Janet Roberts's Blog, page 24
May 22, 2012
'The Nettle' - Milltown - Ashover - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This delightful country inn was built in the 16th century. It was given the name 'Nettle' by the landlord in the early 1700s. He had been a merchant seaman who had skippered a ship of this name, and he also named his greyhound 'Nettle' and it won the prestigious Waterloo Cup. After his death it was called 'The Greyhound', but has now reverted to its previous, historic name.
Inside it is very olde worldly, and quite cluttered. Personally I'm not too keen on this sort of decor, always worrying that it's not too clean, but in fact this was quite nice and certainly atmospheric!
Looking round there were certainly a lot of tables, and I imagine it's quite popular, so it must be good as it's really not particularly near anywhere, and everyone would have to travel to get to it. (The nearest place is Ashover, with Matlock over 4 miles away.)
I chose to just have a sandwich, but it was certainly impressive when it arrived, although the service was a bit slow. This is smoked salmon and creme fraiche on granary, with rocket salad, served with homemade chips which cost £6.50, and was both lovely and very filling.
Certainly it is in the most lovely setting, and I was particularly amused at this sign. I certainly think I will be going back and recommend a visit.
This delightful country inn was built in the 16th century. It was given the name 'Nettle' by the landlord in the early 1700s. He had been a merchant seaman who had skippered a ship of this name, and he also named his greyhound 'Nettle' and it won the prestigious Waterloo Cup. After his death it was called 'The Greyhound', but has now reverted to its previous, historic name.
Inside it is very olde worldly, and quite cluttered. Personally I'm not too keen on this sort of decor, always worrying that it's not too clean, but in fact this was quite nice and certainly atmospheric! 
Looking round there were certainly a lot of tables, and I imagine it's quite popular, so it must be good as it's really not particularly near anywhere, and everyone would have to travel to get to it. (The nearest place is Ashover, with Matlock over 4 miles away.)I chose to just have a sandwich, but it was certainly impressive when it arrived, although the service was a bit slow. This is smoked salmon and creme fraiche on granary, with rocket salad, served with homemade chips which cost £6.50, and was both lovely and very filling.
Certainly it is in the most lovely setting, and I was particularly amused at this sign. I certainly think I will be going back and recommend a visit. 
May 15, 2012
Alford Manor House - Lincolnshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Alford is a small village 13 miles south west of Skegness. In the middle of the high street is the impressive Manor House, reputed to be the largest thatched manor house in the country. It is thought to have built by John Hopkinson in 1611.
Dorothy Higgins, a doctor and member of the Alford Town Council, was a direct descendant of John Higgins, one of the tenants of the Manor in about 1820. He was a friend of Charles Darwin's father, Robert. Dorothy bought the Manor in 1958 and then gifted it to the town in 1967. Alford Civic Trust was then formed to manage the property.
Between 2003 - 2006 major restoration was undertaken, at a cost of some £1.7 million. Then it was discovered that far from being a mud-and-stud building, later encased in brick, it was found to have a wooden frame and reed and plaster walls, encased in brick, with the brick not merely being ornamental but tied into the very structure of the building via wall plates and floor joists. This makes it one of the most important buildings in the country showing the architecture of the Middle Ages and Tudor times.
At the moment there is very little in the way of furniture or artefacts, but I really liked the bareness, which certainly gave the place character. One of the exceptions was this Nursery Room. Upstairs it was possible to see the amazing construction of the roof, with the gently curving tree trunks.
From one of the windows it was possible to look out onto the Wash House - which had been filled with appropriate artifacts. How hard the women must have worked in there! Beyond was the large walled garden.
For me, one of the best things was the really excellent audio tape, which used several voices, and explained this most complicated building both historically and from a restoration point of view, and so added to the visit.
It was necessary to be quite agile to tour the house as there were a large number of steep and awkward stairs, and access to this room was amazing! However, it was an experience I wouldn't have missed for anything and strongly recommend a visit - followed by a nice cup of tea in the Tea Room on the ground floor!
If you enjoy my writing why not visit my Smashwords page
Alford is a small village 13 miles south west of Skegness. In the middle of the high street is the impressive Manor House, reputed to be the largest thatched manor house in the country. It is thought to have built by John Hopkinson in 1611. Dorothy Higgins, a doctor and member of the Alford Town Council, was a direct descendant of John Higgins, one of the tenants of the Manor in about 1820. He was a friend of Charles Darwin's father, Robert. Dorothy bought the Manor in 1958 and then gifted it to the town in 1967. Alford Civic Trust was then formed to manage the property.
