RestaurantsDerbyshireEllastoneDE6
Main Rd, Ellastone, DE6 2GZ

survey result

Summary

£45
   ££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

An “absolute gem just north of Uttoxeter” – this rather glamorous peak District venture is “the local we all wish we had”, to quote The Daily Mail’s Tom Parker Bowles; “the tarte Tatin alone is worth the visit” but the modern British menu (more casual in the bar) also features “excellent dishes such as omelette Arnold Bennett and crispy belly pork” and their rooms are “brilliant” if you stay overnight.

Summary

4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“High-quality cooking in a ‘done-up’ pub setting” is acclaimed in all feedback on this “beautiful pub”, near the Peak District. There is a fairly classic bar menu, but the restaurant menu is in a more bistro/brasserie mould.

Summary

4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Away off the beaten track” in North Staffs (near the Peak District), this “gastropub with heart and imagination tries very hard to offer local variety and a happy experience”. Its traditional-with-a-twist cooking comes very highly recommended and the “outside space with lovely views adds to its charm”.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at The Duncombe Arms?

Owner's description

The Duncombe Arms is a beautiful, traditional country pub situated at the heart of the lovely rural village of Ellastone on the Staffordshire / Derbyshire border. Located on the edge of the Peak District near the towns of Ashbourne and Uttoxeter it is a great place to visit providing a delightful setting in which to enjoy a drink, some lovely food from our lunch and evening menus, as well as a chat with friends or family.

We have been selected as one of the top 30 gastro-pubs in the country in the prestigious Budweiser Budvar awards.

Eat, drink and enjoy!

Come inside and enjoy a roaring log fire, sample our excellent range of beers and wines or enjoy fabulous food from our award-winning chef. Or in the summer you can laze in our large garden overlooking the view to Worthy Island Wood.

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Pudding
£9.30 £15.00 £8.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £20.00
Filter Coffee £2.00
Extras  
Bread £0.00
Service 10.00%

Restaurant details

Yes
12
No dress code
80

The chef

We are delighted to announce that Gary Auld has joined the team at the Duncombe Arms as our new head chef.

Gary brings with him a wealth of experience having worked previously as head chef of Purdey’s restaurant on the Langdale Estate in the Lake District, Gilpin Lodge and East Lodge at Rowsley.  Gary and the team will continue to put more emphasis on great local produce and fantastic British dishes.

Main Rd, Ellastone, DE6 2GZ
Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
Friday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
Saturday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
Sunday12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑8 pm

The 2024 Harden's Guide

2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

Financial Times