Best restaurants and pubs in Ashbourne

Nestled in the Derbyshire countryside on the fringes of the Peak District National Park, the market town of Ashbourne is one of the best bases for an active holiday in the UK. Known as ‘The Gateway to Dovedale' and home to the splendid Tissington Trail, Ashbourne is a haven for walkers, cyclists, and outdoor lovers alike.

The town itself charms with its narrow, winding streets dotted with Georgian and Victorian buildings adorned with flower baskets and colourful storefronts. Within these historic structures are some fantastic Ashbourne restaurants and pubs to energise you before a hike or greet you with local fare on your return. There are so many things to do in Ashbourne.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to eat in town, as well as the best pubs in Ashbourne. To make the most of your time in this verdant, walker’s paradise, why not book a few nights in one of our holiday cottages nearby? Click the button below to explore our collection.

Holiday cottages in Ashbourne

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• Ashbourne restaurants
• Pubs in Ashbourne
• Other places to eat in Ashbourne
• Map of places to eat in Ashbourne

Ashbourne restaurants

If it’s hearty, local dishes you’re craving, then the choice of Ashbourne restaurants will impress. From restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide to traditional, family-run Italian bistros, visitors on any type of holiday will love the charming range on offer.

Segreto Italian Bistro 

From the narrow streets in Ashbourne’s centre, follow the smell of fresh, homemade bread and pizza dough and you’ll find yourself in the warm, Mediterranean embrace of Segreto Italian Bistro. 

With Italian artwork hanging from the stone walls and a sun-soaked terrace waiting outside on warmer days, this is no doubt one of the best Ashbourne restaurants if you’re craving authentic pasta dishes, vibrant pizzas, and colourful bruschetta. 

Families will appreciate the children’s menu of smaller Italian dishes while deserving walkers and intimacy-seeking couples have a generous choice of wholesome dishes to reward tiresome hiking muscles.

The Lighthouse Restaurant 

If you’re seeking an evening of sophisticated and relaxed dining, then head to the chic, fairy light-adorned Lighthouse Restaurant. Set just outside of town and featured in the Michelin Guide, this most intimate of Ashbourne restaurants beckons with its fine-dining menu inspired by the seasons. 

Self-taught chef and owner Jon Hard opened the doors back in 2010 and has since served up fusions of various international cuisines that are as delightful as the peaceful Derbyshire countryside that surrounds the restaurant. 

With attentive service at the heart of its ethos, The Lighthouse’s menu is inspired by the time of year – expect rustic, hearty dishes on chilly autumn nights and vibrant, colourful plates on a summer’s afternoon. Book a table for one of their popular tasting menu evenings or choose for yourself from the impressive selection on offer.

Lamplight Restaurant

First built as a coach house in 1493, the Lamplight Restaurant is a perfect example of the charming, historic buildings in Ashbourne that open their doors to hungry diners in the centre of town. With original wooden beams and exposed stone walls setting the scene, this is a great spot to head to for traditional, wholesome fare. 

Whether you sit in the glow of the open fire inside or under the sun outside, an afternoon or evening at the Lamplight is all you need after a long day of Derbyshire adventure. From the menu, enjoy a wide choice of starters before tucking into the main courses that include local rack of lamb, seabass fillet, and veggie dishes like sweet potato and lentil dhal.

Market Place Fish and Chip Restaurant 

Ashbourne’s surrounding countryside and period architecture make the town quintessentially English, so what better way to embrace the traditional charm than a classic fish and chip supper? Of all the Ashbourne restaurants to head to for such an experience, Market Place Fish and Chip Restaurant is the one. 

Serving crispy haddock or cod with chips and mushy peas, as well as a great choice of burgers, fried chicken, pies, and gluten-free options, this is the perfect restaurant for families with little ones in tow. 

If you fancy eating in the restaurant, they only open their doors on Wednesday afternoons, but if eating in the comfort of one of our holiday cottages sounds better, then you can benefit from their collection and delivery service through the rest of the week.

Red Chilli 

Found in the heart of town near the banks of Henmore Brook, Red Chilli is a great spot for authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. Offering a spicy alternative to the more traditional restaurants around, you’re guaranteed fresh produce and memorable flavours here. 

Choose to eat in the welcoming dining space or take away to enjoy dinner in the comfort of our Ashbourne holiday cottages. From the menu, find a selection of Tandoori specialities, traditional Indian curries, Biryani dishes, and chef’s specials – you’re really spoiled for choice!

