The Telescope Bistro in Derbyshire Dales

Well it’s a “wow, wow, wow” from me. Run by the students on their City & Guilds Catering course a simply stunning 3 course meal with coffee for just £13.95. It’s set in the new build Longfield Academy but do not be put off by that. Yes there are kids around but the environment is tranquil and thoughtfully constructed with plants providing an ambience which makes it difficult to believe you are surrounded by a 1,000 plus teenagers at school. Only available term time but definitely worth a visit.

Staff were rude, gave my friend fruit they knew she was allergic to and when she arose concern, they simply scraped it off and gave it back so she couldn’t eat it. Food was such a disappointment, was expecting much more even from such young training chefs. It’s an experience but maybe not in the best of ways.

Have been there with friends a few times now, and each time the food and service are exceptional. Really impressed and would highly recommend!

An excellent three course lunch. Very stylish. The pupils work hard to make the meal an occasion. The only disappointment is that it is only available on Thursday and Friday lunch time. (I think there are occasional evening openings.)

Great food that is very reasonably priced Will be going back very soon hopefully. Just a shame it's only open for two afternoons.

We was asked to try the Bistro as a family member is studying at The academy. We booked a table for 4 on a friday afternoon. The setting is strange as it is in the school however is in a quiet part and looks like a normal restaurant. Staff are all students , that is waiting staff and chefs. However you wouldn't know that these guys have only been doing this for 2 weeks. The food was at such a high standard you would think you are in one of the top hotel. they are a real credit to the school as really well mannered and well presented. We will be going back very soon as i will need to have some more of that Cheesecake.

We were treated to lunch by friends here, wasn't sure what to expect . 'What a find ' Great place to eat, unusual setting, good atmosphere. Wheelchair friendly and accessible toilet nearby. The trainee member of staff Nathan who met us and escorted to our table was very helpful and attentive, nothing was too much trouble. Service good, lovely presentation of very tasty food. Fine dining food . All waiting staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be returning. Note any tips go towards school trips.

I was invited to lunch at the Longfield Academy Telescopic Bistro last Friday 19th May 2017. Wow what a delightful experience, everything was perfect, I was taken to my seat in this plush restaurant by a charming young student waitress and served a delicious 3 course lunch together with tea or coffee by a smart well mannered student waiter. What an amazing restaurant all managed by students venturing into the catering industry. Don't miss it, this restaurant is well worth a visit!

Fantastic Meal, blown away by the quality of food produced and served by the Students. A credit to themselves, the staff and to Leigh Academies Trust. Service was fabulous and despite being an Italian Day, I was catered for being Gluten free. Would highly recommend The Telescope Bistro to anyone.

The Telescope Bistro is an amazing place to eat, you would never expect that setting in a school. The restaurant looks beautiful, lots of nature, beautiful scenery. The front of house staff are very friendly, they definitely know what they're doing, they offer us fresh bread and ice cold water when we sit down. I've been to the restaurant a couple of times, the first time I got bread it was seeded bread, which was lovely and fresh, and i'm glad they do a variety of bread instead of just doing plain white bread. The second time I went I got a choice of cheese and onion bread or sweet chilli bread, I chose the cheese and onion bread which was very nice, with a very nice flavour. The food is outstanding! The quality of the food is amazing, and for such a cheap price. 3 courses and hot drinks at the end for just £12.95, i think they're being a bit too generous with the prices. The table layout is very posh.I think we should be allowed more than two glasses of wine. I can't believe how good the service is and the food, i've been to restaurants in london and the prices are double this, but the service and food is not nearly as good as this, For young adults training to be chefs, it's absolutely amazing what they are doing. Also the main chef, which i think teaches the students, comes out and talks to us and sometimes brings the students which is really nice and friendly. The telescope bistro is so unexpected!!!! Absolutely wonderful, i'd be back every Thursday and Friday if i had the money haha.

I visited the Telescope bistro yesterday and must say I was totally blown away by the service and quality of food served in a school.I was perhaps expecting an old school dinner and pudding.What me and my guests received was 4 courses of locally sourced food cooked to perfection by young trainee chefs WOW.The service was very good and the waitress tended to all are requirements and was very professional.I have eaten in many restaurants over the years and can honestly say this is a hidden gem in the Dartford area. We will be back

I would rate The Telescope as good, but, for some strange reason, this rating is not available. Come on TA - do something about it. This place is undoubtedly good value and the standard of food and presentation is, for the most part, pretty good. The blurb uses that meaningless and out of date term: "Fine dining." Whatever it means, neither the location, ambience or style of food conjures up such an image. But the tables were set in an indoor garden in a lofty area on the ground floor and students moving about at lunchtime did so in a quiet and orderly fashion. Our waitress was personable and confident - although her assistant was somewhat blunt and knew not (and did not volunteer to find out) the source of the venison sausages. Starters of chicken liver salad and crab and seafood tien were good. Although the later included crab sticks - which are nothing to do with crab and sometimes only distantly related to fish. Said sticks appeared again in the fritto misto. My chicken chasseur was very good with a well balanced sauce. The Black Forest trifle was ok, but the chocolate sponge base was too dry. House wine by the small glass is available but only two glasses per person for some unstated reason. Our bread should not have been allowed out of the kitchen. My wholemeal roll was medieval in nature - like a rock cake. Who teaches these kids interpersonal skills? "Enjoy." and "There you go."? Non! Payment by cash or cheque only but No indication of this when booking. The bad and ugly are minor glitches, so, being a fan of Scorcese, we will return.

