. The seafood linguine and chicken and ham pie. All thoroughly enjoyed, nice pint of landlord too.

Great place, excellent meal - would recommend. Good and varied menu and great service. Great situation near Carsington reservoir. We walked there.

A very busy pub and large child and dog friendly garden with weekend and bank holiday food trucks as well as the regular pub menu. Nice choice of beers, lagers, and ciders at very reasonable prices. Food ordered and came to table quickly. I was not keen on the vegetables (usually my favourite bit of the meal) , a bit of stem broccoli and green beans in a buttery/peppery glaze (not keen on pepper) and a chunk of carrot. The meat was thick cut and plentiful and almost melted in the mouth, 2 x roast potatoes, a bit soggy rather than crispy Nothing so bad or to complain to staff about, just not to my taste. At £16 maybe a bit expensive.

Made to feel very welcome when visiting with my elderly father for fathers day yesterday and the Knockerdown team made a fuss of him (thanks Harry). The team couldn't do enough and even kindly let me order a takeout dinner for a family member that couldn't attend. The beef was exceptional and can be ordered pink or well done. Value for money at £16 I thought given the high quality of the beef and ingredients. Good range of drinks (dad likes his non-acholic guinness). Didn't need a pudding as we were full from the roast but I had to try the delicious panacotta. Well staffed and lovely to see it nicely busy inside and out. Nice clean premises with professional and pleasant service - will be back on a regular basis.

I heard this restaurant had just had new owners and heard that the food was good. We parked up and walked through the beautiful gardens where there were 2 American style food trucks for people who wished to dine outside. They looked immaculately clean and no odour of old cooking fat which you can get from some outside catering venues We arrived inside to a lovely warm welcome, with a mixture of couple and families enjoying their meals and drinks. The staff were so attentive, professional yet down to earth and chatty. The food was gorgeous, home made with fresh produce. Very good quality and good portions. Between us we had Mackerel Pate Nachos with beef chilli Salt & pepper scampi Steak Fish & chips Burger Chicken tikka kebab. All served and presented lovely. Unfortunately we couldn’t manage desserts, however and excuse to return. Set above a hill overlooking Carsington reservoir, camping and rental cottages on the doorstep. Definitely recommend and we will be back.

Dined here twice this week while in the area on holiday. The food on both occasions was very tasty and beautifully presented. The staff go over and above to ensure everything is to your satisfaction, I must also mention all members of staff are polite, friendly and very attentive. I would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone visiting the area to look up The Knockerdown Inn.

This pub has had a huge turnaround! The new management are doing a super job. The most amazing food, beef was cooked perfectly. Prawn pasta meal was so flavoursome. The service was great and efficient, the pub felt lovely and clean and organised. The staff were lovely. The outside area is being done up. Really impressed. Worth the 6 mile walk! Thank you!

Visited Monday evening for a family get together. Great welcome and friendly service from the manager and waitress that were there. We chose the rib eyes of the specials and they were cooked to perfection. Our daughter wanted plain chicken and chips and even though wasn't on the menu they made it for us. When we ordered puddings we wanted custard but got told wasn't on menu but if we would wait a little longer the chef would make some especially for us. This really impressed us and proves that serve real fresh food. We will definitely be back.

Very warm and welcoming. Food and beer delicious. We ate there twice when staying locally. Tues night pie and pint is highly recommended. Proper pies individually made, served with chips and vegetables and gravy. The children’s portions are huge, but the children loved them. Fish was delicious and the batter very light and crispy. Lunch was also great lovely sandwiches. Very satisfying. You definitely won’t be disappointed if you eat here.

Excellent food friendly staff and a warm welcome. Came for lunch could have stayed all day. Good selection at the bar and moderate prices. Will definitely come again.

Visited on wet Bank Holiday Monday but soon warmed up by the friendly welcome and great hot fresh food. The manager welcomed us and made a fuss of our dog alfie supplied water and treats which he loved. Young waitress took our order quickly who was just as nice. Our food was amazing and next time we are in the area we will definitely return.

Great food and a nice welcoming pub. Good service and nice open fire. Highly recommend the gammon and eggs. Great location as well.

We booked here for Sunday dinner after a walk around Carsington Waters. The pub has lovely decor, old style pub with large restaurant area at the back. Tables given enough room so it didn't feel like you were close to other diners. We all had a roast dinner, plenty of meat, tasty and didn't take too long to arrive which was great as we had our 1 year old with us. Jug of water already out on the table which was appreciated too. We would happily return.