Pubs in Ashbourne

Whether you’re craving a well-deserved pint after a long hike or you’ve cleared the day to bask in the sun with some local fare in front of you, the wide choice of pubs in Ashbourne will leave you wondering where to start! To help, below are just some of our favourite watering holes in town.

The Bowling Green Inn

Surrounded by walking trails that meander towards the Peak District, The Bowling Green Inn is not just one of the best pubs in Ashbourne, but a popular steakhouse too. With exposed wooden beams and original windows framing views of the rolling Derbyshire countryside, this is a great spot to enjoy ‘proper’ food that’s good for the soul. 

Eat inside, out in the beer garden, or take away to dine at home, and choose from a generous range of wood-fired pizzas, locally sourced steaks, towering burgers, and on the weekend, a fabulous Sunday roast. Little ones are catered for with a children’s menu, while adults can indulge in the fine selection of Derbyshire beers and other refreshing drinks.

The Coach and Horses

Set on the rural outskirts of town, The Coach and Horses is one of the best pubs in Ashbourne if you’re returning from an afternoon of adventure in the Peak District. With a peaceful beer garden outside adorned with hanging flower baskets, and original oak beams and flagstone flooring found inside, this is a typical, enchanting inn to dive into. 

Soak up the country pub vibes on entry, find a spot by the roaring log fire, or head out under the sun to enjoy the wealth of locally sourced dishes that proudly support Derbyshire producers. The menu is all you’d expect from a traditional inn, with sirloin steaks, casseroles, pies, burgers, and soups of the day all likely to catch your eye, and fill your stomach.

The George and Dragon

It’s hard to miss The George and Dragon as you amble through the centre of Ashbourne – you’ll know what we mean when you see the building’s grand exterior with Saint George mounted on a rearing horse. Inside, this family-run pub is just as impressive thanks to the generous range of Derbyshire beers and local fare on offer.

Sit in the glow of the open fire inside or watch life pass by as you wine and dine outside under Saint George. From the menu, choose from lighter bites and starters if you’re not feeling too hungry. If you’re ready for a feast, then tuck into pub classics like homemade burgers, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and slow-cooked beef pies.

The Okeover Arms

If you’re looking for a countryside pub surrounded by rolling fields, then the 18th-century, Grade II-listed Okeover Arms beckons. Welcoming walkers, families, and even four-legged friends, this is one of our favourite pubs in Ashbourne thanks to its traditional atmosphere with a modern, rustic twist. 

The alternative twist is made clear on the locally sourced menu that combines English and Asian flavours – think Indian fish and chips, tandoori mixed grills, and masala lamb burgers. For more traditional palates, enjoy the choice of classic bangers and mash, handmade pies, and towering burgers in one of the most unique pubs in Ashbourne.

Other places to eat in Ashbourne

Beyond the pubs and Ashbourne restaurants, the Derbyshire town also offers a delightful range of quaint cafes and delis where you can stop by to pick up savoury treats to take with you on your next outdoor adventure.

Cafe Impromptu

Found in the heart of Ashbourne, Cafe Impromptu opens its doors from breakfast through to dinner, all the while serving quaint British dishes with a French flare – expect full fry-ups with a French fusion, steaming bowls of moules served with frites, and classic beef bourguignon. 

Whether you sit in the cafe’s quaint, rustic interior with its intimate atmosphere, out on the sun-drenched patio, or in the street, as they do on the continent, you’ll love the specialities on their menu.

The Picnic Basket

If you’re heading out for a day of sightseeing, hiking or cycling and you haven’t time to cook your own food or sit down in a restaurant, then The Picnic Basket offers you the perfect solution. 

This cute, little takeaway boasts a wide choice of sandwiches, pasta and salad boxes, jacket potatoes, and fresh drinks to take with you on your travels. Whether you’re hiking out of town on a crisp morning or returning after a tiresome day of adventure, this quick and tasty service is ideal for those in need of something fresh, filling and local.

Map of places to eat in Ashbourne

To help you find our favourite Ashbourne restaurants, pubs, cafes, delis, and takeaways, explore our map below.

Find a holiday cottage in Ashbourne

Now that you’re armed with the best places to eat and drink in Ashbourne, why not extend your delightful Derbyshire getaway with a few nights in one of our holiday cottages nearby? 

With properties beckoning solo travellers, intimate couples, and groups of friends and family with the dogs in tow, you’ll find the perfect, rural retreat in our collection. Just click the button below to start exploring.

Holiday cottages in Ashbourne