Devonshire Arms, Beeley
Devonshire Square Beeley Near Matlock Derbyshire DE4 2NR
Another fine member of the Chatsworth stable, the 'Dev' is one of the Duke and Duchess's oldest pubs, and very handsome it is too, sitting squarely in the pretty hamlet of Beeley, just a mile or so from the stately pile. I've been visiting this pub for longer than I care to remember, and the great thing about it is that it's moved with the times but is strangely unchanged too. You can just sit in the stone flagged bar with a pint of locally brewed Chatsworth Gold, the paper and a sarnie or sit down in front of the fire with a full menu. But there's a rather hip brasserie these days, serving same menu, which has been thoughtfully put together by Chef Patron Alan Hill, who plunders the lush Derbyshire countryside for top-notch ingredients. Starters might include wild rabbit pie with piccalilli, Goosnargh duck liver parfait and charcoal and almond crusted goats cheese – all around seven quid. Mains come in two sizes – a great idea if you're not up for full-on feast, with the likes of classic Caesar Salad and Chatsworth Gold battered haddock, chips & peas. Hill also offers a 'Rotisserie', with my personal fave, Youlgreave pork collar, and, in season, venison, grouse and wood pigeon. For me this is a winter pub – you feel hugged as you walk in – but it's equally lovely in the height of summer; and the beauty of it is the warm feeling continues right up to the rooms upstairs.
