Coffee, cake and more at these quirky cafés
DERBYSHIRE is blessed with charming, quirky spots for tea and coffee – and not forgetting a mouthwatering slice of cake.
If you’re looking for somewhere with character to meet family and friends these tea rooms, coffee shops and cafés are just the job.
THE SHED
Don’t be put off by the name, this is far more attractive than it sounds with a riverside setting, located within the World Heritage Site of Darley Abbey Mills.
After a stunning renovation, The Shed boasts exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings and beams inside the former cotton mill or on the terrace. The tables on the riverside offer an idyllic view.
Fresh, seasonal produce is used to craft an unpretentious but impressive contemporary menu with French and Mediterranean influences.
You say: “Great licensed café by the river. For food there are vegan/gf options. Absolutely brilliant coffee and the flat white is superior. Very spacious interior and the service is friendly and unhurried, which gives you time to soak up the atmosphere.”
Location: Darley Abbey Mills,
The Cotton Shed, Haslams Lane, Derby DE22 1DZ
STABLE VIEW
As the name suggests, the sheltered outdoor terrace of the coffee shop and bistro overlooks stables, so it’s a must for horse lovers and food lovers alike.
The location online is rather confusing listed as Ladywood Road, Ilkeston, and Spondon Road, Dale Abbey – we wondered if it was two different cafes but it is the same.
It’s a lovely setting that feels like the middle of nowhere once you turn off the road and head down the narrow track.
Breakfast, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and afternoon tea are served. As a tea addict, the everyday brew for £2 a pot is well worth every penny, allowing me to squeeze about three cups out of it.
You say: “We called into Stable View for lunch as it was near to the glamping site we were staying at. With it being a gorgeous day we managed to just get the last outdoor table.
“I had the chicken and halloumi burger whilst my wife tried the Brie and bacon panini. With a coffee and green tea it came to £24.40, a very reasonable price. The service was very good and hopefully will get back to try out there breakfasts before we leave the area. Did take a couple of cakes away, which were delicious. Love the artwork in the
toilets which are spotlessly cleaned.”
Location: Spondon Road, Ilkeston DE7 4PQ
FRIAR’S HOUSE
The family-run village tea room is located in the historic Friars House, dating from 1450 in the heart of Dale Abbey.
A cosy little retreat with homely surroundings, vintage crockery and friendly service, it opens just Sundays and Mondays.
Aga-cooked scones and cakes, quiche and pies are all made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients at the property, served with specialty teas, coffee and soft drinks.
There’s also a gallery featuring the work of local artists.
You say: Tried Friar’s House for the first time. Tea and the most amazing Victoria sandwich cake with fresh strawberries and raspberries added to the jam all in a beautiful setting in the courtyard enjoying the sun. A must do again.”
Location: Poplar Farmhouse, Dale Abbey, Ilkeston, DE7 4PP
NUTBROOK COFFEE SHOP
Sitting in the middle of the countryside, the coffee shop’s garden is surrounded by the Woodside Nature Reserve.
The family-run business, open Friday to Sunday, is a popular attraction for walkers and cyclists looking for a pit stop on the Nutbrook Trail.
You can’t park up outside but the dog-friendly cafe can be accessed via the trail on the path called Route 67, or via Slack Road by parking at Mapperley Reservoir. A third way is from the former American Adventure entrance, Pit Lane.
Freshly made sandwiches, paninis, pies and pasties are on the menu, along with a delicious selection of cakes, salads, refreshing milkshakes and ice cream.
You say: “The freshly-brewed double espresso and the flat white were outstanding. The cafe actually sells a range of packs of coffee beans so it’s apparent that decent coffee beans are sourced. This was accompanied by huge freshly-baked scones. What a selection to choose from: plain, fruit, raspberry and cheese. We chose the raspberry scones. Served with jam and clotted cream, they were outstanding.
“Service was charming and obliging, and we felt welcomed.
Location: Nutbrook Trail, Mapperley, Heanor DE7 6BQ
HASSOP STATION CAFE
Cosy sofas inside the old station building are a comfortable retreat, while a large sun terrace fronting the Monsal Trail make it a welcome respite for weary walkers or cyclists seeking refreshment.
Serving freshly made, locally sourced food, visitors can expect to find a wide variety, from sausage, bacon or egg buns and fish and chips to poke bowls, fried chicken, wraps baguettes and loaded fries.
An abundance of sweet treats includes chocolate fudge cake, lemon curd cake, cherry Bakewell cake and peanut butter brownies.
Also on site are book and gift shops and bike hire.
You say: “Myself, my mother and sister and one-year-old daughter visited. The service was excellent, everything clean and well spaced out. My sister and I had the Hassop fried chicken with skin-on fries and salad – delicious. My mother had a red pepper and pesto sandwich with cheesy chips and my daughter had the children’s ploughman’s, which she absolutely loved.
“The portions were ample and the staff friendly and helpful. The trail runs right next to the café and it was pleasantly busy with bikers, walkers and dogs.”
Location: Hassop Road, Bakewell DE45 1NW