Watts Russell Arms in Staffordshire Moorlands

Great little pub. Owners are very friendly and a good choice of beer . Lovely pub cat Will definately be visiting again soon

Thought we would try this place again after a few yrs, why did I bother, grubby, felt uncomfortable, had one drink and left. No we don't drive a BMW or wear fake eyelashes!

One of the few remaining authentic pubs in The Peak. If you drive a white BMW or have plastic eyelashes you'll hate it; if you want character, authenticity and everything that isn't corporate and confected, you'll love it. Places like this must be supported by those who care about what's happening to our country pubs.

We stopped here by chance on our way to Buxton from Millsdale. It’s a lovely old pub with an extremely welcoming landlord. One of those people who have a good deal of knowledge about a range of things and can talk to anyone. We didn’t have lunch, but the curry some of the guests were eating was delicious. Sounds like there’s great music here too. Highly recommend for walkers, including those with dogs.

Finished a long day's walking with a couple of pints in this pub and it was exactly what we wanted. All ales were local, the barman was friendly and happy to chat about any subject under the Sun. I don't recall there being any WiFi, which I welcomed as people in the pub were actually talking to each other! This is how pubs used to be and I loved it.

This a proper pub for proper walkers looking for rewarding pint in traditional setting . If you aren’t that person or generally a bit soft then head back into the city . Great place in my opinion just what we wanted

Proper pub ✅ Real ale ✅ Welcoming staff ✅ This is a proper old school ‘wet’ pub. Nice friendly landlord and muddy paws are welcome. If you are looking for a city wine bar then keep walking but if you enjoy a cozy old school boozer to rest tired your legs with a nice ale, you won’t be disappointed.

Rip off. £38 for 2 drinks, 2 kitkats and 2 meals of very poor quality. Will not be back. Dirty cutlery. Not very nice setting. Such a shame as they could make a killing due to the location.

What parallel universe are you all living in? This place was the creepiest, dirtiest hovel I have ever had the misfortune to visit. After our walk through Dovedale we were after a much needed stop and made the mistake of stopping here. The lager and cider were both rank and we didn’t dare to ask about food. I am astounded by the recent reviews, you have been warned

We visited recently to attend an annual mini festival at the pub but my partner attends regularly for their jam/ open mic nights. It is a really friendly place with a lovely family run, traditional pub vibe. We camped locally and spent the whole day there. Dogs welcome and looked after.

Lovely place to visit with locally sourced food and drink. Parking available and a great place to start / end walks to nearby Mildale, Dovedale, Iilam, Manifold Valley and Thor’s Cave. Dog friendly, family run, traditional pub with stunning views on its doorstep.

Absolutely what we hoped to find when we stumbled upon this small hidden gem of an old pub. Just to sit inside in the cool peaceful atmosphere it exuded, really made our evening very special. Fresh flowers in the tables such a difference to every other pub we’d been in that just had artificial ones. It’s all in the little touches and this pub had it in spades.

This pub is definately different but we had a great meal - the Tapas was fabulous like a trip around the world with unusual dishes from different countries. Nice bottle of wine perfectly chilled. The landlord and landlady were very friendly and welcoming as were the regulars. We had read the reviews below and decided to go with an open mind - we were not disappointed. We went on the last night of our holiday but if we had gone earlier in our holiday we would have returned for another meal. A lovely meanl and great value.

Went to this pub on a recommendation. Described as a quirky pub doing tapas. We went on a lunchtime. Not a great selection of drinks, cold and only 3 items on a lunchtime menu and no tapas. Accept that this experience may have been marred by going on a Tuesday lunchtime, but really nothing to make this a memorable experience. Can't in all honesty recommend

Lovely quintessential country pub in a beautiful location, featuring two front pub gardens one of which is terraced providing a lovely view in the sun. They serve delicious fresh food catering for all including a light lunch tapas. Each time I return i feel more and more at home and continuously impressed, we recently attended the music night and never felt more welcomed. This is a place you can not just enjoy a pint and lunch but the place and people just as much. Thanks Josh, Bruce and Chris as always we hope to see you again!