Between 2003 - 2006 major restoration was undertaken, at a cost of some £1.7 million. Then it was discovered that far from being a mud-and-stud building, later encased in brick, it was found to have a wooden frame and reed and plaster walls, encased in brick, with the brick not merely being ornamental but tied into the very structure of the building via wall plates and floor joists. This makes it one of the most important buildings in the country showing the architecture of the Middle Ages and Tudor times. 
At the moment there is very little in the way of furniture or artefacts, but I really liked the bareness, which certainly gave the place character. One of the exceptions was this Nursery Room. Upstairs it was possible to see the amazing construction of the roof, with the gently curving tree trunks. From one of the windows it was possible to look out onto the Wash House - which had been filled with appropriate artifacts. How hard the women must have worked in there! Beyond was the large walled garden.
For me, one of the best things was the really excellent audio tape, which used several voices, and explained this most complicated building both historically and from a restoration point of view, and so added to the visit.
It was necessary to be quite agile to tour the house as there were a large number of steep and awkward stairs, and access to this room was amazing! However, it was an experience I wouldn't have missed for anything and strongly recommend a visit - followed by a nice cup of tea in the Tea Room on the ground floor!
If you enjoy my writing why not visit my Smashwords page
May 1, 2012
'Art in the Park' - Ilam Park - Staffordshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Ilam Park is a National Trust property near Ashbourne - (see previous blog). This is the 11th year that students from the University of Derby have worked for a week-long residency as part of their degree course studies. The University provided funding for the sculptor Ian Randall to work alongside both students and a couple of the staff to create site specific artwork in Ilam Park.
All the sculptures have been made out of natural materials found in the park, along with hazel that was coppiced by the students in the neighbouring Manifold Valley earlier in the year.
I love things like this - but found it frustrating that although a map was available which gave details of the locations, none of the works had been labelled! Just a number would have been a help and I just hope that I am crediting the right people with the following pictures! For example I think this is 'Tree Vortex' created by Richard Barwick, although Alison Paine is also listed under No 1.
This huge ladle was created by Louise Bembridge, with the handle extending above the wall.
I also really liked one I think called 'Structure' by Charlotte Poole. A great deal of work had gone into creating it's smooth outline.
I think my favourite was 'Beechfall' by Aly Jackson when it appeared the rocks had been covered with clay and then hundred of beech nuts had been carefully arranged to create this waterfall affect.
The exhibition is in Ilam Park from 29th April until the 13th May 2012
If you enjoy my writing why not visit my page on Smashwords
Ilam Park is a National Trust property near Ashbourne - (see previous blog). This is the 11th year that students from the University of Derby have worked for a week-long residency as part of their degree course studies. The University provided funding for the sculptor Ian Randall to work alongside both students and a couple of the staff to create site specific artwork in Ilam Park.
All the sculptures have been made out of natural materials found in the park, along with hazel that was coppiced by the students in the neighbouring Manifold Valley earlier in the year.
I love things like this - but found it frustrating that although a map was available which gave details of the locations, none of the works had been labelled! Just a number would have been a help and I just hope that I am crediting the right people with the following pictures! For example I think this is 'Tree Vortex' created by Richard Barwick, although Alison Paine is also listed under No 1. This huge ladle was created by Louise Bembridge, with the handle extending above the wall.
I also really liked one I think called 'Structure' by Charlotte Poole. A great deal of work had gone into creating it's smooth outline.I think my favourite was 'Beechfall' by Aly Jackson when it appeared the rocks had been covered with clay and then hundred of beech nuts had been carefully arranged to create this waterfall affect.
The exhibition is in Ilam Park from 29th April until the 13th May 2012If you enjoy my writing why not visit my page on Smashwords
April 23, 2012
'Sea Odysey' - Giant Puppets - Liverpool
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Royal De Luxe is a company made up of actors, aerialists, engineers, inventors, technicians, metal-workers and poets, all led by Artistic Director Jean-Luc Courcoult. Founded in Toulouse in 1979 and now based in Nantes, France, the company is recognised across the world for pioneering new forms of street theatre.