Our first visit after walking around Carsington reservoir. We were very impressed. Excellent atmosphere and very pleasant staff. The food was absolutely glorious.

Stopped off at the newly refurbished and under new management Knockerdown after doing the snowdrop walk at Hopton Hall. Beautifully refurbished warm, cosy and welcoming! The food didn’t disappoint either. We opted a light bite of a sandwich, I chose the Hot smoked salmon served with salad and a choice of crisps or chips - absolutely delish!!!! We will definitely be back to sample more delights.

Gorgeous pub, lovely staff and amazing food. Visited for Sunday lunch, which was by far the best I’ve had in a very long time. The portion sizes were spot on, as were the roast potatoes. The kids meal was a cheese burger and chips, I had to sample and they were lush. I think it’s value for money, yes it’s more than you’d pay at a chain ran carvery but you get what you pay for and that was a very, very tasty lunch! It was popular, with most tables being served at some point, you definitely need to book. I cannot wait to visit again, I’m keen to go other times to sample the main menu.

Staff were very friendly, with just the right attention to timing and service, even though several of them were still "learning the ropes". Food was excellent, though vegan choice a little limited, and the beer also really good. The pub has recently reopened after a refurbishment and change of management, and was nearly empty when we visited, as nobody knows it is open, so a very restful visit for a Saturday just before Christmas.

A very friendly welcome from the manager and really good quality homemade food made this a smashing evening. Our party of 5 enjoyed good beer and ciders. 2 of the had the steak and wine special, which was delicious and good value. The rest of us had very tasty freshly cooked meals. My cottage pie was absolutely yummy, and very filling.Homemade puds were also very good The manager was so friendly and helpful. We had a really good evening and really happy with quality and price of food ...so thank you.

We were on our way back to Ashbourne from Matlock when we came across the Knockerdown Inn by chance, and so pleased we called in. A lovely pub with fantastic views and such a friendly atmosphere, all the staff were so welcoming and helpful, we ordered drinks and food, we had the cottage pie and pie of the day (lamb & leek) both fantastic and great value for money. Will definitely be back next time we are visiting the beautiful Peak District. Gareth & Suzanne

Awful. Definitely do not consider here if you have a family. Very loud group playing dance music and shouting. We rang and got told someone would come down- it stopped briefly but then restarted. We rang again to be told they weren’t being excessively loud and no noise policy was after 11 ( this was about 10) Fair enough but this wasn’t a bit of noise it was a full on party. Our son was upset because he just wanted to sleep. So we waited patiently until 11 but did the music stop no- very loud music and shouting/ screaming/ swearing well into early hours. Given earlier concerns no one came to check or ask them to stop.

We stayed for the weekend in our caravans. We had a great time, we had dinner on the Friday night which was lovely. The Staff were friendly and helpful too. Definitely make a return trip for both food and camping experience.

Pitch good valve for money , but be careful very muddy . Nice walks . Staff is very friendly and helpful. Evening meal awful , very dry lasagne had to send it back ,had something else a burger but that was burnt . Hubby had a fish and chips that was dry and fish over cooked and hard . How can you go wrong with burger ... lasagne or fish..... Should have stayed 2 nights but only stayed 1 night would not have eaten at the pub again . Plus, no were to eat only if you wanted to drive somewhere.

Food was hot, fresh and tasty! There was a wait, but the restaurant was full and they were still willing to fit us in as a takeaway order as we were camping on site. Due to delays, manageress offered us a free drink, but we politely declined as they were kind enough to accomodate us and it was 100% our fault for not booking in! The team were obviously super busy and trying to multitask, but were pleasant even with some difficult customers and a lot of dogs! A proper pub with good food, reasonable prices, log burners and games - would absolutely come again.

Not been to the Knockerdown Inn for a while. Always enjoyed meals there but today was a massive disappointment. Although the bar staff were very pleasant it took a good while for the food to arrive. I had the fish which was the worst meal I have ever had, don’t know how many times it had been warmed up as you can tell by the taste and texture of the fish, and it still wasn’t hot. I won’t bother going back in the future.

