The Loaf in Amber Valley

What can I say about this lovely little bakery? The minute we walked in we were greeted with a warm, friendly atmosphere. We were there with friends and family. We ordered our drinks and snacks which were promptly served. The coffee is very smooth and actually served in earthen ware cups, which keeps it warmer for longer. I ordered the date and walnut scone. Although it was close to closing time, the scone was still very fresh and absolutely delicious. I'm not one for butter or cream dressings, so I do like my scones naked. All I can say is, you need to try this place to believe it. I will be returning and would recommend in a heartbeat. We left with more goidies too. Please check it out, you won't regret it x

Coffee and pain au chocolat was excellent accompanied by warm chocolate sauce- a real treat. Lunch was takeaway sourdough rolls: one with chorizo, goats cheese and chilli jam, the other with Parma ham and Brie - both made an excellent picnic. Afternoon tea after our walk ( just before 3pm when they close) was earl grey tea for me with chocolate and Guinness cake and ‘ every day tea for my wife. We also came away with a sourdough loaf, whole meal date scone and more chocolate and Guinness cake. Our second visit and we will be back!

We were staying in the area and needed some more bread. Bought a white loaf, two sausage rolls and two paninis. All delicious, in fact they were much better than the bread and sausage rolls from Chatsworth farm shop. Thank you.

Went in Tuesday asked to book table for wed evening gor pizza. Not told only do takeout till went in Wednesday evening. The pizzas were not good at all. The base was so hard and not much topping on margarita, thin cheese and slimy spinach. All very disappointing. We have been in there in the day and all is really good with nice staff and very nice cakes and very clean. The pizza evening let it down

Although I frequent their wonderful cafe…extremely friendly staff…most days, today was my second baking course at the Loaf. I attended a festive baking course in December and an introduction to sourdough today. Excellent tutors, great fun and lots of wonderful bread items to take home. I would highly recommend The Loaf, not only for their artisan bread, wonderful cafe, but also their baking courses.

We went in most days during our stay in crich. Loaf has a fantastic selection of bread and pastries. Friendly service too. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

We bought almond croisants, gingerbread, a flapjack, bacon savoury and a sausage roll here on 2 visits while staying nearby last week. All excellent. Highly recommended.

A friend and I have just been on a fabulous no nonsense Italian bread course at Loaf. We couldn't have been more impressed. Keith is the sort of teacher everyone hopes for! He was fun , practical and confidence boosting. The bread came out looking the real deal. Amazing refreshments and food at break. Don't hesitate to get yourself booked on a session here you won't regret it. Loads of different bread courses to choose from. Thanks again to all 👍

Loaf is a great bakery with a small cafe, They bake their own great range of breads, we love their sourdough, along with a lovely range of savouries and cakes. We love their Bakewell tarts (best ever tasted) and cinnamon rolls so fresh and delicious, great with a cuppa.

We were staying in a holiday cottage & found out about this little place. Beautiful breads like panni’s, onion subs, fruit loaf and wed is pizza night you can order in the day & collect later, we had a classic margarita, garden and the local butcher ‘s sausage & onion marmalade ( which gave a £1 to a local charity) the loaf slaw & rocket & Parmesan salad. The pizzas are beautiful& the bases so thin, the toppings so tasty!

Lovely bakery and small cafe Staff so friendly fresh baked bread and cakes Lovely coffee and breakfast well worth a visit

On a walk with my friend Alan we called into loaf for lunch. Very friendly service. I had a bacon and egg pastry and an iced bun and Alan had a roll with parma ham plus crisps and a Bakewell tart. Food was lovely and excellent value for money. My friends Angela & Andrew whenever they stay in their caravan at Crich Lane Farm always call into Loaf for some bread. A real asset to Crich.

