The Riverside Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

Fantastic Saturday lunch impeccable service and food beautiful setting Could not fault anything Perfect for a rainy afternoon cannot wait to go back in the sunshine to enjoy the garden

Our son works as a chef here and wanted us to try fine dining as we had never had it before, he chose the taster menu for us as we would get to try everything the portions you may think are a little small but by the time you get to the 6th course you are struggling to eat anymore but when the pubbing comes out it is a must the whole experience was something you just can't pass up on and the staff are amazing just the place for a nice romantic meal

We went here for a family Christmas lunch. The food was exceptional and the service excellent. We had Christmas classics from a short but solid menu and great desserts.

Absolutely the best fine dining restaurant around. Tasting menu for our family of 6 last night. Absolutely fabulous experience. It’s not cheap but it oozes class and met all our expectations. We sat in the bar/conservatory to have a couple of pre dinner drinks. Lovely atmosphere and the barman was very attentive. We confirmed our food choice (taster menu) and relaxed in the cosy atmosphere of the room. Brought 2 small bites to start our experience, a miniature scone with a variety of creamed cheeses within plus a meat Ballantine wrapped in pancetta. Great start. Led to our table in the beautiful dining room and seated before our wines were served. The superb Rafters warm treacle bread and hendos butter arrived. So good we asked for more. We then had courses of trout, partridge, cod, venison, pre dessert ice cream and finally dark chocolate mouse. It was all very simply delicious. The staff explained and described each course and were outstanding in remembering so many detailed descriptions, but also bringing the food en masse and also clearing after us en masse. Our glasses were never empty before being attended to either. The whole experience was superb. My family loved it. Some have eaten the Sunday roast here before and said it was the best they had ever eaten. Cannot recommend this place enough. It’s easily worth the money, but it’s not cheap. Stay overnight if you can and take advantage of the dinner, bed and breakfast offers. You won’t regret it. Thank you to Alistair and all concerned. 🙏🏻

We absolutely loved our evening meal and breakfast at Rafter’s restaurant. We loved the tasting menu. The quality of food and service were second to none. It isn’t cheap but it was a real treat and we highly recommend.

The hotel has recently started doing afternoon tea so we decided to give it a try and it also meant we could show our Ukrainian guest something quintessentially British. The food is beautifully presented and there is a great choice of sandwiches, savoury scones and...

We have been multiple times & will continue to come back. We had a stunning meal for a birthday lunch. Amazing service - as always. Stunning wine - wine list is just the best ! Food is faultless. Highly recommended Oh and the location is...

I took my elderly mother and her friend for afternoon tea and have to say the whole experience was superb . On arrival we were greeted like old friends and led into a delightful restaurant . We decided to order a bottle of prosecco to...

Wow! We went for Afternoon tea, what an absolutely amazing experience, from start to finish, from the welcome to the service through out, the knowledge that comes from Zoe is wonderful, she is so lovely, the food is delicious and served the ‘Rafters way’ which...

Afternoon tea was a delightful experience! The elegant setting, complete with delicate china and soothing ambiance, set the perfect mood. The selection of teas was extensive, and the finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and and homemade jam, and assorted pastries and cakes were all...

We stayed for two nights in one of the stunning Garden Rooms (5) which was both beautiful and comfortable, especially the bed. We had fluffy robes, quality toiletries and a gorgeous autumnal view from our patio doors of the gardens. Each day a sweet treat...

Our youngest daughter was married there on Saturday. Staff incredibly friendly and helpful. Food was just to incredible (we all had the 4 course taster menu), and the days events were fantastic in incredible surroundings. My daughter took her 2 working cocker spaniels who were...

Our first time here and what can I say other than exceptional. From being greeted at the entrance to the end of our experience. We decided on the taster menu and we wasn’t disappointed. Accompanied with the most amazing wine. All the staff are so...

Exceptional food, service, wine. Liked the menu option for a tasting menu or a la carte, which is unusual, tasting menus are usually expensive without an alternative option. Also offering an alternative midweek tasting menu which we choose, I went with the wine flight too,...

When you book a £40 Sunday lunch and eg bread is served by the single slice you may suspect that the lunch will be cheese-paring form over substance - and in my opinion you would be correct. Very small portions of "Isle of Wight" tomatoes...

