Food & Drink

The Darley House Kitchen

Catching up, chatting … and of course…cooking is what our beautiful, spacious kitchen is all about. This couldn’t have been better demonstrated than when Si and Dave enjoyed their own recipes at Darley House in an episode of the Hairy Bikers.

Many of our guests also love to prep their own food. But, if you want someone to take this off your hands, you will discover the very best local produce served nearby or why not treat yourselves to fine dining at home with one of our private chefs?

Speak to Lucy in advance about your requirements so she can put you in touch with some of the best chefs in the area. And also check out our FAQs below.

Dine In

Dine Out

Dine In - Bring the restaurant to Darley House

Poppy, Thistle & Rose

Tom offers bespoke menus cooked in-front of you. Children and all allergens are catered for. Take the stress out of your stay - relax and enjoy restaurant quality food.

Email: poppythistlerose@gmail.com

The Rhubarb Kitchen

Lisa and her team create the tastiest of menus to suit your gathering, whether that’s fine dining, a cosy supper or a walk in the Peaks. Everything from afternoon tea caddies, to picnic boxes and rucksacks, to sharing plates, to sumptuous pies, to beautiful desserts.

Lisa: 01629 828298

Project Dinner Party

With their excellent team of chefs and skilled cocktail makers, they can craft your perfect event at Darley House.

Email George

George: 01433 631 084

Craig Floate - Personal Chef

Whatever the occasion Craig will create highly individual menus to reflect your taste and preferences. Every single mouthful engages the palate with flavour, aroma and texture.

Craig: 07845 083793

Hattersley Wines

Award winning Hattersley Wines, in Bakewell, offer free delivery to Darley House in time for your stay. Winner of UK's favourite wine merchant 2024 they have a great selection of wines and price points. Their mixed cases are excellent value. Order on line or call and mention you are a Darley House guest.

Email: sales@hattersleywines.com

Phone: 01629 815255

Graham Dunn Photography

Special Celebration
Graham captured some wonderful moments from my father's 90th celebrations, you can read about it here. We highly recommend him. He charges an agreed rate for the shoot time and you can then buy individual photos, or the purchase the entire digital file.

Graham: 07957 166937

Some FAQs about dining in at darley House

What's involved with arranging a private chef?

Our chefs will guide you through the process, menu choices, number of courses, dietary requirements, timings, etc. Depending on how they prep the food, they will usually arrive 1 hour to an 1 & 1/2 hrs prior to your dining time. Check what time they will stay until and if you wish for them to clear everything away arrange for your guests to retire to the living room at an appropriate time.

Is there a minimum number of people a private chef will cook for?

This does depends on the chef and the budget but usually chefs will ask for a minimum of 8 – 10 people.

How much does a private chef cost?

Price per head will vary according to the number of courses and the expense of the individual ingredients. Our chefs can work with you to meet your budget but be aware that prices are similar to restaurant prices. It doesn’t always have to be fine dining meals either. Some of our chefs can do more simple food such as ready cooked lasagnes or buffet style.

Will chefs be able to cater for all our dietary requirements?

Our chefs are really good at catering for all dietary requirements so have your list ready.

Where do the chefs park?

Chefs and any staff will need parking so please talk to them about this in advance and make sure there is space.

There is rear parking at Darley House which is close to the kitchen and hence convenient. Also you may find the front drive it already full with your own cars and parking on the road outside Darley House is not allowed.

What about public liability insurance and food hygiene?

All private chefs need to have their own public liability insurance and food hygiene qualifications. If you are using a chef other than our recommended contacts you must let us know in advance. We will need to see a copy of the insurance and certificates.

Is there a dining room?

Usually guests sit at the kitchen table (seats 14) which is cosy and convenient. However, if you would like a more formal setting speak to your chosen chef about the possibility of dining in the games room (the original dining room). If they are happy Lucy can run you through how this works as you will probably need to set up the tables and chairs yourselves. Please note to speak to the chef about table clothes too.

Dine Out - Our recommendations

The Bulls Head, Holymoorside

This is our recommendation for the best food in the area. 15 mins drive from Darley House nestled in a hideaway Peak District village, modern British cuisine awaits in a warm, friendly environment. Mark (who featured on the Great British Menu 2022) presents superb fresh, grown, bred and foraged produce from the local area and can even arrange transport to and from Darley House.

Email: bookings@bullsheadholymoorside.co.uk

Tel: 01246 569999

Stones, Matlock - 10% Off

This award winning, stylish restaurant with a modern British menu and riverside terrace is 5 minutes away. It has a small number of covers so book well in advance. Some of our guests recently booked the entire restaurant for a special lunch celebration.

Email: info@stones-restaurant.co.uk

Jade: 01629 56061

The Peacock, Rowsley

We love the atmosphere and pre-drinks in the cosy bar. It's 10 minutes from Darley House in a beautiful setting - perfect for special occasions. Pre-book through website or phone.

Email: reception@thepeacockatrowsley.com

Tel: 01629 733 518

Fischer's, Baslow Hall

A meal at Fischer’s is the ultimate fine dining experience. There is a focus on homegrown, and sustainably produced ingredients, carefully selected from local producers and handpicked from the kitchen gardens. Award winning resturant in a Grade II listed stone-built manor house 20 mins from Darley House.

Tel: 01246 583 259

Thailand No 1, Matlock

Delicious Thai food 5 mins from Darley House. Pre book through the Contact Us page on their website. Take aways booked online with self collection get 10% off.

Tel: 01629 584444

The Tickled Trout, Barlow - 10% Off

Award winning gastro pub and restaurant serving creative and delicious specials. Families welcome and private dining room available for no extra charge. A great place for lunch, 20 mins drive with breathe taking scenery and walks enroute. 10% off for Darley House guests.

Email: dine@tickledtroutbarlow.com

Tel: 01142 891111