Stopped at the loaf on the way back from the Black Rocks . Had a friendly greeting and a very helpful staff member . We had a Squash quiche with a well dressed salad with vegetable crisps and a cheese & stout soda bread with optional marmite . Hot chocolate (it’s was a cold day ) and a coffee . I would recommend Loaf for Lunch

We been looking for fresh bread and pastries for a time and we found Loaf via Google, when we arrived you are greeted by lovely friendly staff. They have great product knowledge and very helpful, there is so much choice of breads, cakes, hot pastries. The menu is lovely and works around its fresh products, the prices are great. We are currently working throught their hot pastries cabinet which I have to say is too quality and oh so tasty. The breads are lovely as are the scones, tea cakes we always come away with a bag full of goodies. This is now our weekly trip out for a treat and some great bread. Can highly recommend Loaf even if a bit if a trip to get here. Just love love love Loaf

Lovely lunch - goats cheese roll with salad and vegetable crisps. Good coffee and tea - just what we needed on a drizzly Thursday

I have again popped into The Loaf, for a regular hot chocolate. (So much better than cheap sweet stuff you normally get at other cafes). Whilst there I indulged in one of their home made sausage rolls. The cheddar and herb pastry was to die for. It is no exaggeration to say that it was the best sausage roll I have ever eaten. The only downside…. I want another one on a regular basis, and they sell out quickly. The food and drink is always top notch, served with a smile and a chat, and it’s good that so much is made from scratch on the premises. Great Value. Thank you again.

This place is fantastic! Great people, amazing bread and pastries, Pizza night is class, it's just excellent!

A lovely bakery They have a large variety of breads and pastries Nice cafe Dog friendly Service is good

Delicious coffee and a lovely cafe, we went every morning we were staying in Crich. Would definitely recommend :)

Lovely bakery situated in the heart of this beautiful village! If you are a fan of sourdough this is the place to go. They also have tables so you can sit and have a coffee and lunch in the sought after Derbyshire Village.

We absolutely love The Loaf! Just before the pandemic (March 2020), we moved to the Derbyshire Dales from Brighton & Hove - where there’s an artisan baker on almost every corner. Sourcing decent sourdough was one of our biggest concerns in moving to a rural...

We popped into The Loaf and were quite excited to see a cute little cafe in the middle of nowhere however, Im afraid its wasn't good. The croissants were burnt as were the bottom of the apple turnovers and the pistachio and orange cake was...

Everything we have bought from The Loaf (bread, cakes, savories) during our holiday has been outstanding. A special shout-out for the fantastic chocolate croissants: breakfasts will never be the same.

Such a shame. It was always lovely to visit The loaf, for a coffee or meal and mix with the community. A loss to the village.

I have not visited during the pandemic but used to use the cafe at this bakery almost every month for the last few years. It is cosy and has a good choice of hot and cold foods, snacks and main meals. It is dog friendly...

Lovely bakery, easy to spend a lot of money! Get there early for the bread you want (or put in an order as we saw lots of bags made up).plenty of variety. Lots of different cakes, cinnamon rolls were nice, danishes were delicious. Jam, award...

I visited the stall at Matlock Market the week before Christmas. I asked about the ingredients in the mince pies and Christmas cake to be told 'Don't know love i didn't bake them' They didn't have product ingredients sheets as the pervious owners had so...

The loaf never disappoints. Any Covid queuing is really worth it as the sandwiches, bread, coffee and cakes make this place a one stop wonder !

Friendly service, nice food worth the little extra wait as the place was busy and the food was freshly cooked, tasty and reasonably priced. Would definitely return and recommend.

Fabulous place for fresh breads, mouthwatering lunches and delicious coffee. Bread of all kinds - sourdough to Scandinavian rye bread, to name a few - are made on site and included in the breakfast and lunch menus. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. Located...

Have been a few times for the Wednesday pizza night. There are two sittings at 6pm and 8pm, no alcohol licence but you can bring your own The place has been spruced up by the new owners, with a nice cafe/bakery vibe. The choice of...

First and only experience at the loaf and myself and a work colleague popped in on our break. Having never been into the loaf before and only hearing good things we were looking forward to returning. We ordered at the till and only then did...

Was early for a business meeting so stopped off and did some work in here. Great fresh homemade food and wonderful service. Thoroughly recommend it.

8 of us enjoyed a fabulous Wednesday Pizza Evening at Loaf. All about this place was excellent. The staff were welcoming, the decor is understated and immaculate. We arrived a little early but this didn’t phase our hosts. The pizza choice was wide & a...

You're always looked after here, the staff are amazing. I regularly go for breakfast and pizza nights with friends and I've never been disappointed. On my recent visit, Alex and Andy looked after us and they were fab, nothing is ever too much trouble and...