Lovely pub in lovely setting. We haven’t been to eat or drink here for a number of years but glad we did today. The food was great and the staff behind the bar were really cheerful and friendly. The service was great and we were made to feel very welcome. Recommend it very much

Great place to eat, drink and stay on the campsite. 15-20 minute easy walk to Carsington Water visitor centre. You can see the water from the campsite. Basic toilets and showers but fully functional. Very welcoming staff, warm and cosy bar and restaurant. Limited menu at present but something for everyone available. Our party had a group of vegans and the kitchen was well prepared to offer alternative or varied choices to the menu. Food was freshly cooked to order and everything was super tasty. Great choice of beers. Board games were freely available. Highly recommend and we will definitely be revisiting very soon

Great menu, beautifully cooked food, efficient & friendly staff, play area, parking, outdoor seating. Will come again and definitely recommend!

Amazing Sunday roast! Best Sunday lunch we have had in a long time! I had the vegetarian option and it was beautiful, gravy was amazing and veg was so fresh! My husband had the upgraded £22 Sunday roast and he couldn’t finish it there was that much, really great! We would def visit for Sunday lunch again!

We embarked on a three-night escapade at the Knockerdown cottages next door, brimming with enthusiasm to explore the charms of the local pub conveniently within sauntering distance from our cozy abode. Our excitement, however, was like a rollercoaster ride through a carnival – initially closed...

We went to the Knockerdown Inn and had a fab birthday lunch. staff could not have been more welcoming and helpful which made it special. food and drink was really good

Worse camp site I’ve ever stayed on! The pub refused meals and said they were backed up. Camp site was awful facilities and down hill (literally) Left after one night and laid for two , it was that bad. Staff are rude and not helpful...

Came to this venue for lunch with great expectations , unfortunately was not a great experience , waited 15 minutes to get served at bar , in what was a empty area , with only two customers in front of us , the barman was...

Some serious work needed to survive. Friendly staff is their only plus. For some reason they seem to have very little stock of both food and beverages. Two members of staff working. One behind the bar the other in the kitchen. No steaks, no tartare...

Poor service poor food . Staff pleasant but had to be prompted to give menus take orders etc. Quite a few choices unavailable, advised there would be a long wait and there was but we expected that. Food quality tasteless and non descript. Loaded pointin...

Stayed for three night camping weekend with friends and family. Arrived to an extremely unhygienic toilet with feaces and other bodily fluids over the walls and toilets. Sanitary bins overflowing with "rubbish" on view. Staff had absolutely no remorse when going to complain, two staff...

Turned up at 6.30 on Wednesday and asked for a menu. We were told somewhat bluntly by a young chap at the bar "sorry - can't take any "walkins" this evening."No explanation. No expression of regret. This "walk-in" walked out and won't be walking back...

We arrived at just after 6pm on Friday 21st July for one night stay in our Campervan. On check in we asked did we need to book a table to be told no as it wasn't busy (nothing else), we took a menu and set...

We went on Sunday and ordered 2 TK special roasts just gammon and chicken we waited 45 minutes for it to come and we were very disappointed the gammon was very salty which we couldn’t eat and 1 small piece of chicken, the potatoes were...

Super Lunch today with family , great staff nothing too much trouble !! If you’re lucky enough to catch the Chef singing send him a pint in sounds like he needs it 😂!!! We will be back !!

Went today, July 2023. We hadn’t been since it reopened, but we will certainly go back. I had the Ploughman’s and a side of fries (which I didn’t need). A whole scotch egg which was amazing, the sausage roll divine and a very delicious pork...

We called in here on our day off for lunch. didn’t know but it was under new management have always been pleased with family friendly atmosphere and food previously. There was a small menu today, nothing really we fancied but we stayed and tried it....

Very poor meal meat not cooked roasted potatoes dry just a splash of gravry very disappointed for a £15 roast

Visited here twice in 3 days. First time was for a birthday party. Food was good and they accommodated our birthday cake very kindly. Second time was for the Sunday roast. Food was excellent and portion sizes were large. Special mention goes to the “roast...

What a lovely pub garden with gorgeous views. A simple but classic menu all done well. I had the chicken tandoori nanchos which were homemade and delicious. We sat in the beer garden for the afternoon and had attentive service. Good for groups and there’s...

Brilliant service, and food was exemplary. When i’m next in the area will definitely be going again. The staff were very kind and helpful, accompanied by having a strong sense of humour.