This is the second time I’ve been, and it’s not often somewhere is that great you want to go back. The couple that run the pub are so warm and friendly, really down to earth people who clearly love what they do. The tapas is absolutely delicious and you can taste the love that goes into the food - a real unique find. The pub itself is steeped in history, has a cosy fire and a local feel - delightful. The location is perfect and if you’re in the area this would be my number 1 good recommendation.

Quaint quiet pub on way back from walking nice selection of local beers and ciders we did not feel unwelcome at any time as we are not locals and masks had to be worn at all times apart from sitting which was still nice to see. Would go back again shame most of the reviews don’t think the same as us.

Watt a lovely traditional ye olde world pub .. off the beaten track quiet and secluded .. well worth it the draught beer is superb a well earned husband pint after a long walk .. OK so it's not to everyone's cup of tea but...

This pub is in the perfect location if you are doing the Dovedale / Mill Dale/ Dovedale walk as it’s about half way round, but don’t bother stopping keep going. The most unwelcome pub I’ve ever been in. There was another couple in there when...

We were passing through Derbyshire and staying in a nearby b&b. This pub was recommended and had home made bread and delicious and unusual medium sized tapas including curried goat. Service was good, the fire was burning and the quantity of 5 tapas and bread...

read reviews if you must, but surely visit and make up your own mind is best. Tapas only menu with lots of choice and variations according to what's available. Don't think Spanish! think small bites of all things delicious, We booked this before travelling to...

Weirdest pub visit of my life. Walked in, unnervingly cold atmosphere. Asked if we could order some beers but not being local enquired what beers they had to which the 400 year old ghost behind the bar gestured at the pint taps with the apathy...

A rating of 1 is too generous… I have never experienced such a bizarre, weird & creepy pub! We are not locals but decided to stop in for a pint after a day of walking to Thor’s Cave (which is incredible). The landlady was clearly...

As others mentioned really quirky. The Jaipur is the best I have tasted anywhere and other fine Thornbridge Ales. Lovely beer garden.

Unusual location and ambience - came across on walk and pretty well hidden . Cider and Indian Pale Ale were not for the faint hearted- but brought some much needed refreshments after a beautiful walk. An eye opener if in the area

We was in here 7 years ago and found the place driving back from Ashbourne. We thought it was a very strange place then! The fridge was missing the glass yet drinks still in it, the staff were not welcoming or pleasant. Thought we’d nip...

Popped in after a walk in Dovedale and Hall Dale. Although the place was being refurbished the owner provided us with superbly kept local ales, a lovely craft lager and a local flat cider. Absolutely perfect end to a great day out

Limited tapas menu, which was a very strange mixture of cuisines. Unfortunately the taste wasn't much better. Very quiet, weird atmosphere, couldn't leave quickly enough

We stayed at Stanshope Hall and booked this pub based on their list of pubs in the area, we were very clear what we were booking in that the menu consisted of Tapas. When we arrived very impressed with the selection of real ales ,...

We are so glad that we visited this quirky pub last night. The tapas were absolutely delicious, wine ice cold and the staff very friendly and welcoming. No hesitation in recommending

This traditional village pub, feels unchanged for years; yet serves the best tapas we've had for ages. The owners are fabulous; warm and friendly, with their own unique style. We started off having a lovely pint, enjoying the late afternoon sun in the garden, and...

We have been visiting the Dove Valley for the past 14 years and never miss dining in the Watts Russell. The food tonight was delicious, all home-prepared, incredibly varied and just so interesting. Beers delicious and well-kept. The gardens are beautiful now too. We know...

Went for the tapas meal and wasn't disappointed. The food was excellent. A good choice of menu and all dishes were cooked superbly. Tried to book in again for the following week but it was fully booked but will definitely be going back again (and...

Great place to sit outside on the raised patios and have a beer, location is amazing and the pub itself is cosy and rustic. I strongly recommend you try the Tapas, amazing food and despite how some people have spoke about the people who run...

Was just passing through but saw this place so stopped and had a great pint. The owners don’t deserve the abuse they’re getting from some on here. Old lady was very straightforward which I appreciate in this age of insincerity. This is an old free...

Walking in the Peak District and came across this sheltered wee pub which was a wee suntrap with outdoor seating. They pulled a good real ale and the locals say the food is very good.

Lovely tapas menu, very different dining experience for a local pub and lived up to expectations. Hosts were lovely. Would recommend

We come here whenever we can and love it. It's unusual for sure - after all, free houses in private ownership are a rare thing these days. But that's the beauty. Be open-minded, don't expect crowds of locals or diners, just revel in the fabulous...