We love the loaf and have been going for many years. We’ve visited twice since the new owners took over and the food is still good. But the refurb seems incomplete. The things that made it welcoming aren’t there. Cushions on the long side seats as the back rest is a long way back, some sort of decoration on the walls. There were always interesting items to buy on the shelves but it’s just rows of coffee bags. I hope it’s because it’s not finished! Everyone is very friendly but it’s missing something.

We popped in for lunch and, at first, it looked unpromising. The Loaf has recently changed hands and the old homeliness has been replaced with the sort of neutral tones beloved of a Homes Under The Hammer makeover. It’s either cleaner or colder, depending on your taste. The service was quick, considering the adverse staff:customer ratio, and the food was great. Good bread, as you’d hope from a bakery, made good toasties. And a great Mediterranean chicken sandwich. With coffee, £13 for two. We’ll be back.

Me and my partner went with our 9 month old for brunch, service was fantastic, food was brilliant, everything looked and smelt amazing! Great quality and good value for the fantastic homemade food

The cafe is also a bakery. Fresh bread, scones and cakes on offer to eat in and take out. A wide range of bread, 4 type of scones (or more), cakes are quite rustic. The teas are Novus tea, tastes and smells very nice.

We visited for the first time since it has changed hands and been refurbished. Excellent full English and the coffee was very good too. Service was not very good after waiting ages to be served we ordered at the counter.

Have visited The Loaf several times, but last night was the first time since new ownership.

Popped in today to get some lunch. Fresh food made to order and fantastic quality. Would thoroughly recommend to either eat in or pick up

Well what a turn around,Used the loaf since it first opened by old owners Roger and Andrew,But never that happy with it some how Andrew had his village favourites.But must say new owners have got this place back where it should be ,Well done to the new owners it always looks busy and will be down now for a pizza night.

A frequent caller of a quick cappuccino at the loaf and with the change of ownership I am loving the new Buxton Roast Coffee. Visited last night for pizza night and chose my favourite fiorentina pizza and am happy to report it my best yet. Dough easy to eat, plenty of spinach and full of flavour! Big thumbs up by our 7 year old son who finished his off before breakfast this morning! Maybe a couple of salads as a main course would see me there more frequently, especially as a vegetarian! Highly recommend to anyone for a lovely laid back evening out. Perfectly lovely service from the boys as per normal.

Met some friends from Germany here for breakfast as they were staying at a nearby campsite. The owners were very friendly and helpful. We all had the full english (one vegetarian) which was delicious. The café was clean and tastefully decorated. There was a range of breads, cakes and other goodies for sale. Our German friends bought some bread to take back to the campsite. We will definitely try to return - maybe for pizza night!

The new owners are really doing a great job at “The Loaf”. The new decoration brings the cafe up to date and we really enjoy the new Buxton Roast Coffee. I highly recommend the avocado brunch and scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.

We have been to pizza night a few times since the new owners took over and have never been disappointed. The chefs special is always really good.

The Loaf pizza night is so good that one of our friends from the south plans their trip to see us around a Wednesday evening visit! And it didn’t disappoint- with a great variety of menu pizzas and the ability to adjust for dietary requirements the food is great, the staff friendly and the service equally good.

The !oaf has always been a great cafe and artisan bakery. Now under new ownership, we were worried it wouldn’t be so good but the cafe menu has been refreshed and there ar3 some great new dishes to try, particularly vegetarian dishes.

Had a great family breakfast at The Loaf in Crich: me; 3 of my sons and a grandson.

I have been many times to the Loaf and always a very welcoming place. Old and new owners. Great choice of breads and not a bad veggie breakfast either!! Will be at pizza night next month so looking forward to it. Thanks to all the staff there.

Had a late lunch here and it was lovely - I had to have a doggy bag as I couldn't finish my choice of quiche and salads with bread of the day. Staff were friendly and accommodating - relaxed atmosphere. Great selection of cakes and breads to take away although get there early for the bread as its very popular.

Stumbled across this place after a walk around the area during our visit to the Peak District this weekend and enjoyed a coffee and a delicious piece of ginger cake! Also picked up some bread which we have very much enjoyed back home in London since. Only wished we lived nearer as the pizza night sounds fab!!!

