Derby Museum's Coffee House is the perfect place for a peaceful lunch on the go

Derby Museum wouldn’t be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about places to dine. 

But it should be, thanks to its coffee house serving light lunches, cream teas, hot and chilled beverages and more. 

I was visiting one of the exhibitions and realising I hadn’t eaten (it’s been a busy old week), spotted a welcoming sign at the on-site Coffee House.

Based at the museum’s location on The Strand, the café on the ground floor was a nice kind of busy. Not rammed, but with a harmonious thrum of muted conversation and the comforting clatter of plates.

I ordered Coronation chickpea sandwich on brown bread which came served with a salad garnish.

Other types of bread available were traditional English white roll (which I imagine is like a submarine roll) and tomato and basil focaccia. 

As I was in a no-nonsense mood I opted for brown bread. 

The lightly spiced filling was well seasoned and I enjoyed the chunky chickpeas.

I’m not a huge fan of raisins but the odd few seemed to work in this sandwich. 

Salad of leaves, freshly sliced cucumber and tomatoes lifted the meal too.

Good food aside, the ambiance of eating in a museum where I was flanked by cabinets filled with artefacts, provided a quaint background.

There is bar-style seating available towards the back, affording views across The Wardwick.

This felt like a special treat as the sun streamed through giant floor-to-ceiling windows.

As Derby weather is expected to see double-digit temperatures, the museum may be a nice place to visit to enjoy lunch in the sunshine - but indoors. 

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I really enjoyed my time in the café. 

Service is polite, friendly and efficient, the food is fresh and tasty, and this is why I think Derby Museum Coffee House is one of the most underrated, downright ace, lunch spots in the city.

Coronation chickpea sandwich £5

Fentimans apple drink £2.20

Total £7.20

Location: Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS

For more information click here.