Evening meal was tapas which we knew so was expected. Had we just walked in for this would not be so pleased. The food itself was fine and unusual flavours. No puddings. Do not agree with the no children rule. Would give a miss in...

Some of the previous reviewers of this place are spectacularly missing the point. It is what it is, quirky unique, with good local beer and owners who I would suspect would not give a flying flip for reviews. Anyway, the food. A tapas menu of...

We had a lovely couple of deliveries of food from here during the lockdown. Bruce cooks and his son Josh did the delivery. Food was always delicious and on time and was well worth the money and never disappointed. We were finally able to visit...

Well it may still be lockdown for us, but bruce has produced the most delicious Thai mel for the "dining club" which was delivered to our door with full instructions for heating. the only things missing were the normal conviviality of a Watts culinary evening...

I'm glad to see that I am not the only one who thinks this place is weird, . I took my Mom out for a drive around dovedale and ended up popping into mildale only to find the lovely food outlet closed,, we then made...

Oh dear. Where to start really. High on happiness after a fabulous walk through beautiful Dovedale, my sister-in-law and I decided to leave the young team to walk back for the car through the swollen river part and headed from lovely quaint Milldale (superb local...

Excellent beer and wines. Excellent tapas-style dinner menu. It is owned and run by a friendly couple who are always happy to engage in conversation, or leave you in peace, whichever you prefer. Looking at some of the negative reviews, I have to conclude that...

Loved it. Tapas. In a hamlet nestling madly in the rump of a dale at the heart of the Peaks. We had very earnest and tasty plates. Made with soul and served with kindness. The Watts Russel may sound like a second rate operatic tenor...

Me and my partner popped in this place for a drink after 4 mile walk the couple running this place are the weirdest people iv ever come across in my life! Proper freaks😱

Wow where to start rude smells Adams family 100% never bin to a pub like it after a 8 miles walking to watch the owners just sit there did not talk the place is a mess

Popped in for a quick pint at lunchtime as we were travelling through on a cold wet day. The pub was nicely warm with great beer, and really nice wine. We booked to come back in the evening to eat. It was unusual insofar as the menu was purely tapas, but wow did it taste good. Great chat with the locals and Landlord/lady. Don't bypass this gem of flavours and honest hospitality.

Rude, abrupt landlords - most unwelcoming - topped off by an unfulfilled booking. Not one to recommend.

Candidate for the least welcome pub I have ever visited, lady behind the bar not warm nor inviting (although was full of smiles when two presumable locals entered about 20 minutes after us). Selection of 4 beers overall (although only served from a partciular side of the bar?) which were alright, but despite the sign on the door and the website saying food served until 2pm we were told that the kitchen was closed.. on a Saturday?? Most frustrating as we had walked 5 miles to the pub and there was no open alternative by the time we'd finished our hastily drank and little enjoyed beers! We had to split a block of Kendall Mint Cake between 7 of us on the journey back and didn't eat until 6pm, which left a very sour taste. Would not recommend for groups or families as the sign on the door says that children under 10 simply aren't welcome... Baffling.

Wow...quite literally the pub that time forgot. Lovely local lager was very nice. Amazing books on the shelves. Asked for their WiFi and was told a blunt no, even though they were sat on their own devices around the corner. Drank up and left. We felt scared and my girlfriend was worried when I went to the toilet if I’d ever return........walked swiftly up the hill to The Royal Oak in Wetton!

Popped in for a quick drink during a lovely walk in the area. This is a pub that time has forgotten. We didn't eat so can only review on the basis of a quick drink. My first thought was we had walked into the shop from the League Of Gentlemen in Royston Vasey. I hope pubs like this can survive but do fear for them. If in the area do pop in.

Really welcoming pub, very friendly chatty and helpful, lovely food, and dog friendly, we were in the area and visited twice, and will return, it was lotto see the log burner on 2nd visit.

Visited with friend after a walk in the area. Amazed at all the bad reviews, there should be more pubs like this, so far removed from all the corporate chain pubs.