Certainly this was the case in April 2012 when two giants began exploring Liverpool's city streets.
The Little Girl Giant is on a quest to receive news about her father, a stowaway who died on the ill-fated Titanic. Unbeknown to her, her father's brother has made a promise to scour the ocean floor for the shipwreck and put his brother to rest, and in doing so discovered a letter written by him to his beloved daughter.
For the past 100 years he has walked across the ocean floor with the sole purpose of delivering the letter to its young owner.
I thought the Girl Giant was amazing, and of course had to go and see her having a deserved siesta down on the dock side! (In the foreground is her faithful dog!)
However, if I thought she was good, the Uncle was even better. First I saw him too having a rest, with his hair gently blowing in the breeze! Then at the end of the afternoon, he too was due to awaken. This I thought was the only hitch, as it seemed a long time after the well-publicised time, that anything actually happened, but then a great group of French, finely costumed staff arrived.
Then the action was amazing.
<p>H</p> He then ended up wearing his impressive under water helmet! Then he rose up, and started walking - just incredible.
I thought this the most marvellous spectacle and wouldn't have missed it for the world. I was sorry not to be staying to see the the puppets meet and then sail away down the Mersey, but despite my best efforts, months ago, there wasn't a bed to be had anywhere in the city.
You were very aware that this was a very French production, and I did wonder if it would have been possible for a British firm to have come up with something as fabulous.
Royal De Luxe is a company made up of actors, aerialists, engineers, inventors, technicians, metal-workers and poets, all led by Artistic Director Jean-Luc Courcoult. Founded in Toulouse in 1979 and now based in Nantes, France, the company is recognised across the world for pioneering new forms of street theatre.
Certainly this was the case in April 2012 when two giants began exploring Liverpool's city streets.
The Little Girl Giant is on a quest to receive news about her father, a stowaway who died on the ill-fated Titanic. Unbeknown to her, her father's brother has made a promise to scour the ocean floor for the shipwreck and put his brother to rest, and in doing so discovered a letter written by him to his beloved daughter. For the past 100 years he has walked across the ocean floor with the sole purpose of delivering the letter to its young owner.
I thought the Girl Giant was amazing, and of course had to go and see her having a deserved siesta down on the dock side! (In the foreground is her faithful dog!)
However, if I thought she was good, the Uncle was even better. First I saw him too having a rest, with his hair gently blowing in the breeze! Then at the end of the afternoon, he too was due to awaken. This I thought was the only hitch, as it seemed a long time after the well-publicised time, that anything actually happened, but then a great group of French, finely costumed staff arrived. Then the action was amazing.
<p>H</p> He then ended up wearing his impressive under water helmet! Then he rose up, and started walking - just incredible. I thought this the most marvellous spectacle and wouldn't have missed it for the world. I was sorry not to be staying to see the the puppets meet and then sail away down the Mersey, but despite my best efforts, months ago, there wasn't a bed to be had anywhere in the city.
You were very aware that this was a very French production, and I did wonder if it would have been possible for a British firm to have come up with something as fabulous.
April 13, 2012
Markham Grange Steam Museum - Brodsworth - Yorkshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Markham Grange Steam Museum is part of a large, independent, working nursery with was started over 40 years ago, and is a good place to go. As if that wasn't enough, at the side, and clearly visible from the A1 is a purpose-built green building, which is the steam museum. It is located off the A1 and A1 (M) at junction 38, between Wakefield and Doncaster, in South Yorkshire
It was years since I had last visited and I just couldn't get over how much it had improved and expanded. In fact every where you looked machines were spinning, moving and going up and down! Everything was clearly labelled but not being technically minded I just enjoyed all the activity and the very distinctive smell always associated with these places.
The amount of work involved in restoring, rebuilding and maintaining all the machinery must have been vast. Entry was free but they do request donations.
It is open 10 - 4, and in steam on Wednesday and the 1st Sunday of every month, plus Bank Holidays. It uses the same boiler as the nursery and in the summer it is closed briefly for the annual, statutory boiler inspection and maintenance.
Of all the whirling, working machines I must admit my favourite was this 'Magic' one where I was fascinated that the bucket never overflowed!
