Item: The Apple Tree Bar & Grill Derby
Author: Ria Ghei

The Apple Tree Bar & Grill Derby is 10 minutes’ away from Derby city centre | Image Ria Ghei

Despite the blazing sunshine it is still quite chilly here in Derby, making it ideal weather for heartier dishes such as roasts and curries.

The last time I visited The Apple Tree Bar & Grill it felt warmer, which is why I tried their mixed grill platter.

This time round I was craving a hot curry to stave off the cold.

So, hunkered into my winter coat, I made the journey to the restaurant that is 10 minutes’ away from Derby city centre.

Based on Station Road, The Apple Tree Bar & Grill looks the same as it did on my previous visit, but it hides a beautiful secret.

Epic transformation

Pillar candles and a spring wreath gives a warm welcome, similar to that in a high end spa Photo Ria Ghei

The interior has had a big ‘glow up’ with luxe décor that makes it a pretty place to chill out in.

Spider lighting hanging from wooden beams, and plush carpet underfoot makes the dining room a cosy place to be Photo Ria Ghei

On my first visit earlier this month, the owner informed me that the pub was mid-upgrade.

Carpets have now been put down and there is a wood burner near the bar.

Candles, tall vases and spider lighting give the dining room an elegant, grown-up feel.

The wide ranging menu offers plenty of options.

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Starters include tandoori paneer, hot meat puri and garlic chilli mushrooms.

Vegetarian dishes featured are daal makhani and chana masala.

This is good to see, as a diner who frequently accompanies me is a veggie.

Then there’s mixed grills, biryanis, curries and sides of roti, rice and naan.

Dishes are reasonably priced too and on the day we dined, complimentary crisp and fresh poppadoms with chutneys arrived at the table with a flourish.

Fresh poppadoms with mint and mango chutneys were crunched through in minutes Photo Ria Ghei

My main of Chicken Mirch Masala had a rounded flavour profile with a tangy tomato base and punchy garam masala.

Mirch Masala Chicken curry had the perfect amount of fresh chilli, ginger and spices Photo Ria Ghei

Buttery naan remained soft with a delicate chew for the full duration of the meal, which is a rarity.

Warm naan was so good, I could have eaten the soft triangles on their own Photo Ria Ghei

Dining partner had Chicken Bhuna whose base had the perfect hit of dhana giru (ground coriander and ground cumin). He mopped up his curry with hot roti equally as soft in texture to my naan.

Chicken Bhuna served with a garnish of sliced tomato was a hit at the table Photo Ria Ghei

Both curries’ base had an excellent emulsion, boasting succulent chicken chunks served in generous portions.

The cooking at The Apple Tree Bar & Grill is faultless. The team of talented chefs certainly know what they are doing.

Thanks to the owners’ attention to detail, there is a much improved ambiance leading to a classy upgrade of the dining room.

It is for these reasons that I believe The Apple Tree Bar & Grill is one of the hottest restaurants to enjoy good food minus a hefty price tag, in Derby.

What we ate at The Apple Tree Bar & Grill Derby

Mirch Masala Chicken £10.95
Chicken Bhuna £9.95
Naan £2.50
Roti x2 (£2 each so £4)

Total (not including service charge) £27.40

Address: The Apple Tree Bar & Grill Derby, Station Road, Spondon, Derby DE21 7NE

For more information about the restaurant, visit their social page (the old Canal Turn branding hasn't changed yet) by clicking here.

We discover The Apple Tree Bar & Grill curries are pure joy in Derby

What we ate at The Apple Tree Bar & Grill Derby