Previous reviewer Lu b got it spot on, it's quirky. For me it was reminiscent of a pub of a bygone age (70's and earlier) It was my partner who spotted the hardboard sign with "PUB" written on it as we approached from Dovedale (actual signs obscured by ivy) and we stopped for a last drink before setting off on journey back to West Sussex. There only appeared to be five beers on tap two lagers and three Thornbridge ales including Jaipuur. Would have loved the Jaipur but as driving opted for weaker Marples which was past it's best. Glad we stopped but definitely not for everybody

Keep your eyes peeled coming down the hill, this barely there pub is almost completely hidden and both signs are covered with ivy. We were two of only four guests for dinner (although booking was essential and another couple were turned away attempting to gain a walk in booking). There was a good wine and beer selection, an exciting tapas menu including a delicious chorizo and cabbage dish, as well as curried goat and nutty potato plate and a small but pretty beer garden.

The two of us turned up around 6:15 on Tuesday last, had a pint and asked if we could eat a little later, knowing that service is 7-8pm (having had a quick drink there the day before), and not expecting the food until after 7pm. By 7pm we had a delicious spread of small plates which I'd happily eat daily. The landlord/chef and landlady were quiet but friendly. No music but plenty of books.

We were on a very long, wet walk and in need of some welcome respite from the weather and some food and a nice cup of tea or coffee to warm us up. There were 8 of us in our group, 2 families of 4. We arrived in the pub, which was empty, only to be told we couldn't get hot drinks and that the pub were not able to cater for such a large group.

Wonderful old world atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff in a beautiful location.

Felt as though we had walked into a scene from League of Gentlemen. We were the only customers in the pub on a warm sunny evening in August.

Would avoid this place, everything about it was not good unfortunately. No ice for the drinks, the food was terrible.. we all ended up leaving half of our dinner and worst of all it was over priced. The toilets were dirty. Such a disappointment really as it’s located in such a beautiful place.

Arrived as a party of eight around 2.30pm and saw on the door, it advertised 'traditional or not so traditional Sunday dinners' until 6pm. Great, we thought. Entered to find 2 tables occupied and around 6 customers in there. Looked at the limited menu, but happy with the Roast Dinner. Went to order, was offered another menu to look at and then was told by the woman behind the bar that she wouldn't put the order through until 'it had come down'. When I asked what she meant, she said 'when their food comes down, I'll put the order through later'. Was then told we should have booked, even though the place had only 6 other people in. Baffled by the experience, the brisk manner in which we were spoken to, we left knowing that 'not so traditional' clearly means you don't get a dinner!

Turned up to find only two people in the pub, but was told three small terriers was too much to take inside. Lady at bar very unwelcoming and unfriendly. She was quite happy to watch us get soaked by rain & hailstones sitting under a broken umbrella the size of a cocktail umbrella. Would not recommend this pub to anyone

We walked here from a neighbouring valley and enjoyed a pint outside in the sunny beer garden before heading into the quaint old pub. The tapas menu was surprisingly varied and our freshly prepared order arrived promptly. Each dish was completely delicious and distinct in flavour and accompanied by a selection of good bread. A surprise find in a beautiful valley!

Lovely old pub, great location in the middle of walking country. Good beer. No such thing as service with a smile though. Don't expect to be welcomed by your hosts! Disappointing. Not what you expect from the hospitality business.

We stopped for lunch whilst walking around the Dovedale Valley. The local beer and house red wine was excellent. We both had the four chilli chilli; very tasty and not the average pub version. Great country pub and well worth a visit.

I normally only review when purchasing food, this is my first non food review.

Came here over Christmas and the festive period while we were staying a mile up the road at the YHA. The owners were so friendly and cheerful and very welcoming. It is a cozy pub with a warm log burner and nice atmosphere. The quality of their wines is exceptional. In particular the Rioja and the Lebanese reds. A very good selection given the size and location. Good beers and a nice strong cider as well. I would definately recommend over any of the other pubs in this area.