Visited The Loaf on Saturday for a spot of lunch - the atmosphere was lovely and the food too. I had a tea and a sandwich (the bread was delicious) and my partner had a coffee and cake, which also tasted excellent. We will definitely be returning to try out the pizza night!

New ownership is very disappointing.

Visited their stall on Matlock Market......licking fingers then wrapping bread....disgusting

Came here some time before to do a Bread making course were I found how beautiful there fresh made

This is a speciality bread shop with a cafe at side

Excellent freshly made pizzas served in cosy cafe/bakery. Lots of interesting flavour combinations. First class service!

Went on a walk to Crich this morning and wanted some breakfast. Had some lovely food which was good quality. Will be visiting again

It was busy which is always a good sign. Bought a selection of cakes to try out over lunchtime. Ate the lot of them between our family of four. Tasty. Staff were friendly too. Thank you.

Went for a coffee and cake. I had the banoffee pie and it was really nice. The variety of bread is incredible considering how small Crich is. I bought a sourdough and olive bread. Would recommend it as everything is locally sourced and homemade.

The best around! Both the bacon and veggie full breakfasts are superb, butcher's sausage and bacon, veggie haggis with fresh eggs cooked the way you like, tomato, beans etc. Toast made with bread from the bakery and well buttered. Couldn't fault it, enough said. 😁

Often bought their bread from local & artisan food markets.

Really love a visit to this cafe-great bread and baked produce in a really picturesque village. Worth it too just for a coffee or snack -really good!!

I have often bought the bread on markets locally, but never been for lunch until yesterday . They have a superb range of vegetarian and vegan food, including pies. Yesterday , Tuesday , was a popular day, local people, a small walking group, and a few couples and friends . Great atmosphere . And the salad was very tasty! The best salad I've ever had, and I'm veggie, and not especially "into salad", I'll go again!

We went into The Loaf after a long walk on a dull December day for lunch

We went to The Loaf for brunch today even though we were not that hungry.

We envy the locals in Crich in having a first class bakery with a small cafe. Food in the cafe was delicious and the bread was just amazing. We live many miles away from Derbyshire and do not have such facilities near to us. The massive selection of breads was delicious. We wish the owners well and we look forward to another visit soon.

a very nice place to stop for tea and cake very friendly staff, if you are in the area you must pop in. see you again soon

This is a simple, straight forward cafe and Artisan bakery. Beautiful local cooked breakfast. Great porridge.cakes and bread to die for. If you are in the area, give them a try. Lovely stop off for coffee and a sandwich during a walk. The quality of the food rates five stars, but the simplicity make it a four, but don't let that put you off!!

My friend and I visited and both had bacon butty. Shame this place bakes its own bread but the bread was very hard and definitely not baked today.

A lovely restaurant I go there for breakfast also artisan bakery all kinds of delicious bread and cakes

We've been to the Loaf for the greatest English Breakfast ever as well as their Weds. night Pizza Night. Fun place to watch local village life pass by. The people who work there are wonderful and its a great place to meet the charming local village folks.

A really good cafe according to club members and it felt like one too, but today I feel they were having an off day. We don't like to hang around too long on our ride but the stop was at least 40 mins. As we were all served together it meant I had to wait the same time for a pre prepared cake as someone did for a prepared bacon cob, meaning that I had drunk my coffee before the food arrived, then to cap it off only the cooked food came, having drunk my coffee I didn't remind them as we were ready to ride. I shall return as it did have a good feel to it but not today.

People had been telling me what a great place this was.

Been here a few times for lunch and always enjoyed their home produced food and amazing breads. Friendly staff. Off the beaten track in this delightful village.

Nice cafe with a good range of food in the lovely village of Crich.

