Hardwick Inn, Doe Leaback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
We meet here once a year for a school class reunion.I had the carvery again and once again I found that it's not a patch on the bargain offerings at the pubs of the Crown Carvery chain both in price and quality. The veg was barely warm, the pork and beef were a bit fatty and gristly.The meal was fairly tasteless and uninspiring.
It's a nicely located and pleasant pub for our annual ritual but I don't think any pub with a small static carvery bar where the stuff could be hanging around for a while can match the conveyor belt type carveries of the dedicated pubs. If you're fancying a roast dinner go to the Young Vanish at Glapwell just a couple of miles away. If you want scenery and pleasant surroundings for an outdoor summer drink though, this place is fine.
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A 16th cenury stone built pub on the Hardwick Estate at the exit end of the one way system on the estate. Lots of little cosy rooms and well stocked bars. Although the pub is orientated towards food it has a good selection of draught and bottled beers. I would think that it could get pretty full inside but there is plenty room outside.
The staff seemed pleasant and the service was friendly and quick. The menu was extensive and I mean extensive, good sized portions, fresh and good value. If you intend to visit Hardwick Hall you should also try this pub.
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Attractive stone-built pub on the edge of the National Trust's Hardwick Hall estate. As a result of this it's geared up for dining but there's a decent selection of beers as well.
It has 2 cosy rooms, traditionally furnished, and filled with pictures and items relating to the nearby mediaeval Hall. At the back is a restuarant which is wisely kept separate.
The food was excellent and very good value for the portions given.
On the beer front, the nationals dominate, with Bombardier, Theakston's XB, Black Sheep and Bess O' Hardwick avaialble. The Bombardier and Bess were excellent.
On the whole, it's not somewhere you stumble across and it's not a drinkers' pub (although they're not made to feel unwelcome unlike in some establishments), but if you're visiting the Hall you should endeavour to get here if you can.
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I'm inclined to agree with Jeannie.
It's a lovely old pub with many side rooms which could have been laid out really well but instead is crammed with as many dining tables as possible with no occaissional tables or comfortable seating (except outside tables) for drinkers.
I did not eat there and would not wish to as the huge dinner plates looked over stuffed with "sundry items" such as excessive amounts of salad and chips.
There was a good choice of beer but I was not tempted to linger as it's not a drinkers' pub.
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Nice, quaint pub in a lovely location but let down by disappointingly average food (although huge portions) and a few miserable staff. Huge selection of whiskeys as well as the usual pub beverages and a few ales. Very busy on summer evenings as there are a large beer gardens to both the front and rear and therefore usually snided with kids. We have always been of the opinion that if it wasn't in such a stunning location it would've closed years ago.
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The Hardwick Inn is in a picturesque location alongside the exit from the National Trust�s Hardwick Hall estate and the pub, which dates back 15th century, although privately run, is also a National Trust property. Being in such a prime location, it does get very busy at peak times, but in no way has it abused its position and become a tourist rip-off. Children are welcome and there is a nice beer garden.
For the real ale drinker there is a choice of Bombardier, Speckled Hen, Black Sheep, Old Peculiar and Theakston�s XB, which are all reasonably priced, and I�ve not been able to fault the Black Sheep or the XB which are my usual choices when I drink there. If you are into malt whiskies and you visit to the Hardwick Inn, you will probably think that you have died and gone to heaven because it offers 200, yes two hundred, different brands !!!
Food wise, there is a lunchtime carvery and a comprehensive selection of mostly traditional hot and cold bar meals. I cannot comment about the carvery, but all the bar meals that we have had there have been excellent. They have generous sized portions and are well cooked, well presented, and are quickly served by pleasant friendly staff.
Just be aware that the post code for the Hardwick Arms is the same as for Hardwick Hall itself. The OS grid ref for the pub is SK458633.
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Full of character, good beer, decent food, great pub to sit outside on a summers evening
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Better than average food. Great location. Really old world, cozy, pub atmosphere. Have always found it friendly with good bar service.
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Nice Food - but it was spoilt by the very rude landlord and untrained staff and has put us off going again!!
jane love - 23 Oct 2004 18:30 |
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