The Devonshire Arms, Baslow

Having eaten in the area for years while on holiday we recently decided to hold a family reunion at the last minute at the Devonshire instead of our usual pub in the area. We've had a few meals and drinks there over the years and enjoyed it, but nothing on this scale.

We couldn't have been made more at home, despite a late booking for over 20 people they were instantly obliging and the fact they were really busy as well made no difference. The food was excellent, a wonderful carvery and excellent home-made food on the menu, and all served with a smile and quickly.

The beer was great (best pint of Abbot we've tasted yet!) and we were made to feel really at home.

The bill was more than reasonable, and both the dogs were fed too from the meat scraps on the carvery- a bonus!

Can't recommend it highly enough for either a good drink, a get-together or a quiet meal. We'll be going there more often in future.

To be honest, there's no point in going anywhere else in the area unless you want a quiet sophisticated meal - in which you go to Fishers or Rowleys (or Charlie's Bistro if it's open).

29 Oct 2007 15:13

Wheatsheaf Hotel, Baslow

We have been holidaying in this area for years while exploring the wonderful walks, and eating locally all that time. I can't understand why anyone would want to eat at The Wheatsheaf when there's so much better within a short distance (although we have to every year when the family have a reunion - because of the children). It gets worse year on year.

Service is slow and poor. Most of the staff are surly and indifferent (when you can get their attention), the tables get cleared when they feel like it (especially in the garden). The menu is just the same old tarted up granny food as in all the other pubs the chain owns(and everything is microwaved bought-in portions - ask them to fresh cook for you or is it fresh home-made ingredients and see the panic!)

And the garden is a mess (although a godsend for the children).

Don't even bother going in for just a drink - if you're not eating thy're not bothered.

If you don't have kids with you you'll be far better off trying The Devonshire Arms opposite - great carvery, great menu and a proper lively boozer as well as a superb restaurant full of good traditional home-cooked food in eneormous portions. If you do have kids - try the Rutland down the road, althought the beer isn't good, the foods cheap and they have a garden backing on to the river. For breakfast or a good evening meal go to Charlies Bistro in the village - or Rowleys if you have lots to spend and aren't hungry.
Or if they don't suit you, drive almost anywhere for better than the Wheatsheaf within 5 miles.

Really there's no reason to eat in what is essentially a poor chain pub serving poor microwaved rubbish with poor service. Pity, it's a great site, just nobody seems bothered about service or good food.

29 Oct 2007 14:59