Markham Grange Steam Museum is part of a large, independent, working nursery with was started over 40 years ago, and is a good place to go. As if that wasn't enough, at the side, and clearly visible from the A1 is a purpose-built green building, which is the steam museum. It is located off the A1 and A1 (M) at junction 38, between Wakefield and Doncaster, in South Yorkshire
It was years since I had last visited and I just couldn't get over how much it had improved and expanded. In fact every where you looked machines were spinning, moving and going up and down! Everything was clearly labelled but not being technically minded I just enjoyed all the activity and the very distinctive smell always associated with these places.The amount of work involved in restoring, rebuilding and maintaining all the machinery must have been vast. Entry was free but they do request donations.
It is open 10 - 4, and in steam on Wednesday and the 1st Sunday of every month, plus Bank Holidays. It uses the same boiler as the nursery and in the summer it is closed briefly for the annual, statutory boiler inspection and maintenance. Of all the whirling, working machines I must admit my favourite was this 'Magic' one where I was fascinated that the bucket never overflowed!
April 9, 2012
Yorkshire Wildlife Park - Doncaster - Yorkshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This fairly new Wildlife Park is situated only a short distance from Robin Hood Airport, just outside Doncaster. When I looked on the web and found they had lions I couldn't wait to go, as Big Cats are a big favourite of mine! It was opened in April 2009, with the foresight of two ex-rangers from Woburn Safari.
Park.
This is the area you first enter, so it's pretty spacious. The re-roofed building at the back is a large, beautifully beamed barn, with a large number of tables and chairs, on two levels, seating 120. The food was better than expected - including chicken tika and a tasty stew, as well as the usual baked spuds and sausage and chips.
There are 13 lions in all, divided into three prides, with two outside on a rotation basis. The story of how they came to be in Yorkshire is amazing. The Oradea Zoo in Romania had sent out an appeal for help with their lions which were living in squalid, and totally inadequate facilities. Of the 1,500 zoos in the world, only this new Yorkshire Wildlife Park responded. With the help of 'The News of the World' readers, within 8 weeks the public from around the world had donated £126,000 towards the cost of transportation and the cost of constructing a special 10 acre site.
Originally the lions were to be transported by road, but with one of the worst winters ever, Yorkshire based airline Jet2.com flew all 13 lions from Budapest airport to the UK, completely free.
They arrived on February 11th 2010, and were quarantined for 6 months, during which time they underwent extensive health checks. This involved the amputation of parts of the tails of a couple of the lions, as their previous accommodation was so cramped their tails were constantly banging the walls, causing damage and infection.
Their new enclosures are wonderful, with grass and stunning water features. No wonder they were snoozing contently when I was there!
There are also beautiful, rare Amur tigers - I just love these creatures, and cannot imagine why anyone would want to turn them into coats and rugs!
There was just so much to see and so many animals! I particularly liked the areas you could walk through and mingle with the animals - like in Wallaby Walkabout, and this video was shot in Lemur Woods.
It certainly was a children's paradise with excellent play areas, and everywhere more construction was underway. Clearly a lot is going to be happening at this ambitious new Wildlife Park and I was one can hardly wait to go back and visit again!
This fairly new Wildlife Park is situated only a short distance from Robin Hood Airport, just outside Doncaster. When I looked on the web and found they had lions I couldn't wait to go, as Big Cats are a big favourite of mine! It was opened in April 2009, with the foresight of two ex-rangers from Woburn Safari.
Park.
This is the area you first enter, so it's pretty spacious. The re-roofed building at the back is a large, beautifully beamed barn, with a large number of tables and chairs, on two levels, seating 120. The food was better than expected - including chicken tika and a tasty stew, as well as the usual baked spuds and sausage and chips.
There are 13 lions in all, divided into three prides, with two outside on a rotation basis. The story of how they came to be in Yorkshire is amazing. The Oradea Zoo in Romania had sent out an appeal for help with their lions which were living in squalid, and totally inadequate facilities. Of the 1,500 zoos in the world, only this new Yorkshire Wildlife Park responded. With the help of 'The News of the World' readers, within 8 weeks the public from around the world had donated £126,000 towards the cost of transportation and the cost of constructing a special 10 acre site.
Originally the lions were to be transported by road, but with one of the worst winters ever, Yorkshire based airline Jet2.com flew all 13 lions from Budapest airport to the UK, completely free.They arrived on February 11th 2010, and were quarantined for 6 months, during which time they underwent extensive health checks. This involved the amputation of parts of the tails of a couple of the lions, as their previous accommodation was so cramped their tails were constantly banging the walls, causing damage and infection.
