The Barrel Inn is the highest pub in Derbyshire and offers some spectacular views of the local countryside, apparently on a clear day you can see five counties! This is a car park to the side of the pub and to the front, and there is ample outdoor seating too, to soak up the sunshine and that glorious view. Inside there is a well stocked bar, and the décor is definitely classic old pub furnishings - brasses, Toby Jugs etc. There's even a spectacular picture of the pub, surrounded by ten foot snow drifts, not sure how you'd even reach the pub via the steep road that accesses it, but it would be worth it for the snow-capped view.
We wanted to dine but hadn't booked, which was nearly our undoing, we just managed to get a table at about 6.15pm on a Monday night! Half an hour later, the place was packed with diners and drinkers alike, so its best to book. Menu wise, classic dishes like toad-in-the-hole, fish and chips, ham and eggs, steaks etc. All good hearty portions, we went for the Barrel Burger and one of the specials, Sweet and Sour Black Tiger Prawns. The burger was great, clearly home-made, dressed with bacon and cheddar, with an accompanying dressed salad and chunky chips; it was listed as a light bite, but was very filling! The tiger prawns were large and perfectly cooked, with a pleasant sweet and sour sauce and a timbale of white rice, a good meal, if a little overpriced.
Just room enough for a dessert, a good variety of crumbles, key lime pie etc. I went for the profiteroles adorned with fresh mint, redcurrants and a warm chocolate sauce. Again home-made and as it was brought to the table, lots of sounds of approval from our neighbouring diners. A lovely, if highly calorific way to end the meal. Great unpretentious food in a stunning setting, what more could you ask for? read more