Simply fabulous! Our dog friendly stay was just gorgeous! We had a garden room with a door straight out onto the beautiful gardens. A doggie welcome pack with bowls, chews, and a gorgeous Rafters bandanna! We were welcomed with a delicious choux bun! We had...

Friendly, welcoming and thoughtful eye to detail - from the moment we arrived the staff could not do enough for us. There was an impressive eye to detail which was just lovely - welcoming choux buns in the room, fresh milk for coffee, lovely mugs,...

Very stylish hotel ,lovely rooms, excellent service, lovely staff. A little pricey but you get what you pay for !! A very good 4 course breakfast too. Situated on the riverbank in the centre of Ashford in the water. Ideal for exploring the Peak District....

Anniversary weekend treat to ourselves. What a treat. Staff are superb and will do anything to help whilst smiling. The food is the reason we go here and it is just fabulous/incredible/sensational!! Taster meal at night, breakfast in the morning, absolutely fantastic. The garden room...

We were travelling with friends from Australia and stayed here for dinner bed and breakfast. We were a little late arriving and rang ahead to warn the hotel. They could not have been kinder. The rooms were lovely and the bathrooms a design delight. Dinner...

Wow ! Amazing from check in to checkout, lovely rooms great staff and amazing food. This hotel & restaurant certainly lived up to our expectations. Just Fabulous

We stayed in one of 12 rooms attached to the restaurant and it was a lovely experience. The location is quiet and very pretty, the rooms were beautiful and spotlessly clean. The bed was really comfortable and the fresh vanilla choux bun that welcomed us...

Food in the restaurant is extremely high quality where you can tell a lot of care has been taken on the best quality ingredients and hence the end result is fabulous. This is only improved by the service which is attentive and friendly but not...

The restaurant is in a beautiful setting and location. We chose the Taster menu and we’re so pleased that we had. Each dish was delicious full of tasty flavours. The staff were attentive and the food dishes served promptly. Thank to you the chef and...

Five Star from the second younenter the stone walled gates to the following morning. The best hotel we stayed in, clearly owner knows hoteliering. The room and hotel is luxury all the way . A must if your staying Bakewell and surrounding area .

We came back again to bring our friends staying with us, for a doggy friendly Sunday lunch. Wow just outstanding again. This really is amazing. The sun was shining so we chose to have drinks and eat on the beautiful garden. Starters were again incredible,...

I am compelled to come on here and write another 5 star review. The food ( Sunday lunch) was just perfect again with a special mention for the nicest gravy I’ve ever had. The staff are amazing, so attentive, friendly warm and welcoming. They serve...

We are regular visitors to Rafters Sheffield and Rafters Riverside House, but since recently announcing they have a dog friendly area to eat and stay, we will be here more! We were one of the first doggie bookings for Sunday lunch, and it was first...

Never fails to disappoint. Staff, service food exceptional Would highly recommend to anybody Love it here and will always come back. They are so welcoming

A wonderful experience! From the moment of arrival and a warm welcome, we enjoyed the finest quality accommodation, fine dining and hospitality. The room was of the highest standard and overlooked the river and enchanting gardens. With the charming Alistar managing front of house, thank...

Stayed here on a great Sunday offer. The food is outstanding, we both had the taster menu and all courses were delicious without being over faced which can sometimes be the case with these types of menus. Our bedroom was excellent and so was breakfast....

Lovely setting and a friendly greeting on arrival. Attentive and courteous staff. The food was lovely great flavours and well presented with such attention to detail. I never do reviews but this restaurant deserved a good one. Thank you

Great hotel and will definitely return. Dinner was creative, tasty and plenty. Baked potato risotto was a surprise delight as was the availability of a cheese course. Location is peaceful, tranquil and ideal for walking with a good bus service to and from Bakewell. Rooms...

My husband took me to Rafters at the Riverside Hotel for my 40th birthday. The staff were absolutely excellent from the start. A very warm welcome when we arrived and throughout our stay. All the staff we came across were very professional. The food was...

From the moment we arrived, we were shown the highest and most respectful care and attention. We enjoyed a exquisite meal, preceded by a delicious amuse bouche, and the breakfast the following day was fantastic. We’ve stayed in many hotels, and have found it quite...

We stayed in the hotel so naturally ate in Rafters. We both had the fillet steaks which were cooked to perfection and very tender. We followed with the chefs take on Bakewell tart. The following morning we had breakfast a veritable feast served with a...