We had walked from Dovedale and decided to find a nice pub to have a drink while ‘the men’ walked back to Dovedale to fetch the cars. We noticed a sign saying ‘Pub 1 mile’ so decided to carry on walking with 6 kids in tow. Let’s start by saying that it was quite possibly the longest mile I’ve ever walked! Cranky kids, cold, wet, thirsty and hungry, the sight of this little pub in the distance was a welcome one............until we got to the front door and on a sign on the door it stated ‘NO CHILDREN UNDER 10 PERMITTED’

Myself and a friend stumbled across this pub on a walk around Dove dale. Upon entering we was met by a rather rude and discourteous bar lady (unsure whether the owner or manager) she seemed very put out by the fact that we were asking for drinks recommendations.She talked in a very low voice so I could not ascertain what she was saying. When I asked to repeat, she snapped back! 0 on customer service right their! I will also short changed and when I point this out she more or less through the money back at me. the lady seemed very hostile to walkers and hikers and I would not recommend this as a place to stop and have a moment. The atmosphere is not relaxed. Maybe with a different bar person on it is...you run the risk!

After the lovely walk from Dovedale we saw a sign for the pub so decided to go the extra mile and get a much needed pint or two. The first impressions were OK plenty of walkers enjoying the sunshine in the beer garden and a few inside. I ordered a pint and a half of the lager as it was a hot day. About half way down my pint I noticed something floating in the bottom which I can only describe as worm like. I was offered another pint as a 'replacement' so I switched to a bitter and had a whiskey chaser to trill and kill whatever I had swallowed of the offending creature. On paying the bill I realised the landlady had charged me for the contaminated pint as well -add to the general shabby appearance - wont be going back in a million years.

Feels a bit neglected, this place, however, the beer is good and they did some lovely wraps. Lovely surprise.

we both had good food and service. I was put off by pets which seemed to have the run of the pub. the staff did all they cold for us.

After a great walk,thought we’d call in for a drink on a beautiful day. Safe to say that after this experience we will never be going back. We’ve never had such an rude reception. The woman behind the bar was so unwelcoming - didn’t even acknowledge us when we walked in, didn’t say a word when we ordered a drink and didn’t thank us when we paid for the drinks. When my wife asked where the toilets were, she simply pointed in their general direction. Even Basil Fawlty looked pleasant in comparison !! No wonder we drank up and left asap - what a shame.

What a weird place. Unwelcoming, dirty glasses but the beer was actually ok. I wouldn't want to eat here if they can't keep the glasses clean. Wonder what their hygiene rating is?

It remains the strangest pub I’ve ever been too. Beer kept well. No kids allowed. Landlady and landlord are unbelievably unwelcoming and asking for a drink seems too much trouble and to interrupt their kindle use. I love a traditional unsantised pub but this is just bloody odd and mucky. The food is overpriced and all comes with odd grated vegetables and a lot of cous cous. I suspect he went to Morocco for a week and has badly interpreted the food. On a hot June day it was totally empty. Where were the walkers, bikers etc!!! I had to go back to check I wasn’t dreaming the last time.

We loved this characterful pub! It's like something out of the 'League of Gentlemen' - a local inn for local people, crossed with Fawlty Towers. They serve an excellent pint and the lunchtime menu is a choice of DIY 'wrap, wrap, or wrap, or maybe you'd like a wrap' with various tasty fillings. It's certainly not another 'corporate' bland establishment, but is full of dust and interest.

full of character stopped for a drink no food as the chef was ill Ok service nothing special quite scruffy but quaint open fire lots of old books around to browse fun for quick stop

Wow, table next to the fire, deliciously different tapas, baby scallops, potatoes with cashews, curried goat and lots more. All 8 dishes cleared (£4 each) a fantastic bottle of Lebanese red and the most warm welcome, chat and relaxed atmosphere.

We arrived, a family of four, for a lunch break during a day's walk. We were the only customers for the entire time, yet we were not made to feel welcome - the landlords barely spoke. We had a the wraps for lunch, which were rather overpriced but OK. On the positive, it was somewhere dry and warm to break the walk. Note that they don't allow under 10's in the pub (fortunately our youngest was 10).

Called for Sunday lunch, l had the roast beef which was good. The pub could be so much better, but I don’t think the landlord and landlady care. It’s so strange.

I couldn't help but wonder if we'd stumbled onto a Stephen King movie set. It's certainly an experience that I'm glad I've had and so different from your average plastic pub!

Great little quirky pub for walkers and locals.

