A short break in the Peak District is not complete without a visit (or two) to a local pub, along with a walk or a stroll there and back. Frequent visitors to the Peak District, Wendy Boast and her husband, Neil, from Visit Peaks Holiday Cottages, like to sample old and new favourites each time they visit. Here’s a selection of some of their favourites.
The Stable Bar
The Stable Bar (part of the Monsal Head Hotel and Restaurant) is 100% dog friendly and its location is possibly one of the best in the Peak District for walks and views. From the Monsal Head you overlook the Monsal Head viaduct and Monsal Trail with stunning scenery all around. The Stable Bar is a short diversion off the Monsal Trail or there is plenty of parking if arriving by car. The Stable Bar food and beer is always good quality, there are some doggy snacks at the bar for four-legged friends and during the better weather there’s plenty of seating at the front. The Stable Bar has some rather wonderful cubicles which were the old stalls for horses and each one has the horses name above. And there’s always a log fire lit when needed
Where To Stay Near Bakewell
The Old Dog, Thorpe
A newer favourite, but one which is worth a visit as it is located just off the traffic free Tissington Trail. Ideal for cycling and walking with cycle hire in Ashbourne or Parsley Hay at either end of the Trail. The Old Dog is done out in a more contemporary style with rugs, sheep skins on chairs and candles on the tables. Industrial beams in an open plan setting provide an ‘urban chic’ feel to this pub. Great burgers here and craft style beers as well as one of the best cappuccinos ever tasted. As the name suggests the pub is very dog friendly in all areas of the pub.
Where To Stay Near Thorpe
The Red Lion, Litton
A proper little local pub this one, with small rooms, hearty food, excellent specials and great beers. There’s a warm welcome and dogs are allowed in the front bar area only. In the summer it is lovely to sit outside on the beer tables overlooking the village green. With Tideswell Dale, The Monsal Trail and St Peter’s Stone nearby there are some lovely walks in the surrounding areas too. Guests of Riverside House holiday cottage (sleeping up to 11) enjoy the various walks to The Red Lion throughout the year.
Where To Stay Near Litton
Riverside House at Litton Mill near Buxton
The Church Inn, Chelmorton
A great pub that has been serving the local community and tourists alike for many years with a friendly landlord and good pub food, including some specials such as game pie. Group bookings are welcome, dogs are allowed in the bar area and there’s some secluded outside seating at the front of the pub.
Where To Stay Near Chelmorton
Redhurst Cottage at Farditch Farm
The Devonshire Arms, Hartington
Hartington is a lovely village to visit, with a duck pond, excellent Village Stores, cheese shop and of course the pub. The landlord is always friendly and walkers and dogs are welcome in the front bar. The food is good, hearty, standard fayre with real ales and log fires. The larger dining room is great for groups and there are plenty of walks around the Hartington area with some lovely Peak District scenery and lanes to explore.
Where To Stay near Hartington
Moor Cottage
This is just a small selection of Visit Peaks favourite pubs in the Peak District. Look out for The Stable Bar at the Monsal Head (fab views and dog friendly), The Angler’s Rest, Miller’s Dale (just off the Monsal Trail, walker and dog friendly), The White Lion, Great Longstone (great lunch offers and Sunday roasts), The Barrel Inn, Foolow (great views and always popular for the food), The Old Gate Inn, Brassington (lovely gastro pub with real ales) and The Manifold Inn, Hulme End (loved for beer and food).