This had become a favourite place for lunch while visiting Bakewell and we enjoyed the Garden menu. On Saturday 17th we decided to have lunch there. There was no one around at the time. We were told the Garden menu had been withdrawn for Christmas...

Fantastic location , friendly & helpful staff, beautifully appointed hotel with outstanding service & food My husband & I and my two sisters had a short break here with the sole purpose of going to Chatsworth House which was under 4 miles away for their...

We visited Rafters supposedly as a treat. We had advised in advance that we were vegetarian and had been told that was no problem. The food was remarkably average. Nothing wrong with it - and nothing special. We were disappointed and contacted Rafters after our...

Rafters was the perfect location for us to have our intimate wedding ceremony and reception. The entire Rafters team were amazing, and were clearly committed to looking after us and making it the most special day. The private dining room was just right for the...

Weekend in the Peak District. The hotel itself is excellent, in a quiet end of Ashford in the Water, with a knockout 3 course breakfast. What really sets this place apart are the wonderful staff who cannot do enough for guests (midnight cheese board anyone)....

Weekend lunch in the heart of the Peak District. The venue, staff and kitchen were excellent, highly recommended. We will definitely visit again, hope you have an opportunity to too.

The staff are exceptional, food is excellent and the rooms are perfectly sized, clean and modern. View of the ducks outside is charming - easy to walk to Bakewell from here - so glad we stayed here instead of downtown. Much more peaceful and serene.

Thank you to everyone for a wonderful stay. We couldn't have asked for more. The staff are so friendly and attentive from arrival to check out. Our Sunday lunch and breakfast was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed relaxing with the rest of our wine in the...

We had lunch at Rafters today, first class. Great service and the food was brilliant. Special mention for the Crispy Egg soup starter, the fillet/chips and the Panna Cotta pud. Wine list was also really good, some really interesting wines. If you like fine food...

I was part of a group of approx 20 in a private dining room for a prearranged celebration Sunday Lunch. I found the service very slow and unprofessional. With waiting staff coming in with food shouting whose is the roast beef? handing out deserts over...

Stunning building, tasteful decor but what makes it stand out is the friendly staff. Genuinely friendly , helpful and professional. The rooms were slightly small but with tranquil views into the garden. The bed was very comfy with a nice range of pillow types. The...

Was very happy with our meal here. Great wine list- including a fabulous Israeli Chardonnay, and a lovely menu including vegan options. Service very helpful and efficient. It's not the most modern of dining rooms, but the food is of such good quality and presentation...

Outstanding service. We stayed the night only and although we did not dine in the restaurant that evening, breakfast was the best I’ve ever had. From the moment you check in the staff are attentive. Beautiful setting and a great experience.

We stayed at Rafters again for our weding anniversary and the service was superb. Staff always friendly. Very classy but relaxed. Duck fat chips are to die for!! Thankyou!!!

As customers of Rafters in Sheffield, we had been looking forward to an evening at Rafters at the Riverside and were not disappointed. From the moment we walked through the door we were made to feel so welcome. There was a card on our table...

We were our walking our dog discovering the area ….. we saw a sign for “cold beer, come on in” . We were made to feel very welcome even dressed in hiking gear. People were sat in the garden having dinner, and we thought it...

Superb, friendly staff and probably the best I’ve encountered in hotels!. Just had a fabulous 2 night stay here, the food is incredible and the location is idilyllic. A real hidden gem not to be missed. We will be back. Highly recommend this hotel as...

What a find!! If you are in the Peak District, particularly the Bakewell/ Buxton region, this restaurant is a real must. The hotel and restaurant are presented beautifully, the service is flawless and the food is just fabulous. The roast beef was like eating finely...

We stayed on Sunday night for bed and breakfast but also enjoyed Sunday lunch in the late afternoon. The food was excellent, plentiful and served by friendly and efficient staff. We were upgraded to the Rafters Room which was a real treat. The real stand...

We stayed for one night Good Friday. From the moment we arrived to check in all staff were so friendly and very accomodating. We stayed in the Kingfisher room, a wonderful room with great views over the gardens and the river. The weather was good...

We came to stay for a couple of nights to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and had dinner bed and breakfast on the Saturday night / Sunday morning, plus Sunday lunch. The food was superb, the staff so well trained, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere...