My friend's son is 1 of the staff and she recommended the place ages ago. This was my first visit and everyone was helpful and pleasant - including on the 'phone with my enquiries about parking and being let in. Obviously it was very busy anyway, being the students' lunchtime as well, but the bistro itself is like a little oasis - even with parasols! I was ushered to my table, the waitress introducing herself and the other girl who would be helping. I was offered fresh bread and iced water on arrival.The menu offered 3 choices each of starter, main and dessert - all appealing. As there are 3 sittings and I was booked on the first, the service was pretty quick. However, the girls took time to check that everything was OK - which it definitely was. The trout was probably a bit more buttery than I should really have been eating - but absolutely delicious, as was the pigeon and lentil starter and the chocolate and lime mousse. Finished off with a perfect Americano coffee - not too much milk, but hot as I asked for. Fairly local for me so hopefully I'll manage a return visit soon.

I challenge most so-called chefs and restaurateurs to come down to Longfield and learn the basic lessons of satisfying their customers -- and then hang their heads in shame at how far they fall short. Passion, honesty, integrity, a respect for ingredients, a desire to please, knowing what value on the plate means.... I could go on for hours. This was my second visit and my meal was truly excellent, and I say this without making any allowances to the youth and inexperience of the kitchen and serving team because none are needed. So all I can say is get down to the Telescope and support the next (and better) generation of chefs and front of house staff -- and as for the present lot, be scared, very scared -- the kids are coming!!

This was our first visit to the Telescope after hearing much about it, I am pleased to say we weren't disappointed. When you consider this is in the middle of an active school I think they have done really well to create a nice Bistro setting and there was only minimal intrusion from pupils going about their studies. Whilst the menu was limited to three choices for each course, that we found, was perfectly adequate. We really enjoyed the food with no complaints at all. Senior staff and the Chef came to the table for a chat, as it was our first visit, and answered our many questions. We had some great service at the table from Joey and Shahla, who rounded off a very pleasant lunch. We will definitely go back and compliments to everyone behind the scenes as well.

Went to The Telescope Restaurant at Longfield Academy today with friends for the 1st time - an excellent experience! We were greeted at the door by Joey, our waiter for the meal, and taken to our table. Joey was attentive without being obtrusive and he looked after us throughout. The food was of very good quality and value for money was above our expectations. The environment, even though in a school, was very good and I, together with my friends, thought a lot of effort had been put into the setting for this restaurant. Joey had some assistance from Shahla towards the end of the meal and she showed confidence and had a very pleasing personality. Well done to the catering facility at this school - we will be back. Keep up the good work.

Seven of us had lunch in early December and the bistro was busy. Some of the others had been before but I wasn't sure what to expect, given the time of year and the trend for 'Christmas Dinner'. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. From the initial greeting through to us leaving the whole experience was as good as anywhere I have eaten and was certainly better than some. Front of house service and presentation was first-rate and the (small) range and quality of the courses was faultless. If those who are training here take their skills to the big bad world I am sure that standards everywhere will improve. Certainly the prices are very reasonable when compared to a commercial operation, but good service costs no more - wherever you are. Also, given the number of diners I suspect the pressure in the kitchen matched a profitable establishment - the food was on time and nothing was too much trouble. Well done indeed and The Telescope Bistro is a beacon for miles around.

9 of us have just experienced a great 3 course meal all cooked by students of Longfield Academy.Each one of us had an exquisite meal. You have to book well in advance and I can see why.We will definitely be booking up again!!!!

Meals at the Telescope Bistro represent excellent value for money. The quality of the food on the varied menu is very good and the restaurant staff are attentive, polite and efficient.The location of the restaurant in an indoor garden area within the school provides a peaceful and relaxing environment. This is quite definitely a five star establishment!

To enjoy this unique dining experience you will need to book some months in advance, because it is hugely popular in the local community. Also meals are served only at lunchtime, on Tuesdays and Friday's within the School term. So what is the secret of this gem of a bistro? It is within the Longfield Academy, a good performing Secondary School in very modern facilities. The Bistro offers those students studying for a career in the catering industry the opportunity to practice their skills by cooking and serving a three course lunch - with a choice of dishes - twice a week in Term time. You will admire their skills both in cooking and in service. The regular meal is priced at less than £10 but the special Christmas lunch which we experienced was £12 per head including tea or coffee. There is a choice of wine, beer or soft drinks but to demonstrate to the students the virtues of drinking in moderation, consumption of alcoholic drinks is restricted.The Lunch in The Telescope Bistro was quite the best of several Christmas lunches that I have enjoyed during December including some that were five to seven times more expensive. The Bistro is in a large atrium area but is not separate from the School itself. The ambiance is pleasant with little distraction from the regular activities of the School itself.Eating here is a very special experience. You will not fail to be impressed by the skill and enthusiasm of the students and by the facilities of the School itself. There is ample car parking but like with any School the facility is a secure one.