The best restaurants in East Midlands

We came here last night for my sister's birthday. The restaurant was recommended to us, and we also read great reviews online. We traveled just under an hour to get to Ashbourne. We were served by 2 really nice waiters, very accomodating and polite. However, the evening took a disappointing turn when three family members returned their steaks, which arrived overcooked and excessively tough, contrary to their medium-rare requests! When the waitress informed the two chefs on duty about our steaks, you could hear and see the chef's frustration. The kitchen has an open viewing for the customers to see, I can only assume. The open kitchen layout inadvertently exposed the chefs' unprofessional behaviour, including audible swearing, loud commotion, and inappropriate gestures, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for us as a family and other diners. The chef even waved and made inappropriate faces to my sister. The conduct of the chefs was particularly disappointing and marred an otherwise special family occasion. I am so appalled by this behaviour, in fact, we felt sorry for the waiters who did an incredible job in speaking and apologising to us. They too, felt embarrassed with what had happened. If this restaurant is going to have an open viewing where customers can see and hear everything, then ensure you hire a more professional chef. I hope this review does not fall on deaf ears and that the directors of this restaurant rectify these concerns. My gratitude goes to the two waiters who went above and beyond to assist us during our visit. Their dedication and professionalism deserve commendation amidst the regrettable incident.

Love their food their cod and chips to die for

We always have a great meal here, a great choice and caters well for Gluten free too. When you pull into the carpark do not get put off if there is a large queue on a hot day, this is generally just for the ice cream counter.

Food was lovely hot and fresh. The service brilliant the young man who served us Lloyd was so good, he was kind and efficient. definitely would come again.

Had a lovely meal tonight (can highly recommend the steak pie). The staff are brilliant, really accommodating and really make you feel welcome. When they ran out of a dish the chef came out to apologise in person and bent over backwards with other options. If you are in the area, fancy good wholesome high quality pub grub...look no further!

A real hidden gem. There aren't many fine dining restaurants in Northamptonshire but this stands out for all the right reasons. The food reminded us of Restaurant Alma (2 Michelin star) in Lisbon; fresh, innovative, and beautifully presented. The wine pairings were just right and the setting is beautiful. Service was discreet and efficient. On it's way to becoming a really special place. Enjoyed that they're now growing and using some of their own produce which could continue to elevate the restaurant, maybe a new Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in a few years...?!

Was so let down on our last visit to the schoolhouse. Been many times and always been impressed with the food and service. The service this time wasn't as good felt like the staff was just confused all night and that we was just annoying. It wasn't even busy not that this would be a excuse. They brought a wrong drink to the table and when we mentioned the lady just said "we'll did they drink it" which we hadn't but they said we had to pay for it still even though we'd already paid over £130 that evening. The food I'm sorry to say was awful , it's the only time we've gone out amd everyone has left there food. The only food consumed was the sides of chips wedges and coleslaw. The chicken was cold and very pink the burger was the worse burgers I've ever come across . Said pulled pork but was just slabs of very cold tasteless meat and the burger it's self was just undercooked mincemeat that was stone cold and just crumbled couldn't even get it on a spoon. Was so upset by this visit as was one of our favourite restaurants, even had a family member come from London to join us there and was just a awful experience.

Been coming here 20+ years with my dad and we have never had a bad meal yet. It's our favourite place to have a catch up. The owner John is lovely and always has time to chat, you can tell he puts his heart and soul into the business and he is a credit to the cafe. Fisherman/greek salads were fab as were the iconic Bakewell puddings with ice cream. Will always choose here over anywhere else in Bakewell.

A lovely pub, very busy when I popped in with my dog which is always a good sign. The beer was great and with the log fire going, was a proper country pub vibe. Definitely recommend a visit

Food excellent landlord very gd nice guy

Pleasant enough. Was a quick stop. Friendly barmaid.

Fantastic pies! The Staff are very attentive, and such a great atmosphere. Looking forward to our next visit! We'll be back.

Always great, the girls look after us. The food is always fresh and tasty 😋

Slightly later than expected but the food was amazing and portion sizes huge! Was lovely thank you 😊

Beautiful food, Always friendly service and lovely atmosphere. A real gem. They love dogs too, so can always take our dog knowing he's made welcome.