Their new enclosures are wonderful, with grass and stunning water features. No wonder they were snoozing contently when I was there!
There are also beautiful, rare Amur tigers - I just love these creatures, and cannot imagine why anyone would want to turn them into coats and rugs! There was just so much to see and so many animals! I particularly liked the areas you could walk through and mingle with the animals - like in Wallaby Walkabout, and this video was shot in Lemur Woods.
It certainly was a children's paradise with excellent play areas, and everywhere more construction was underway. Clearly a lot is going to be happening at this ambitious new Wildlife Park and I was one can hardly wait to go back and visit again!
March 30, 2012
Great Barn Resturant - Hardwick Hall - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I have written many times about Hardwick Hall, the impressive Elizabethan Manor House in Derbyshire, owned by the National Trust.
This spring the stableyard has for the first time become open to the public. This area dates back some 400 years and the South Range is now home to a number of delightful attractions.
The entrance is via a new road along the back of the Hall, cutting through the tree formation known as The Wine Glass. There is now a new car park with 600 spaces, and a designated Disabled Parking area near the Visitor Reception. There is a little buggy that runs from this area to the Gate House at the Hall.
These include the Great Barn Restaurant which is certainly different from eating in the Old Kitchen, which, whilst very atmospheric was cramped and crowded, with seating mainly on long wooden benches. (You certainly got to know your neighbours I always found!). The new restaurant is so spacious and clean, with a clear serving area with cakes etc on display, with plenty of room for wheelchair users, or pushchairs. Upstairs there is some additional seating, giving a clear view, and with the most striking original beam work. Outside there is a large patio area, with stunning views across the lovely Derbyshire countryside.
Another area I really liked was Ox House Shop which sells local produce and gifts. Again it has retained a lot of the original features. At the end of the shop is a delightful book room which, when the woodburner is alight, will be just the most perfect place to browse. There is also am area known as East Stables Plants which sells gardening things, which was proving very popular when I was there. I really enjoyed my visit to the Stableyard, although if you are not a member of the National Trust it would not really be possible to just call in for a snack or a cuppa, as entrance is charged. It certainly gives you the chance to see the Hall from a difference perspective, which I liked.
I have written many times about Hardwick Hall, the impressive Elizabethan Manor House in Derbyshire, owned by the National Trust.
This spring the stableyard has for the first time become open to the public. This area dates back some 400 years and the South Range is now home to a number of delightful attractions.
The entrance is via a new road along the back of the Hall, cutting through the tree formation known as The Wine Glass. There is now a new car park with 600 spaces, and a designated Disabled Parking area near the Visitor Reception. There is a little buggy that runs from this area to the Gate House at the Hall.
These include the Great Barn Restaurant which is certainly different from eating in the Old Kitchen, which, whilst very atmospheric was cramped and crowded, with seating mainly on long wooden benches. (You certainly got to know your neighbours I always found!). The new restaurant is so spacious and clean, with a clear serving area with cakes etc on display, with plenty of room for wheelchair users, or pushchairs. Upstairs there is some additional seating, giving a clear view, and with the most striking original beam work. Outside there is a large patio area, with stunning views across the lovely Derbyshire countryside. 
Another area I really liked was Ox House Shop which sells local produce and gifts. Again it has retained a lot of the original features. At the end of the shop is a delightful book room which, when the woodburner is alight, will be just the most perfect place to browse. There is also am area known as East Stables Plants which sells gardening things, which was proving very popular when I was there. I really enjoyed my visit to the Stableyard, although if you are not a member of the National Trust it would not really be possible to just call in for a snack or a cuppa, as entrance is charged. It certainly gives you the chance to see the Hall from a difference perspective, which I liked. 
March 26, 2012
Edward & Vintage Sweet Emporium - Tissington - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Tissington is the delightful little hamlet with the feudal feel situated between Ashbourne and Buxton, most famous for it's wonderful Well Dressings, which I've written about in the past (see previous blog).
On a recent visit I made a delightful discovery - namely Edward & Vintage Sweet Emporium.
It's in one of the small stone cottages, and the two rooms are really small, and absolutely packed with 1940's goodies.
The gentleman serving was also absoltuely delightful - always a plus in my book.
