Given its secluded setting it is difficult to believe that within a 6 mile radius of Vicarage Farm Cottages there is such a wide range of restaurants, bistros, cafes and pubs. 

Lovers of fine dining will find it difficult to resist the temptation of a special evening out at the renowned Fischers Restaurant at Baslow Hall.  This family run, Michelin starred restaurant has received many accolades both nationally and regionally, and is Derbyshire Restaurant of the year 2008/9.  It is also an ideal location for private wedding parties, (recommended by us since we had our own wedding reception there).

A recent development within the locality has been the opening of bistros catering for visitors and locals alike.  Two such bistros within 6 miles are at the Monsal Head and at Rowleys in Baslow.

The Peak District is well known by lovers of real ale and many visitors enjoy keeping a log of the variety of beers brewed by local independent brewers including the micro-brewery on the Chatsworth Estate.

It is rare to find a public house that does not serve food all day and there are a number of circular walks which can be timed to include a lunchtime break at pubs which make both dogs and walkers welcome.

Here are some of our personal favourites:

Red Lion, Litton - Hearty, home-cooked meals, real ales and a blazing fire in the colder weather.  This has the feel of a traditional local pub that welcomes and feeds visitors from near and far.  You may even see the Morris dancers on the green, the local brass band or the village children dancing round the maypole.

Monsal Head Hotel – There is a bistro within the hotel and alongside there is The Stables - a cosy pub with an original flag floor that only drunks can walk across without faltering. Sit in Captain's stall and try some of the many cask ales and good food.  Ensure you visit in daylight so as to take in the stunning views over Monsal Dale.

Cavendish Garden Room - In Baslow on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, the Cavendish is renowned for its high teas - and you don't have to book - just turn up.

The Chequers, Froggatt - An excellent range of bar meals and a tantalising specials menu. This is a pub with excellent restaurant quality food. 

A holiday in the north is not complete without a visit to a local fish and chip shop of which there are 2 in nearby Tideswell.  Tideswell is also becoming the epicentre for traditionally produced Peak District food including Derbyshire Oatcakes.  A trip to Bakewell is incomplete without a sample from the various Bakewell Pudding shops, each claiming its own special recipe.  Why not also try a sample of the genuine Buxton spa water which for the last century has flowed from the drinking fountain in the centre of Buxton. 

Should you chose to spend some time at Vicarage Farm Cottages we would be delighted to share our recommendations and experiences of the countless restaurants, bistros, pubs and cafes within a short distance.  We of course regard it is our responsibility as hosts to sample each new seasonal menu or new hospitality venture in the area!