On Saturday 23 April 2022 a Breakfast & Reception was held following our daughter’s Wedding. The quality of food and accommodation more than lived up to expectations. The standard of service considerable exceeded our expectations. One of the best hospitality experience at a special moment...

This place is truly a hidden gem! Beautiful surroundings, amazingly good food and such attentive staff all give this a five star plus rating. We had the 6oz fillet which was so nice, and the special touch was the aperitif and the bread which was...

What a little gem! Beautiful decor with charming character, amazing food at breakfast and dinner, and the staff could not do enough for us. Special shout out to Jamie, Hannah and Will who were lovely and really went out their way to make us feel...

Best meal for a long time. Fabulous Sunday lunch 😋. All 3 courses delicious and the service was excellent. Hotel and restaurant in a great setting by the river. Can't wait for the next meal.

My wife and I had been looking for a nearby hotel and in Rafters we have found an absolute gem. We stayed in the Kingfisher room and had the taster menu for dinner. The room was lovely with a beautiful view looking out to the...

My husband booked the private dining room for my birthday. There were 12 guests. From the moment we stepped in to the time we left, it could not have been more perfect. Alistair was the perfect host, ensuring all our guests were comfortable, happy with...

This place looked nice so we booked it for my birthday. We didn’t realise just how nice it was. It was faultless, the people were friendly, helpful and down to earth and could not do enough for you. They gave me almond milk for the...

We stayed here last night using vouchers our friends had bought us for our birthdays. It was absolutely fantastic. The decor is beautiful and the staff are spot on - very professional but warm too. We had the tasting menu with paired wine and both...

Absolutely superb!!! This is an absolute find, we will definitely be using this hotel and restaurant for special occasions. The decor of the hotel is understated, but gives a warm and friendly vibe. Absolutely all of the staff that we encountered were friendly, warm, and...

We were visiting family in Derbyshire for Christmas part two so thought we would book ourselves a little treat to start the week off. Me and partner are both Chefs so this was the perfect way to start a week off together after a busy...

Special birthday treat. Taster menu, and overnight stay. The service was excellent, from check in, bar service, and restaurant. It’s a lovely location inside and out. The hotel is finished to a very nice standard. The room was lovely. The food as you would expect...

This is an exceptionally good restaurant. My wife,son and I enjoyed a beautiful NYE lunch. We all dined from the set menu. Starters of confit lamb and barley risotto were delicious and beautifully presented. Mains of chicken and salmon were equally impressive. The staff are...

Booked a room together with the special 10 course tasting menu, champagne reception, and breakfast for New Year’s Eve. A local singer (Holly Johnson) also performing. A little concerned that covid cancellations might kill the atmosphere and numbers, but no need to worry. Almost a...

We have had a wonderful relaxing time here at this lovely Hotel. The staff are so nice and the food is gorgeous. We had the taster menu and it was delicious from start to finish and beautifully served. We particularly enjoyed the halibut and the...

Stayed here with family for a couple of birthday celebrations. The rooms were lovely and had everything we needed in them. We had dinner and breakfast which were both fantastic. The staff were very attentive, friendly and had a great sense of humour. We had...

What a super place. We had been meaning to drop in for lunch for a while and so glad we were eventually able to. The restaurant is lovely, staff professional but not in a stuffy way and the food was outstanding. The drinks were great...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this hotel and restaurant! We stayed one night in the Kingfisher room which is so beautifully decorated and has a lovely roll top bath. The tasting menu was delicious and the 3 course breakfast was amazing! The team there are all absolutely...

Second visit to this lovely hotel. Overall had an excellent experience and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Stayed over Sunday night and had the tasting menu and breakfast. We stayed in room 6 which was very plush and had lovely decor and the bed was really...

The worst experience you could imagine. Raw food, arrogant staff and lacking imagination chef. Wonder how much cost them 2*AA

Having been lucky enough to visit Rafters in Sheffield many times it was our first visit to Ashford today. Amazing to think that the restaurant has only been open a few months as the experience was as seemless as ever. Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere and...

My partner and I enjoyed a superb overnight stay with dinner and B&B at this exceptional restaurant with rooms. From our greeting to our departure, all the staff were fully engaged in providing a friendly and efficient service. The atmosphere throughout is friendly and relaxed...

