The best restaurants in East Midlands

We stayed in Matlock for a long weekend and the Red Lion was a very welcoming pub, a lovely beer garden, great choice of ales and staff very friendly,, had a Sunday carvery and couldn’t fault it, tasted lush!!!

I’m a regular customer, even though my husband no longer wants to visit because of the service before. This morning, I had an almond croissant that was excessively heavy and very oily, making me seriously question the quality. The explanation I received felt inadequate—whatever happens during baking should be controlled before presenting the product to customers. Unfortunately, I ended up paying for this failure, even leaving a tip. There are only a couple of reasonable bakeries in town, leaving me no choice. Life is difficult!

Best food I've had in a while and the service was excellent.

Gluten free Tuesday ! What a great idea. Can't tell any difference from regular F&Cs 👍 Spot on !

Always has a great drinks selection and a nice atmosphere. A favourite bar destination in Ashby.

Ate here last night as part of a group of six. I had never eaten her before although two of the group had. The food was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, they were even able to accommodate and please my very fussy wife! We will certainly be coming back again.

Soooooooo over priced. Holy moly!! You get next to no food, teeny tiny portions (not exaggerating at least half the size of every other take-away) you pay at least £2 more for each dish than you would anywhere else. AND the quality is shockingly poor. I ordered food about £50 for 2 people assuming we would have seconds, maybe thirds the next day. There was barely enough for a portion each, and we've had to eat a second time tonight, and both meals were terrible quality, undercooked dumplings, over cooked squid, wrong tasting thai curries with cucumber? Almost 0 veg, there were only 4 prawn toasts in a portion, and it had little to no flavour. ... Neither of us will eat a huge meal, and saying there was barely enough for two portions in £50 worth of food from a takeaway is saying a lot. I'm never buying from here again, I have no idea why it's 4.7 stars!

Went with friends and family, had a pleasant meal, served at a relaxed pace. There was more than enough to eat, and reasonably priced considering how the table groaned under the weight of the food.

Yet another two visit's to this fabulous restaurant and thoroughly enjoying the delightful food that is cooked and served by Reno and his team. We look forward to whatever the future direction takes you and wish you well in your next adventure, thank you for some memorable evenings and meals.

The very best fish/chips we have found in the UK. Every time we travel there- we always stop.

Always a lovely place for food and beers. Atmosphere is always good

Visited today for a table of 12 of us, food was amazing, blonde lady who was taking orders was lovely, think she’s a manager and If she’s not she defo should be. Compliments to the chef I’m a big moaner when it comes to food, I couldn’t fault a thing, best sticky toffee pudding I’ve come across. We will be back

What a great pub, very well run and lovely food. Well worth a visit.

Excellent service and food! I ate early so it wasn't busy. I need to return in the evening 😁

The best Sunday dinner we have had in a long time. Freshly prepared, good portions and delicious homemade Yorkshires and stuffing. Service was great and all staff really friendly. Recommend The Dovecote Inn booking advised as popular.