Very poor meal, tandoori chicken served with chips and inedible wrap. Chips inedible too hard to eat, informed server but didn’t get back to us. Chips were hard and either overcooked or recooked. Wrap inedible, chicken ok. Toilets dirty. There were hardly any customers so...

We arrived in our campervan without booking, the manager did his best to find us a lovely spot as they were very full. I was very impressed with his professional attitude. We asked about meals and did we need to book, he advised to book...

I could not give this venue more than one star, as we didn't see anyone in the pub, staff or customers! We arrived just after noon and entered the pub. It was totally empty although the lights were on and on one table there was...

I stayed on the campsite and we had two meals while we were there both were great Sunday lunch was amazing we had friends come to see us and we all enjoyed ourselves we spoke to the manager and he was very informative about the...

Lovely food, friendly staff. Only one person working the bar most of the day so service for drinks was slow. Manager was super proactive in all areas. Only downside is there were only 3 childrens options that aren’t really toddler friendly, could do with a...

Lovely sunday lunch! Kids had a great rime on the play area, we had a peaceful roast dinner and homemade jam roly poly for pudding. Only complaint was i couldn't eat it all as there was too much! 🤣

Absolute joke. We ordered our food there said there was a hours wait. That’s fine the 2 little ones under six could go and play in the park. 2hrs 15mins later food came out. Absolutely freezing pies rock hard over cooked fish & chips and...

We decided to visit the restaurant after it reopened recently to have lunch, it was disappointing that the restaurant is in need of redecoration looks really tired. The menu was limited several items not available on the day we visited, such as ham & eggs,...

Very disappointed at our meal yesterday , food cold , had to be reheated and sparse. We were extremely looking forward to the Knockerdown opening up again as locals and in particular by the ‘On Point’ brand Caffeine and the Machine. Hope to see some...

came here bank holiday, we were expecting good things now it had re-opened. the menu wasn't extensive, however we did chose two dishes. we were told there was an hour wait on food, we didn't mind as we were not in a hurry. the food...

A sadly really poor experience. Table for 4, and early lunch. Was advised that there was a reduced menu due to the music festival outside, but the Sunday lunch menu was ok. Beef, Gammon & cranberry sauce, Chicken & cranberry sauce. Side orders available were...

Totally disgusting. Got to say the manager who dealt with us was great and I felt for him. Food took over an hour to arrive steak pie over cooked and lukewarm. And halfway through my daughters meal realised she was eating raw chicken strippers and...

sorry but i appreciate that they are new owners but a lot to learn food slow missing items from order drinks added to bill , felt like we were not welcome, another pub gone white walls ?? soleless hope you get there

Oh dear! Really wish that we’d realised that new owners and new staff mean that the 4.5 star review on here should be ignored. Arrived at 6.10pm on Wednesday. Only 2 other tables occupied, 1 of them had finished their food and left shortly after....

Staff made us feel very welcome. I didn’t want the roast and asked if they could do me fish and chips. It was the freshest fish in the crispiest batter that I have ever had. Top marks for customer service.

We were a fairly large group that just turned up on a Bank Holiday Monday lunchtime. We were served great food and drinks in a timely fashion. The staff were friendly, keen and attentive. Great, we will return.

Pub just reopened, now it's just a matter of getting established again as a very well run pub like the last landlord & landlady. Booked a table for 20, brilliant service, all the food came out together, well done to the whole team I really...

Home made chips yum! If you’re looking for something that ticks all the boxes for an honest price then look no further! Food is wonderful staff polite and bothered pub clean and great location with views! keep doing what you’re doing Knockerdown

Called for lunch on the way back from Ashbourne. The smell of soot from the log burner hit you as you entered the bar area which was very unpleasant to the nostrils. The chairs were dusty and the floor still wet at 1pm, well at...

Absolutely brilliant Pub. Extremely saddened to hear that the brilliant owners are retiring. The pub has always been a great place for fresh, good food and drinks. Brilliant welcoming atmosphere, helpful and Polite staff and well organised. Accommodating for everyone from couples to families and...

Visited here 2016 when stayed locally. Memory of it was much nicer than todays visit. Orders food and drink at bar to be told we needed a table first then he started serving someone else so had to wait longer. Was obvious we’d just walked...

Very good pub lunch. 2 vegans, 1 vegetarian and I had one of the best mixed grills I have ever tasted. Well worth the £20 charges and every bit cooked very well. The other choices seemed to be well received. I also got to try...