We went for Sunday lunch, with high expectations of as 2* AA rosette restaurant as we normally got to The Cavendish 3* AA restaurant. Staff dress code, debatable : white shirt , jeans and trainers. Trainers ranged from I've been in garden to gym the...

This restaurant just gets better each time! We have been over the summer, for drinks, food outside, stayed overnight, had breakfast and dinner. It was our nieces 21st birthday so knew RRH was the most fitting venue to bring her for a delicious Sunday lunch...

We had taster menu with wine flight which was simply amazing. Great service and ver friendly, wine choices a great match for food. Throughly recommend. Only criticism was the ambiance could have been better-may have been just down to the restaurant being quiet. Thoroughly recommend...

Had an amazing meal here today. The food was fabulous and the staff were courteous, knowledgeable and very helpful. Will definitely visit again

Excellent place for nice food and drink, really friendly and helpful staff and a lovely place to go! I would highly recommend for Sunday lunch or an evening meal with family or friends!

The hotel has nice rooms if a little smalll, but has everything. The restaurant is modern and a good menu. We enjoyed the visit

Thus was the second time that we have dined at Rafters at Riverside and on this occasion, we were disappointed for several reasons. Despite having booked several weeks previously and arriving early in the evening to a 3/4 empty restaurant, we were shown to a...

I had been to Rafters in Sheffield and to the Riverside in Ashford in former incarnations, but this was something totally different. The Dinner Menu at £60 was the priciest meal I'd ever sat down to, but that plays no part in my memory. Every...

We have just had the most amazing stay at Rafters Riverside Hotel. A beautifully refurbished hotel. Comfortable bed and well equipped rooms. The staff are super friendly and very welcoming. The food was amazing. We had the vegetarian taster Menu the first night and decided...

Beautiful restaurant in lovely setting. Professional, polite friendly excellent personal service. 3 course vegetarian & vegan course dinner. Fantastic seasoning & sour notes to food where required. Excellent wine pairing also from sommelier. Canapés also sublime & cocktails excellent. Gorgeous cutlery to boot. Would highly...

This is one amazing place, a proper treat for that special occasion :) four of us opted for the taster menu and every course was delicious..I’m already looking for another excuse to go back 😅…Alistair, Tom and the team were spot on, nothing was too...

We were looking for a couple of nights away, pretty well anywhere not too far away, and by happy accident found ourselves at Rafters at Riverside. Everything about this gorgeous place was perfect! Our room, which opened onto the garden had everything we needed and...

We love Rafters in Sheffield and this did not disappoint! Great Food, beautifully presented with great service. Highly recommend

Beautiful location, warm and friendly welcome, high quality food, drinks & service. Very pleased we called in and definitely recommended.

After the horrors of being stuck at home working with toddler twins we decided to treat ourselves to a weekend stay as a belated anniversary treat. As soon as we drove through the gates we loved the place! Amazing setting next to the river in...

We stumbled upon this gem of a dining experience. A marvelous ad delicious surprise. Fine dining as good as you’ll find anywhere with an unpretentious but professional attitude. The environment was also beautiful. Cannot recommend any more strongly. We diner there twice in 3 days.

The restaurant here used to be a rather old fashioned affair, but now that the Rafters team are here it has been transformed. Subtle, stylish, classy and refined. Have drinks in the secluded garden then dine in style. There were several very new staff so...

Can not praise, every single thing, about this beautiful place enough! From the incredible food and wines, to the stunning rooms and gardens, to the amazing staff, I'd give the restaurant and the hotel 10 out of 5 stars if I could! My partner and...

What a beautiful night away for two! We stayed in the Kingfisher room for one night - the room was stunning and the bathroom to die for. The hotel is set in lovely gardens and it’s a really picturesque setting. All of the staff were...

The entire stay was perfect from start to finish. The setting is gorgeous and this lovely old building has been brought back to life. The staff were so attentive and couldn't do enough for us. The food was out of this world, as you would...

Visited for lunch without the kids. The food is excellent, the flavours devine. The standout element is the staff, they are so lovely and nothing is too much trouble. After such a tough year for the hospitality sector they deserve an extra special mention

The most fabulous hotel Rafters at Riverside House in the most stunning location Ashford-in-the-Water a truly special place - loved our anniversary stay so much 😍 Each and every detail is super high end, the food is totally scrumptious (dinner and breakfast 💯) and the...