The best restaurants serving ${DEFAULT_CUISINE_TYPE} food in Carsington Water Derbyshire Dales East Midlands

Very friendly, brilliantly run freehouse pub. Popular with locals and very welcoming to those who aren't. Excellent traditional pub food. We had one of their renowned pies (beef & ale) which was delicious and fish (enormous) & proper homemade chips. Homemade puds. Would definitely recommend and worth a visit (or two!) if you're staying in the area and not sure where to go to eat and/or drink.

Another quaint find whilst visiting the Derbyshire countryside. Highly recommended and super friendly to dogs inside and out.

So I haven’t actually gotten my food yet but, I ordered through Uber eats and because the restaurant delivers it themselves it does let you track the order as you normally would so I decided to call, and even though it was only maybe a 5 minute call the person I spoke too (I didn’t catch the name) was absolutely amazing with me, I often go through brain fart moments where I just lose complete track of thought, and I am also autistic so I really struggle talking to people anyway as I get really nervous, but they gave me my chance to think about what I was saying and was patient with me, and helped me with what I needed, and I appreciate it so much, like I isad I haven’t got the food yet as this was only 5 minutes ago but I can already tell it’s going to be great, to whoever you are thankyou so much, I know you probably don’t think you did a lot but from my past experiences having to call restaurants being so horrible with them talking back to me like I’m stupid you honestly made it easier, if anyone is reading this wondering if you should order from here my opinion is yes simply from the great customer service! Again thankyou!

Went for lunch today. My husband had roast beef and I had the chicken supreme absolutely delicious and good value. Will definitely return.

Our first visit to this characterful old rural roadside pub with nice views of Carsington Water reservoir since it was acquired and overhauled by locally owned Hopton Hall Estate, which has built a portfolio of several historic hospitality venues in the area. It's a big improvement on the old Knockerdown, which had got rather tired, but a favourable first impression of the pleasantly styled and revived interior was knocked down by being presented at table with a disgustingly scuffed and creased menu card, complete with ring stains from glasses and food smears. C'mon, how much does a fresh A4 menu for each service cost? Answer: about 10p/sheet on quality 350 gsm card, or maybe get them laminated or UV varnished for durability? That aside, our food was reasonable in terms of quality and portioning (though £19 for cheese 'n' onion pie with chips felt toppy, and the chicken caesar salad had been put together without shaved parmesan), the ale was well kept, and the service was promptly efficient. However we probably won't be rushing back as the place feels geared to the weekend tripper trade rather than locals. £112 (inc tip) at lunch for four mains, three desserts, a single round of drinks, and a coffee.

We stopped here after a morning of walking for a spot of lunch and a pint and we were very pleasantly surprised. Lovely food, massive portions and some amazing staff. If you're around, do make sure you visit.

Great little pub with a good selection of beers and spirits. Food is lovely and made on the premises. The people who run the pud are such lovely and friendly people. Would recommend if visiting the area.

We arrived after a long journey and wanted to find a pub with good food, a friendly atmosphere and dog friendly. We hadn’t booked, but the red lion found us a table and were very welcoming & friendly. The pub was busy, being a bank holiday and the atmosphere was warm. Music was soft in the background playing led zeppelin & Simon & Garfunkel. There were guitars by the fireplace and games dotted about to enjoy and a dog curled up in the bar- we instantly felt at home. The menu contained all the classics but everything from the shortcrust pastry of the pie to the curry of the day to the chutney accompanying the cheese were home made. The food was outstanding and plentiful- no wonder it was so busy. The pub is family run and you can tell that this is their labour of love. I would urge anyone in the area to visit- but book a table- you wouldn’t want to miss out!

Normally very good but unable to book a table on their website for a birthday. We are very local, looks closed up and no cars in the car park every time we pass.