City dining guide

Best restaurants in Ashbourne

3 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Bib Gourmand 1

Duncombe Arms

Bib Gourmand££gastro

Owners Johnny and Laura Greenall were sad to see the hub of their local village shut its doors, so in 2012 they bought it, smartened it up and reopened it as a stylish dining pub – and it’s been a hit ever since. It’s an attractive place with a delightful terrace and a neighbouring red-brick barn which houses luxurious bedrooms that look out over the fields. The gutsy, keenly priced cooking routinely shows the kitchen's deft skills, from the subtle spicing of a café de Paris butter to the luscious filling of a classic custard tart.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

Duncombe Arms in Denstone holds an average rating of 4.3/5. Food quality is generally praised, with lamb and starters like burrata with peach receiving high marks, though some diners reported undercooked potatoes or tough beef. Service is often highlighted as warm and attentive, with specific staff members noted for their natural hospitality, yet complaints exist regarding missing sides and pacing issues. The ambiance is charming, featuring a peaceful rural setting and lovely garden views, although some seats near the entrance were described as cold. Despite its Michelin Bib Gourmand status, value perceptions vary, with some finding it pricey relative to occasional service lapses. This gastro-pub suits travelers seeking refined dining in a scenic environment, provided orders are confirmed in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

Ideal for diners seeking refined country cuisine, with advance order confirmation recommended.

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Other guide picks 2

Lighthouse Restaurant

££££Modern British

The Lighthouse acts a culinary beacon in the Derbyshire countryside. A sweet, intimate restaurant, it provides a platform for the self-taught chef's ambitious seasonal cooking, which is presented as either a tasting menu or midweek 'Grazing Menu'. The latter offers great value for money and is designed for sharing, providing a shorter, more relaxed dining experience. Whichever menu you enjoy, look out for the fantastic, Thai-inspired coconut and chilli broth. A good selection of keenly priced wines accompanies.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews

Lighthouse Restaurant offers modern British cuisine with an average rating of 4.8/5. Guests frequently praise the innovative tasting menu, high-quality ingredients, and attentive service, creating a warm atmosphere ideal for celebrations. However, some negative reviews highlight issues with meal pacing, noise levels, and uncomfortable seating. Opinions on value are divided; while many find the experience worthwhile, others criticize the high cost, particularly regarding wine prices and discretionary service charges. Specific dishes like grilled lettuce and trout received poor feedback. Overall, it is a fine-dining establishment suitable for special occasions, though diners should manage expectations regarding pricing and occasional service inconsistencies.

Recommended for diners seeking refined modern British cuisine for special occasions, with prior attention to menu preferences and cost details.

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Stones Restaurant

£££Modern British

Negotiate the steep steps down to this small riverside restaurant and you’ll be rewarded with a warm, welcoming atmosphere courtesy of your fellow contented diners and the lovely team. The well-kept front room features floor-to-ceiling windows, while the delightful rear terrace is in prime position for views of the River Derwent. The cooking doesn’t reinvent the wheel but nor does it need to – instead, the chefs confidently execute classic combinations of high-quality ingredients, resulting in satisfyingly flavoursome dishes.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Located by the River Derwent in Matlock, Stones Restaurant offers Modern British cuisine. Most reviews praise the high food quality, attentive service, and pleasant atmosphere, particularly highlighting the vegan tasting menu and spring five-course options with exquisite accompaniments. However, some guests note inconsistent meal pacing and occasional disappointments, such as dry duck or poor table placement affecting ambiance. A few negative experiences cite service details like incorrect ice quantities and restroom issues. Despite generally high ratings, visitors should be aware of potential variability in execution. It is best suited for diners seeking refined local cuisine in a scenic setting, though selecting tables away from corners is advisable.

Ideal for diners seeking refined Modern British cuisine by the river, with advance booking and non-corner table requests recommended.

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