I loved everything about this delightful place and as Tissington is set in such a wonderful area, it's certainly somewhere to return to time and again.
I just wish there were more public seats so it would possible to just sit and ponder for a while.
And what did I buy - why locally produced ice cream of course - and it was absolutely gorgeous!!
Tissington is the delightful little hamlet with the feudal feel situated between Ashbourne and Buxton, most famous for it's wonderful Well Dressings, which I've written about in the past (see previous blog).
On a recent visit I made a delightful discovery - namely Edward & Vintage Sweet Emporium. 
It's in one of the small stone cottages, and the two rooms are really small, and absolutely packed with 1940's goodies.
The gentleman serving was also absoltuely delightful - always a plus in my book.
I loved everything about this delightful place and as Tissington is set in such a wonderful area, it's certainly somewhere to return to time and again.
I just wish there were more public seats so it would possible to just sit and ponder for a while. And what did I buy - why locally produced ice cream of course - and it was absolutely gorgeous!!
March 20, 2012
Thoresby Country & Craft Fair 18th March 2012
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Thoresby Park must be the most perfect setting for a Country & Craft Fair for there is not only loads of room, but a shallow stream, ideal for the gun dog events. It certainly had something for everyone, including dozens of stalls selling everything from jewellery to fudge.
However, what I really enjoyed were all the activities. In the main arena there were falconry displays, gun dogs and ferrets. Although what I enjoyed the most was the Carriage Driving. (They called this a Scurry Championship.) One thing that was interesting was how different the little ponies were, and some were singletons and others were being driven in pairs. It clearly was very skillful as there was apparently only 4 inches on either side of the obstacles, and the animals were being driven at an impressive speed.
However, the area were I spent the most time, and really enjoyed was the Fun Dog Show were a real mix of dogs were being proudly displayed by their owners.
This was a really good day out - no wonder thousands were enjoying the early spring sunshine and all the entertainment on offer.
Thoresby Park must be the most perfect setting for a Country & Craft Fair for there is not only loads of room, but a shallow stream, ideal for the gun dog events. It certainly had something for everyone, including dozens of stalls selling everything from jewellery to fudge.
However, what I really enjoyed were all the activities. In the main arena there were falconry displays, gun dogs and ferrets. Although what I enjoyed the most was the Carriage Driving. (They called this a Scurry Championship.) One thing that was interesting was how different the little ponies were, and some were singletons and others were being driven in pairs. It clearly was very skillful as there was apparently only 4 inches on either side of the obstacles, and the animals were being driven at an impressive speed.
However, the area were I spent the most time, and really enjoyed was the Fun Dog Show were a real mix of dogs were being proudly displayed by their owners.
This was a really good day out - no wonder thousands were enjoying the early spring sunshine and all the entertainment on offer.
March 12, 2012
'The Devdonshire Arms'- Beeley - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
There has been an inn on this site since 1747 when three separate cottages were amalgamated. Then it was an important stopping point for visitors from London to the Peak District, somewhere they could both rest, get refreshments and change the horses. It is said that Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, and there is a rumour that King Edward VII often met his mistress Alice Keppel here.
Most of the interior is set out like the original 18th century coaching inn, and it is clear to see the individual cottages, which with a roaring fire was quite attractive. However, I walked right through until I reach this bright and airy conservatory area, which I much preferred.This is the exterior, and you can see how this glassed in room has been constructed.
I chose fish and chips which seemed to take ages to arrive and was very expensive. However, I did enjoy it, although considering the price it would have been nice to have cloths on the tables!
Perhaps I will go back for a special event, but not an ordinary, run of the mill meal
There has been an inn on this site since 1747 when three separate cottages were amalgamated. Then it was an important stopping point for visitors from London to the Peak District, somewhere they could both rest, get refreshments and change the horses. It is said that Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, and there is a rumour that King Edward VII often met his mistress Alice Keppel here.
Most of the interior is set out like the original 18th century coaching inn, and it is clear to see the individual cottages, which with a roaring fire was quite attractive. However, I walked right through until I reach this bright and airy conservatory area, which I much preferred.This is the exterior, and you can see how this glassed in room has been constructed. 
I chose fish and chips which seemed to take ages to arrive and was very expensive. However, I did enjoy it, although considering the price it would have been nice to have cloths on the tables!Perhaps I will go back for a special event, but not an ordinary, run of the mill meal
