£££Modern British
Named after the owner's childhood dog, this intimate, personally run restaurant has a quirky narrow shape, with art by a member of the family on the walls and rustic wooden tables. The set menu, available in two lengths, offers seasonally informed dishes that often utilise overlooked ingredients, such as a flavour-packed faggot made from less glamorous cuts of venison, served with the tender loin. The wine list includes some interesting organic and biodynamic choices, and it’s worth going for the pairings. Friendly, caring service is the icing on the cake.
🕐 Th-Fr 18:30-23:00; Sa 18:00-23:00; Su 12:30-16:00
££Modern British
After opening a shipping container café, local food blogger Anna Hedworth crowdfunded this stripped-back, industrial-style restaurant with a pleasant terrace and a relaxed feel. Dinner is the main event, with many of the vibrant, fiercely seasonal dishes cooked on the hibachi barbeque.
£££Modern Cuisine
Head Chef Kleo is Albanian by birth and spent time in Italy before making the UK his home, so it’s no surprise to see the flavours and colours of the Mediterranean feature at this charming neighbourhood brasserie. There is a welcome lack of fussiness to the cooking, as each dish bursts with flavour. Go for the à la carte for the most choice, the fixed-price menu for the best value or the tasting menu for the full experience; sensibly priced wines from across Europe are an added bonus whatever you choose. Lisa, Kleo's partner, looks after the service and is a natural host.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Lovage in Bakewell offers modern cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.5/5. Food quality is generally praised, with standout dishes like trout tartare and hogget, though some reviews note issues with excessive saltiness, overcooked meat, or small portions. Service is typically described as welcoming and attentive, yet some diners experienced slow pacing during lunch, extending meal times significantly. The atmosphere is cozy and well-designed, featuring thoughtful decor and lighting, although the dining room can be quiet. While many guests report exceptional experiences, inconsistencies in food preparation and service speed suggest variability depending on the visit.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine who can tolerate occasional inconsistencies.