Chef shares top three places for lunch in Derbyshire including country pub serving 15 pies
The chef's recommendations includes a rustic Derbyshire pub serving a traditional Sunday lunch
One of your New Year’s resolutions (remember those?) might have been to venture out and try new restaurants and dining experiences.
But there are hundreds of restaurants and eateries in Derbyshire, which can make your food adventure a little daunting.
So, as part of our chefs’ recommendation series, we're speaking to local food heroes and asking them to share their top places to eat in the county.
We think this is a great way to get to know a little bit more about them, and the person behind the plate of food they are serving.
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Meet Ralph Skripek
Ralph Skripek, 56, from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is Chef Director at The Butler’s Pantry catering firm.
His love for food started from a young age, kickstarting a career that has taken him to the highlands of Scotland, the shores of Brighton, and abroad to Saint Moritz and Germany.
In 2003 he opened a tearoom and bistro in Mickleover, and a successful outside catering company followed.
Here are Ralph’s top lunch recommendations in Derbyshire
The Palfrey at New Inn
A lunch hotspot that Ralph rates is The Palfrey At New Inn.
The restaurant relocated from Derby city centre to its current location in the picturesque village of Milford in 2021.
Ralph said: “I was recently impressed with The Palfrey when I dined there. I had a traditional Sunday lunch with a plate full of tender meat, and no skimp on the vegetables and potatoes.
“The restaurant itself has wonderful views and a rustic style of décor. The service was excellent on the day I visited, attentive but not overly, which is sometimes a fine line.”
Ambiance and service are big parts of a dining experience. Yet the versatility of a venue - will it be welcoming in all seasons? - can often be overlooked.
This is definitely not the case at The Palfrey We like how Ralph is looking forward to the sun making an appearance (so are we).
Ralph said: “There is seating outside the restaurant, so it's on my radar to visit on a warm summer evening, beer in hand.”
Address: Hopping Hill, Milford, Belper DE56 0RL
The Red Lion, Hollington, Ashbourne
Sometimes only hearty, wholesome food will do and Ralph’s next pick celebrates the epitome of rustic fayre… the humble pie.
Ralph said: “For a more casual dining experience I would recommend The Red Lion at Hollington.
“It's a traditional country pub that serves 15 different pies, 28 sides and 14 types of gravy. And, of course, a traditional Sunday lunch if you're not fussed about pies!
“As a pie maker myself, the Red Lion pies are pretty good and I'd recommend a visit, particularly on a Tuesday which is Pie Night.
Address: Main Street, Hollington, Ashbourne DE6 3HA
Bistrot Pierre, Friar Gate Derby
The final eatery recommendation is a bustling bistro that has been serving the good people of Derby for nearly three decades.
It is the atmosphere and French dishes that Ralph waxes lyrical about.
He said: “For a typical bistro atmosphere I would recommend Bistro Pierre on Friar Gate. They serve well-priced, classic dishes with a French twist, that are not overly complicated. There is also a good choice for every palate.”
The versatility of the smart casual eatery is a hit with Ralph who said: “The ambience is spot on for either a relaxing meal for two or a celebration. I particularly like to be seated in the upstairs area which is slightly quieter.
“The bistro has a European feel, and the service has always been excellent each time I have visited.”
Address: 18 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1BX
For more information about Ralph and Butler’s Pantry visit the website by clicking here.