It would be a shame if this building eventually closed as it has so much potential. Booked an evening meal as menu looked intersting. Quickly reserved by e mail. Then read these reviews so decided to check out first mid afternoon. And the reviews are true !. Lovely location and reasonable number of drinkers but the landlady bless her. A smile to non locals would be nice . Then she sits on a chair behind bat and goes onto an I pad. Bloke next to me waiting. It really is a genuine shame that the place is dirty. Should be sparkling and atmospheric with maybe candles. Yes they do beers from 25 mile radius. No couldn't see specialist whisky. Asked for ice for wine...don't have any. Decided to cancel meal booking. Fortunately she had no record of booking. I m afriad all we can say is disappointing. Customer service lacking

Habíamos leído un montón de críticas de las Watts Russell y, a pesar de algunos comentarios mordaces, decidimos visitar. El pub estaba tranquilo pero está en un lugar aislado. Nos recibieron, nos dieron una excelente cerveza y vino y luego tuvimos Tapas con un toque. Fue espléndido, y una excelente relación calidad-precio. Esto no es un pub para aquellos que gustan de un mundo homogeneizado, estéril, pero para aquellos con una mente abierta, es genial. Disfrute; lo haremos cuando la próxima vuelta.

Tuvimos una rápida parada en boxes y fue una experiencia interesante. Entramos y nos dieron una mirada de curiosidad de la casera pero no hola. Preguntamos si podíamos tener simplemente una bebida porque sabíamos que estaba completamente lleno para la cena y nos dieron un simple sí. Dos copas más tarde y me fui al baño y vi desorden en la parte trasera con el caso Coca cola simplemente tumbados en medio del corredor y algunos desorden. edificio Hasta inodoros necesita tyding también, un montón de polvo y pedazos de papel. No era un lugar sucio, pero sin duda desordenado. Incluso es más cercano pub (y tiene un carácter) a donde se aloja ahora y cualquier otro pub es posible caminar, no volveré a Watts Russell.

Me encanta este pub. Está dirigido por una pareja, se sirve en el bar, los cocineros. La comida es todo producidos con cuidado y algunos artículos muy interesantes y deliciosos. La cerveza era excelente. Porque es tan íntimamente dirigido, tiene un encanto muy especial y no es la típica comida de pub que ya mencionamos en masa. Es un lugar tranquilo y delicado y un verdadero tesoro en Derbyshire. Magnífica. . .

Llegamos por una cerveza de bienvenida después de un largo paseo. Chef sentado a la mesa y no podía mirar a reconocer, y casera era monosilábico. Nos hicieron sentir un total impedimento. Un grupo de cuatro llegamos pronto después de nosotros y salió al jardín con su cerveza como aturdida, ya que estábamos por la falta total de bienvenida. No estoy seguro de por qué hay gente I. El negocio de la hospitalidad. Pub estaba descuidado tanto por dentro y por fuera, y el jardín estaba en mal estado. Yo le daría a este hotel si pasar!

This is a charming place. Authentic in so many ways. A small pub in quiet, beautiful surroundings. Lovely beer garden outside, an interior that is cosy without any kitsch or affectations. Run by a couple who came up from London 14 years ago. He cooks, she does the bar. Beers and cider are locally sourced. The food is very good. It is freshly prepared with some interesting twists. A pub as it should be.

So if you want a burger and chips with bottled lager and a buzzy atmosphere - go elsewhere. If you want the best, imaginative, vegetarian friendly, eclectic made to order food outside of big cities - come to the Watts Russell. We love the gentle classical music and quiet contemplative atmosphere and find Bruce and Christine delightful.

A pub with a relaxed atmosphere, genuine and straight forward. Delicious, well kept beer. Interesting food with an impressive range of tastes (tapas with a twist). Very accommodating owners. A delight to visit. If only there were more like this..... Disagree with the critical reviews.

We went to an evening that featured Burmese Food. Wow! It was SUPERB! So so delicious. A really quirky atmosphere and a lovely lovely evening!