We arrived and had no problem getting a table. Our order was taken prompt and drinks arrived. When the food arrived it started to go down hill. The ham was nice in the ham cob but the small side salad wasn’t very nice. The quiche and salad meal was very strange as there wasn’t any basic salad just the coleslaw, potato salad and something with raw broccoli and cranberries ( we think) the butter wasn’t very nice for the bread as it had a vinegar taste to it. No one came and asked if everything was ok. We had finished and the staff seemed to be rushing around but we finally caught one after 15 mins of waiting to ask if we could order some cakes, just after we ask him the table next to us asked him if they could order some more coffees. He served them their coffee and just disappeared. 10 mins later I managed to get another member of staff and mentioned to him that we had already asked to order desserts and could we order with him. He disappeared and 5 mins later a lady came and took our order. The Cake and scone arrived promptly but they where both dry. We had enough and decided to pay ( wasn’t even asked at the till if everything was ok)and we left.

Love pizza nights, beautiful fresh, hot and tasty baked pizza, great staff and flexibility to cope with strange dietary requirements too. Thanks again!!!

We are so lucky to have the loaf so close. Just had another great meal there, at the Wednesday pizza night. Great food, cooked just how you want, great service.

Called in here on the way to the Tramway Village to buy some food to take away. They do filled rolls and I opted for ham & salad (£4). They make them to order, but prepare them round the back so you can't see the ingredients and choose which salad items you want. That said, it was alright if not exactly cheap. I also ordered a slice of Bakewell Tart, this being a fairly local delicacy, but quite frankly I wish I hadn't bothered, it was the worst Bakewell Tart I have ever tasted - stale, dry, tasteless, no discernible filling whatsoever; an insult to the town of Bakewell. I threw most of it away. By comparison, the Mr. Kipling version of this confection would be quite appealing. A shame really, this could be a cracking little place if the owners got their act together. I'm sure they do many things right, based on other comments here, but I'm afraid that tart left a sour taste for me.

I can see why this place is so popular, the counter selection is amazing and the breakfast has got to be one of the best I have ever had! Such friendly staff and they are so efficient with dealing with all the customers. I can not fault!

We had a short break staying in the White Hart at Moorwood Moor. On the Sunday afternoon we walked from the White Hart and called into Loaf and had a date and walnut scone and a coffee. It was quieter than usual because of the World Cup. However the food and coffee were excellent. Really well worth a visit and an asset to Crich..

First visit to loaf following recommendation, for lunch. Gorgeous fresh bread definitely recommend the rye bread. Some dishes offer choices of side salad dishes. The broccoli coleslaw was my favourite! The dishes are unusual and extremely tasty.

As a local person I often forget to make a review but just had coffee at The Loaf and as usual friendly staff and service, fresh food, lively breads and cakes.

We visited here as a family of four on 06.04.18. The staff were really friendly and the service was excellent. The food was really good and very well presented. Atmosphere was great and plenty of locals and visitors buying bread as well as eating in the cafe. I will certainly visit here again if on the area.

Great family meal, healthy, hearty, homemade. A huge winner all round! We enjoyed the toastie & soup combination, Derbyshire platter and homemade flan. All delicious and generous portions. Staff were super helpful and friendly as well.

What a delight to see such a range of breads and different cakes Service very good and friendly too Very enjoyable = pity not bigger - but tables not squashed together at all

Great food and great service even on the coldest snowy days! Definitely would recommend the veggie haggis!

I love this place. Great bread and cakes to take away and delicious food to eat in. Homemade pizzas on the weekly Wednesday pizza night are fab. Staff lovely and friendly. Highly recommend.

My partner and I live in the next village to crich and love having this cafe within walking distance.

I wouldn’t bother unless you want to pay over the odds and sit with stay at home mums who think they are better than everyone else! Rude and very abrupt staff, won’t be returning! Hilariously pretentious after all it’s only in Crich! 😂

The tastiest breakfast i have had in a long time. Called on Sunday whilst out cycling. Very nice atmosphere and extremily friendly staff

A good village bakery which has great variety of breads with many unusual options. Cafe has a simple menu but does the basics really well. Quiche and pies are very tasty. The salad side dishes are novel and interesting. Well worth a visit - especially...

Great bakers with good choice of fresh cooked bread and cakes. We used it when staying in a nearby cottage...

As a regular visitor with friends to The Loaf we have been very disappointed over the last month that the...

A group of us popped in here for morning coffee. We were very surprised to find what was on offer!...

Visited there last night to sample their pizza night. Good choices of pizza, well made and served by very likeable...

Lovely cafe and deli with an array of unusual goods to buy.