The Duncombe Arms, Derbyshire/Staffordshire UK
Photo by Lulu Townsend
Distance from airport - East Midlands Airport is 35 miles from The Duncombe Arms. Derby is 18 miles from The Duncombe Arms, while Buxton is 26 miles away.
The Duncombe Arms
If every county in England had a Duncombe Arms (or two!) all would be well, the sun would be shining and everyone would be happy! Tom Parker Bowles was absolutely right when he described The Duncombe Arms as ‘the local we wish we all had’. If truth be told (which it always should), I wasn’t expecting The Duncombe Arms to be right on the road and my heart did sink a little.. but as I parked my car and spotted the gentle billow of smoke escaping from the chimney and heard the sound of soft chattering emanating from the inside, I knew this was a place I was going to love.
Johnny and Laura Greenall opened this British pub in 2012 after a lot of re-sizing, renovating and reconfiguration. It was their local which was in dire need of resuscitating. Their hearts sank each time they drove past the boarded up pub, one the heart and hub of the village of Ellastone. The combination of Laura’s cooking and hospitality background and Johnny’s family business in brewing was the perfect foundation for the project with the aim of serving classic, modern British food in a convivial atmosphere.
‘Who wants to drive and hour and spend money on food that is average? You might as well enjoy a bowl of pasta and a bottle of wine at home’ says Laura. ‘We wanted to create somewhere we would love to go and eat time and time again’
And they have done exactly that. The food is award-winning and the menus showcase the freshest seasonal and local products. It’s refreshing to see a menu where you want to eat everything rather than one where you’re wondering what to choose. The dishes are decidedly and deliciously British including their own fresh sour dough with beef dripping, Cornish crab, Staffordshire Moorlands lamb all complemented by a 98-strong wine list and a craft gin menu of 28. Their Celebration of Chocolate is a rare treat with a selection of 5 intense handmade chocolates with paired flavours.
Rooms at The Duncombe Arms
Images of The Duncombe Arms by Lulu Townsend
There are 10 en-suite rooms at The Duncombe Arms, all housed in The Walnut House which is set back behind the pub looking onto the fields. The rooms are cosy, classic and incredibly comfortable. The beds are massive (super king-size) with Hypnos mattresses and big, properly fluffy pillows. Homemade biscuits, a Nespresso machine and water are complemented by a mini fridge at the entrance which is home to mini bottles of delicious local milk for you to take to your room. The bathrooms are contemporary with automatic low level lighting (no more stumbling around in the dark), big towels and Bamford products. Ladies will be pleased to know there’s plenty of room to put your makeup, lotions and potions. All of the rooms have views across the countryside and neighbouring fields.
Dogs are welcome too and there are two wheelchair friendly rooms including one specifically set up for disabled users. All COVID-19 precautions are in place and there are hand sanitisers dotted around the buildings, along with a oneway system making you feel safe.
Food
Award-winning food with fantastic service. The perfect combination. The staff uniform is fun with aprons bearing The Duncombe Arms crest and the team are young, willing and smiley. James (there are three of them called James renamed, Tic Tac, JC and James) makes the perfect cappuccino, no chocolate if you please! If you can grab a seat by the fire, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch, coffee or hot chocolate.
What to see and what to do
Walkers, hikers and experienced cyclists will be in heaven at The Duncombe Arms, as will those looking to do nothing else that relax, eat, sleep and drink! Chatsworth is just a 40-minute drive away, Alton Towers is 10 minutes and stunning walks are right on the door step. The Duncombe Arms is close drive to the Peak District National Park.
Style - Country house pub meets luxury boutique hotel
Why stay at The Duncombe Arms?
To get away for a spoiling night of great service, fantastic food and wonderful rooms. It’s one of my top 5 places to stay in the UK.
Rates at The Duncombe Arms start at £160 for a double room per night including breakfast.