This is The Old Smithy at Monyash. Heart of the Peak District. Not far from
This is proper food. I'm often not that bothered about ingredients and all that - it's not necessarily the important bit of a fry-up. But this is high-quality stuff. You get the feeling this pig was hiking around the dale only 5 minutes ago. And the chips and everything else are delicious.
Half of the place is this magnificent old room, covered in musical instruments and odd paraphenalia. It feels like powerful node in the Peak District walking/folk music/real ale matrix. Splendid place.
But they're not resting on their laurels. There's a nice new extension around the back, a little extra room for when they get busy. This is where we sat.
A fry-up in the winter and ice-cream in the summer. That's the British countryside experience.
Oh wow! Someone else who has unearthed the delights of the Smithy.
They serve the BEST breakfast in Derbyshire - I particularly recommend the breakfast with oatcakes. Perfect for a post-Lathkil Dale walk.
Posted by: Kirsty | June 21, 2005 at 01:29 PM
I agree wholeheartedly with all the above comments. My wife Jasmine and I have sampled the Smithy breakfast on many occasions and we return as often as possible for another large helping. Once you've tackled this generously sized dish (or it's vegetarian counterpart as my wife does), I guarantee that you will leave here a lot happier and probably a good few pounds heavier too
Posted by: Andrew & Jasmine Houghton | August 23, 2005 at 01:08 PM
It's great. But does it surpass the Grindleford Sation Cafe?
Posted by: Dude | January 06, 2006 at 01:47 PM
Top class place - great grub - good atmosphere - set in some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain.
Plus at night it turns from a caff into a nice restaurant with very good cooking.
Posted by: Denis Mooney | March 08, 2006 at 12:12 PM
Went again one evening last week and they were still bang on their game. Excellent food served in a very friendly atmosphere. Well worth a visit! Or two!
Posted by: Denis Mooney | August 16, 2006 at 05:50 PM
Having been a fan of the Old Smithy and EBCB I was very sad to learn about the death of Ed Driscoll the cheery owner. I believe his two sons have now taken over. I wish them every success in making this a fitting memorial to Ed and good honest food.
Posted by: James Prince | August 20, 2006 at 11:18 PM
Boulevard cafe on corporation road grimsby has a fantastc menue and the breakfasts are great,also the prices unbelievable ( 2 breakfasts and 2 coffees for under £4 for the 2, the place is tatty but the food great and for tho's on diets the breakfasts are griddled not fried and good quality too.. :)
Posted by: Sue | September 01, 2006 at 01:40 PM
If you liked this, then try The Courtyard in Hope. It's set back a little from the main road so keep an eye out for the signs. The new management have transformed it into a friendly, welcoming cafe serving the best breakfast I've had all year. It also turns into an intimate restaurant at night (you need to book though) serving excellent food at prices well worth a visit (or several)
Posted by: Emily Heath | December 23, 2006 at 08:38 PM
Aaah an excellent place. Although when I was here I settled for a bottle of cold Peroni after a walk around Bakewell then Monyash. I've lived in Derbyshire 22 years and never visited this village, what a pleasant surprise it was.
Perhaps if I can coax someone to walk Lathkil with me I shall try this splendid breakfast.
Posted by: Gwilym | August 16, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Looks like a good breakfast!
Posted by: Derbyshire Expert | December 11, 2007 at 07:08 PM