We were a large party of 9 that rang up very last minute on the off chance on a Saturday afternoon for a table big enough for us all. It was no problem and we were glad we did. Good choice of food. Great ordering...

Brilliant food and service despite an evident staff shortage. Welcoming and good value. Only caveat would be that the menu didn’t offer a wide range of options however it sells the traditional pub grub.

Not been in years but definitely we will be visiting more often. Lovely cosy pub with friendly staff. Ordering explained well and shown where the menu boards where. Great choice of food. Husband had a burger and I had the pork chops. Both meals where...

I’ll start with a caveat that I think we were unlucky as the usual chef had called in sick that morning. Food was ok but nothing to write home about, and they had run out of a lot of things. Chips were excellent and my...

We went out for a drive and decided to stop for a meal here. The place is so clean and friendly. We had the sunday lunch each, the service was fantastic made us feel special especially Matthew's excellent customer service. The food was awesome and...

Stopped off on a trip back from Scotland and did a long walk before ending the day with some traditional English pub food in a delightful English pub. Staff are personable and polite, nothing is a trouble. Will definitely be returning in the summer!!!!

Went here to meet up with friends for Saturday afternoon lunch after a walk around the reservoir. Staff were very friendly and accommodating, sat us right next to the fire (was raining that day and we got soaked from our walk). Traditional pub menu which...

How people like this are able to run a hospitality business is beyond me, politeness costs nothing. You need to remember that customers are what keep your business afloat. Try being slightly more polite to them. I am glad I didn't end up eating here...

As two families of four we used the pub three times during our stop over the New Year period the service was great and the food was also. It all felt safe during Covid the staff are extremely polite and seem to be able to...

We travelled quite a distance to The Knockerdown after reading excellent reviews and word of mouth. The pub is lovely, very cosy and in a great setting within walking distance to Carsington Water. The staff were all friendly and we were served quickly. The food...

I can honestly say this is the worst Sunday lunch I have ever eaten in my life and they have the cheek to charge £10.99 per person. The meat curled up like a spring on my plate and wouldn’t even lay flat. It did not...

We ordered a meal last night to takeaway as we are staying at a local cottage. We ordered two steaks and they were delicious. Cooked exactly as we asked. Portions were very generous and piping hot! Onion rings were to die for☺️ Husband went to...

Exceptional pub/restaurant/camping on Carsington Water. Staff have been incredibly helpful, smiling through the adversity of a very busy service and staff shortages. Pub garden is beautifully kept. Flowers in full bloom and extra neat lawn. We had booked one night in their campsite in our...

TERRIBLE. By far the worst meal I have ever eaten. Cold, overcooked, tasteless and tight with veg. Will not be returning ever again. Definitely wouldn’t recommend to anyone

Called in without a booking plenty of tables free in the beautiful beer garden. Extremely covid aware with entrance / exit etc. We'd fancied a salad so we were pleased to see them featured on the menu. Husband had a ploughman's with extra ham I...

We would have loved to sample the food here but we were turned away as the pub already had 1 table of 10 in and the girl behind the bar refused to take anymore. If a chef is unable to cook for more than one...

We had a fab meal and drinks. Food was excellent. Service was excellent and the kids loved playing on the park. Would definitely recommend.

Called in during a short break with our grandchildren. Ordered drinks and food then advised we could take the children to the pub's play area and they would let us know when the food was ready. A member of staff duly told us and we...

No atmosphere meals served very prompt and efficiently very pricey for child's meal rather too much for both my children could have done with smaller meal I thought one child meal was far too much and other choice was an adult portion as was told...

Stayed sat to mon in our camper van .had a great time,even with poor weather ,great food in pub .great staff.showers getting abit past it,but clean and usable.great walks nearbuy .will be going back !

Great food great staff good w/e thanks to the staff camp site nice an clean would deffo come back and reckamend to freinds

Very friendly staff, except when you tried to order drinks at the wrong part of the bar (Covid precautions). Food is simple and well cooked and we were with friends and between us, we had fish and chips, steak pie and chips (both served with...

The knockerdown has been our family favourite for the past 22years we always book for when we are visiting Derbyshire which is usually 3 to 4 times a year but sorry this year we were very disappointed meals so much smaller no longer value for...

Called in here for lunch on Saturday the first day of our holiday, we chose this pub as we had thoroughly enjoyed the food and the garden when we had been in the area 2 years previous. My partner had the chilli con carne which...