We feel very lucky to be based in Chesterfield. We have a choice of heading out west into the Peak District or east into the flatlands of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
Many of our rides end up an eatery of some kind or another. Here’s a few of our current favourites for if you are ever up our way.
David Mellor – Hathersage
Sat on the edge of the popular Peak District village of Hathersage, this cafe is in the grounds of David Mellor’s eponymous cutlery factory. Also in the same building is a small design museum and factory shop. At Christmas time they usually get a classic sports car inside the cafe to carry the presents. There is also a free factory tour on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. http://www.davidmellordesign.com/visitor-centre/
No Car Cafe- Rushup
High upon the hills above the iconic climbs of Winnats and Mam Nick sits Rushup Hall. Due to it’s location whichever way you get to it (even from the Western side) it involves a monster of a slog up hill. The cafe is in a barn conversion and is so called because it has no car parking – just somewhere to lean your bike or tether your horse. The food is freshly cooked and tea is served in huge tea pots. Definitely worth the effort to get to. http://www.rushophall.com/
Loaf – Crich
Crich is one of those picture postcard villages that was used in the 1990’s TV series Peak Practice. As the name suggests Loaf is a bakery, so you are spoilt for choice of what to have your sandwiches made from. Like the No Car Cafe (above) this eatery has table service which is a nice touch. It also offers cookery courses if you want to find out some of the methods and secrets behind their delicious fare. http://www.theloaf.co.uk/
Highfield House Farm – Stonedge
Located on the edge of Chesterfield this farm has its own shop and cafe. A lot of the meat in their food is from the farm is used in their food so as you look out of the window and gaze across the fields you can see what you will be potentially eating in a few months time. The cafe makes what we at Velotastic consider to be the gold standard benchmark full English breakfast. http://www.highfieldhousefarm.co.uk
Ilam Hall – Ashbourne
Ilam Park is a 158 acre estate situated just north of Ashbourne. This stately pile was built in the 1820’s for the Watts Russell family and in the early part of the 20th century was nearly demolished. Luckily it was saved by a local philanthropist and given to the National Trust to maintain. There is also a Youth Hostel on site if you fancy staying a little longer. Being run by the trust the fare is their usual high quality, but what makes this property is the view across the Italianate gardens towards Dove Dale. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak
The Apron – Gamston
Airport eateries usually conjour up the image of cardboard sandwiches and tepid coffee. However the Apron bucks this trend with delicious food and lovely drinks. Situated at Retford – Gamston airfield just off the A1 which is primarily used for light aviation, this cafe has rightly become popular with local riders. http://www.retfordairport.co.uk/the-apron-cafe/
