The best restaurants serving British food in East Midlands

Pool table Bands play here No real ale

So - never expected to be in tears after lunch. There was a couple in their 90s across from us - the care of the young waitress was superb! Then a young couple came in and sat at the table next to them. I have to say that the male who later said he had a parent in their 90s was incredible. The caring compassion of both these people brought me to tears! Restored my faith in humanity. Food wise the fish and chips was declared as best ever - my prawn salad - was fine - would have preferred home made salad not bagged and fresh boiled new potatoes and local crusty bread. This is what it used to be and sometimes dressed crab.

We called in for lunch after a 3 mile walk with our dog around the Chatsworth estate. The quality is there to see from the moment you walk through the door. Attentive bar service, a perfect pint of Chatsworth Gold, excellent wine list (including dessert wine by the glass) and quality food backed up by fantastic and friendly service from Nieve, a fellow dog lover who is a credit both to herself and the organisation. Will definitely be coming back.

One of the best Sunday lunches served in a restaurant. The beef was like eating butter - perfectly cooked! Atmosphere and setting was great, such a lovely county pub style. One slight gripe would be the waitresses could be a little more friendlier, we did feel like an inconvenience rather than a guest. The food outshone that and wouldn’t stop us from returning.

had a great evening with friends was only having a few drinks but had food and that was great to, the service was wonderful

17 members enjoyed a great lunch with lovely food and excellent service. We visit every year and are never disappointed.Look forward to next year’s program when the Angel will definitely be included.

Great staff. Good band playing when I visited.

Another recommended place to visit in chapel st leonards

Had a lovely carvery today, staff were very friendly, fitted us in earlier than we had booked, Turkey was very good. Food was amazing and a very relaxed warm atmosphere. Will definitely be visiting again, hopefully for the fish and chips on Fridays which they are thinking about doing. Josh was very helpful and the lady owner was very friendly, great pub for locals in Calow and Brimington to visit. Thank you.

Both food and service was excellent Roast Beef, Roast Lamb and a steak pie where readily ordered and absolutely spot on. Also had several desserts Brioche pudding and Apple crumble and again amazing. Waiting staff super tenterive and really cheerful. Loved the walk up to the downfall and really enjoyed food and drinks afterwards 😊😊

We visited here a couple of times during our 4 day stay at Golden Palm resort while on a rugby tour. The food was great and piping hot but it did take 45 minutes to come on the Friday evening but the pub was very busy with lots of families just arriving. We returned multiple times over the weekend and the staff were always friendly and the place was always clean. The carvery served on the Sunday was lovely with plenty of choice of meats/ pie and lots of different vegetable choices. We would definitely return if we stay here again. The pub is centrally located right in the middle of the resort on the main road so its great to pop in before heading over to Club Tropicana for the evening entertainment.

The staff were welcoming and friendly. We were a party of four and we ordered food which was good and service was quick, the beers were good too. Nice pub would recommend.

From the outside, the Riverside Fish Bar in Matlock Bath gives the impression of a well-kept, traditional fish and chip restaurant. Unfortunately, our experience revealed a very different reality. Once inside, it was clear the restaurant was tired, dated, and in need of some genuine care and attention. The atmosphere felt cold and unwelcoming. The staff, who appeared visibly unhappy in their roles, didn’t offer so much as a smile or a greeting. It gave the distinct impression that they were working under strict, joyless conditions. The real disappointment came when we asked about allergens and dietary intolerances. The owner or manager responded with a dismissive and frankly shocking remark: “Allergies? We don’t do allergies or intolerances—wouldn’t touch them with a barge pole. Not here.” His tone was abrupt, aggressive, and deeply unprofessional. We were made to feel like an inconvenience, even outsiders, simply for raising a basic health and safety question—something most modern establishments now treat with care and responsibility. To their credit, the food itself was of good quality and we did enjoy what we ordered. However, the poor service, the unwelcoming attitude, and the outright hostility toward those with dietary needs left a lasting negative impression. We will not be returning to the Riverside Fish Bar, and we strongly advise others—especially those with any kind of allergy or intolerance—to avoid this establishment. A simple smile or a bit of empathy would have gone a long way. Sadly, there was none to be found here.

Lovely attentive staff. Great views over the surrounding valley. However... the food was superb. The nicest we have had for years. Large portions to enjoy. Beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. They can do a smaller portion of certain dishes. I had Lamb Henry (shoulder) which was so tender with perfectly cooked vegetables. Eton Mess was on the dessert specials and was gorgeous. Strawberry ice cream with fresh strawberry pieces, meringue and cream. The best I have ever had. The other desserts were of the same standard. Congratulations to the staff who prepared our meal. It was superb.

Good selection of beers and on request tuned into the rugby on the big TV.