Best places for Sunday lunch in Derbyshire, according to local food blogger Molly Scott
We caught up with Molly Scott whose food appreciation journey has seen her switch careers to a successful blog and small business
Derbyshire is a county made for foodies. With more than our fair share of delicious local delicacies, it’s no wonder so many people flock here to get their gob around a Bakewell Tart or Oatcake!
In addition to serving up some amazing treats, our county is also renowned for its blogging scene. With passionate people taking to social media to share their reviews and recommendations.
Here at Derby World we’re passionate about giving you a platform to rave about the places you think make our county so special. Which is why we couldn’t wait to catch up with local influencer Molly Scott.
Meet food guru Molly Scott
Molly Scott has been micro-blogging in various forms for as long as she can remember.
Today she uses her website, Lovely Local Indie and her associated Instagram account, @mollyinderbyshire where she’s amassed over 13k followers, to share her favourite independent places to eat, drink, and go for days out in Derbyshire and beyond.
Molly said: “I am passionate about supporting small, local businesses. I hope my reviews and recommendations shine a light on some of the hidden gems we have here in Derbyshire.
“I’ve always loved eating out and discovering gorgeous new places to go.”
Preferring to spotlight independent businesses, Molly said: “I just think, as a general rule, the overall experience is just so much better, so much more authentic, at independents.
Read more: Love Derby
“Ingredients are much more likely to be locally sourced and thus fresher and more sustainable at indie cafes and restaurants.
“I think people would be shocked if they realised just how much is pre-prepared at big chain restaurants.”
The success of her blog has led to a career change for Molly, who previously worked as a sociology teacher at Heanor Gate Science College.
In addition to her blogging, Molly works with small businesses to help them with their social media and marketing.
For more information about Molly visit her website by clicking here.
Here are Molly’s top spots for a Sunday Roast in Derbyshire.
The Dining Room 121, Derby
Molly thinks the best Sunday lunch to be had in Derby is at The Dining Room on Friar Gate.
She said: “This bistro style restaurant’s winning combination of ‘classically contemporary dishes’ made from the finest quality local produce is served in a relaxed setting with a very warm welcome.
“There’s usually a choice of three roasts, a ‘catch of the day’ fish dish and a vegetarian option.
“Roasts are perfectly cooked and pan gravy is delicious. I’m really picky about where gravy goes on a roast and love that it’s served in a little jug here.”
Address: The Dining Room, 121 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1EX
For more information visit the restaurant’s website by clicking here.
The Tickled Trout, Barlow
Quaint name aside, this gastropub is Molly’s all-time favourite place to be in the entire world - high praise indeed!
She said: “Based just outside Chesterfield and on the edge of the Peak District, this is also my local too.
“Chef Patron Chris Mapp is a passionate advocate about the provenance and quality of ingredients.
“I love the Trout any time of day or night, but their roast is really very special, and is my family’s ‘go-to’ place.
“The roast menu never changes, it’s Derbyshire roast beef, roasted Derbyshire pork loin, ‘a bit of both’, a fish dish (always caught daily from Cornish waters) or a vegetarian option – but they also run their sourdough pizza menu – for anyone fancying something a bit different.”
The Tickled Trout holds a special place in Molly’s heart - it is the first place she learned to appreciate rare meat.
She said: “As a foodie, I’ve always been a bit ashamed to say I leaned to the ‘well done’ side of life. But Chris’ slow cooked beef has just about converted me.”
Molly rates the “immaculate” Yorkshire puddings and seasoned sides such as caraway seeded steamed cabbage.
Address: The Tickled Trout, 33 Valley Road, Dronfield S18 7SL
For more information visit the restaurant’s website by clicking here.
The Maynard at Grindleford
For those who fancy a drive out into the Peak District, this one’s for you.
Molly said: “From our home in Chesterfield, getting to The Maynard in the picturesque village of Grindleford involves the most stunning drive out over the moors of the Longshaw Estate.
“It’s probably only a 25-minute journey but it really feels like I’ve been somewhere lovely, and that in itself ticks a box in my soul.
“The Maynard’s Sunday roast menu is served alongside its main menu.
“This is a great place to go if not everyone in your party fancies a roast and there are gluten-free options too.”
Molly is a fan of ‘perfectly cooked’ roast meat sourced from local butchers and farmers.
She said: “Trimmings are plentiful, from maple-glazed root vegetables to duck fat herb-roasted potatoes and proper gravy.”
Address: The Maynard, Main Road, Grindleford, Hope Valley S32 2HE
For more information about restaurant based in the boutique hotel, visit their website by clicking here.