We arrived for our second visit knowing what to expect, and it is not what you would normally expect. The pub was, as previously, empty except for the landlord on an ipad at the reserved table and the land lady doing similar at the bar. No cheery welcome. Classical music streamed from the phone. Cider from a box on the bar and a soft drink. Drunk in stoney silence despite attempts to engage both landlord and landlady. Summed up when someone else arrived and ordered one of the local beers, which are good and well stored. "Is it popular?" the landlady was asked. "No, everyone hates it". The customer left bemused. After two visits it is very unlikely we will make it three. In need of a serious clean.Positives: dog friendly

What a strange place! We were a party of 10 walking in Dove Dale. This is the only pub anywhere near the northern end of the walk. We phoned ahead and asked if we could make a reservation for lunch but the gentleman who answered said they could not serve lunch for 10 people. We decided to go there for a drink anyway. When we arrived the pub was nearly empty. The lady behind the bar said they could not do any hot drinks so we just had some beers, some waters, and some crisps. I can only describe the service as reluctant. We asked if they could do any sandwiches and she said no, they had to be ordered in advance. I don't think I have ever felt less welcome in a pub.

Lunchtime May 9th must be in a different time warp to the evening May 9th comments.Cold neither fire lit ( booked so knew we were coming).Empty, only ones in, extremely limited menu. Bar/dining area 1 out of 10 for cleanliness.Toilets really not up to public use standard.Couldn't risk dining... Left before ordering food. first impressions due count !!!!!Not being hurtful just telling as we found. The pubs position should be a Peak District gem needs to fast forward to present day.

This is a really lovely pub, quite out of the way but in a pretty good spot for hikers. Two of us called in for dinner on a Monday night. We rang a couple of hours ahead to book and could find no fault at all. The food was superb (chorizo and red salad to start, 6 hour pork belly with mash, crispy greens and crushed peas for the main... my mate had the Lobby - beef casserole with pastry lid). The Thornbridge bitter was great too and the interior was quaint with two fires on the go. So let's get onto the service that seems to have some reviewers so concerned. Frankly people should be ashamed of themselves for remarks that are offensive, upsetting (I would imagine) to the people concerned, damaging to people's livelihood and wide of the mark compared to what we experienced. I would agree that the owners are quite quiet and not particularly chatty, but I can honestly say that every aspect of the service we received was good. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this pub and will certainly go back next time we're in the area. PS we met another couple at dinner who have been visiting the Peak District for ten years and told us they come to the Watts Russell every time.

This is one of our favourite places to visit anywhere. We have been coming for 10 years and last night's meal was as good as ever. As you can tell from the reviews this is a Marmite experience, polarising opinions sharply, but the really critical reviews tell you much more about the reviewers than they do about the pub, its proprietors and its food.The food is always home cooked, very tasty and reliable. You will not find any scampi, burgers or chips, but Bruce and Christine seem to believe more in their principles than in making a fast buck, which is just such a refreshing attitude, particularly in such a tourist-rich environment as the Dove Valley. We came here specially for our wedding anniversary meal on 8 May. I had hummus made with golden beetroot, which was delicious and different, followed by a really tasty and filling six-hour pork cooked with a thick gravy and lovely potatoes and a pea mash. My wife had a stilton and leek dip followed by barramundi cooked Thai-style. The dip was beautifully savoury and creamy, and the fish succulent and bursting with spice. We got chatting to some keen walkers who had also made a beeline for the pub, ironically because of its mixed reviews (they just knew it was going to be a bit different). You'll probably be able to read what they thought shortly.There were two roaring fires keeping the pub cosy. We would recommend anyone to try this wonderful, eccentric, delicious, life-enhancing pub.

no welcome at all from the landlady, landlord/chef only muttered a few words when trying to get a conversion very frosty. pub could do with a tidy up as it was general dirty. it could be a gold mine, menu not my cup of tea,overpriced, a good selection of wine and beer. marks out of 10, a big fat 0.

My boyfriend and I were in need of a refreshment after a 5 mile walk and saw a sign saying 1 mile to the nearest pub. We stumbled across the Watts Arms not sure at first if it was open as there didn't appear to be much life inside. We walked in to be greeted by a lady, my partner asked to sample a beer and she kindly obliged. I had a nice glass of wine and we both sat near the fire drying our clothes. After a while a man appeared and sat at the reserved table nobody spoke and the atmosphere was eery. The phone rang and the landlady answered it with a stern "WHAT" never said another word and put the phone down. Eventually she came out from behind the bar and sat at the reserved table with her husband neither of them speaking. My partner and I drank our drinks as quickly as possible both feeling like we were invading their privacy. Definitely the strangest pub we have ever been to. Would suggest heading to The George instead - not much further amazing food and exceptional service.