The best restaurants serving British food in East Midlands

Great spot to stop after a hike. Next to a busy main road but enjoyed the sun in the garden and dogs were welcome. Loads of people were arriving whilst we were there, obviously very popular.

Lovely pub! The food was incredible (especially the lamb shank) and the staff were very nice. Can't wait to visit again soon!

Giving this well deserved 5 star review because of the customer service the waiter gave on Saturday 17th May 2025 at 1pm (has LULU tattoo on his neck). Amazing waiter!! The best!!

Last Saturday lunchtime my wife and I called in at the Thornhill Arms. I hadn't been in for years but had heard it was now being run as a proper pub rather than the restaurant it used to be. What a mistake we made. We were the only customers but we still ended up waiting about ten minutes and nobody attempted to serve us, despite a member of staff behind the bar being able to see us waiting. Eventually I moved through into the other bar to seek service where I was greeted by a female staff member who's tone of voice towards me made me feel more like an unwanted intruder than a customer. When I explained that I wanted to buy some drinks her only response was a rather aggressive statement informing me that no food was being served. Eventually we managed to obtain two drinks. A pint of lager for my wife when we had asked for a half, and a pint of craft ale for me which, despite the barmaid's assurance that it was okay, turned out to be disgusting and undrinkable. When I returned my pint I was then charged full price for a pint of cider, no allowance being made for the undrinkable pint. Safe to say we shall not be rushing back.

Feel pretty upset and let down with our experience here after weeks of looking forward to it for my birthday and travelling an hour to get here. We booked the afternoon tea - I’m a vegetarian and my partner isn’t so I didn’t book the vegetarian option on the basis that I thought there’d be a selection of sandwiches to cover both meat and non-meat options. Unfortunately, of the 6 sandwiches provided, only 1 was vegetarian so I was only able to eat 1 small sandwich. I think the menu also needs to be amended as it isn’t at all clear that the afternoon tea is £36 per person. I can take responsibility for not double checking this before booking however I assumed this price would cover the 2 of us as £72 for afternoon tea for 2 people is absolutely insane to me. It was a nasty shock when we went to pay at the end, particularly as I didn’t really feel at all satisfied or full up with what I’d eaten. We found a couple of the staff a little rude and abrupt also. On a positive note, the restaurant is beautiful and has a lovely cosy feel. Sorry to leave a negative review, I don’t like to do that I just feel really upset and like it ruined my birthday a little.

I ordered a drink but the waiter judged me that I drank too much even tho I have naturally red and sensitive skin and refunded it however I didn't receive the refund. And not only that the waiter was very rude about it.

Cole was very welcoming, very helpful. Good carvery with excellent choice of vegetables. Puddings look great especially the gateaux

Shame there is no table service. Staff were hard working and very polite. We had a birthday tea there

Always stop here when heading that way. Food excellent quick service. Clean wash room large car park.

The weather was perfect for making use of the outdoor seating. Table service was great we ordered via the app and our drinks came within a few mins.

One of the nicer Spoons we've been to. Second visit, brilliant service and the food was as expected

Delicious bank holiday lunch, lovely pub atmosphere with super quick, helpful and friendly service from Natalie and Al :D

Very busy as usual so little seating space left. But always good food at a great price here and quick and friendly service.

Look…it’s a basic pub food place. Don’t expect the earth. The food was ok, the staff were great. It’s not Michelin star, but it is decent “chain” pub fayre

Spent the evening here after a day at Santapod, and the atmosphere was amazing. The bar staff were extremely friendly and approachable. Gail was excellent and fun to talk to. Chris was also a laugh. Couldn't ask for better hosts to end a perfect day racing.