“The food was great (probably the best in the area of Matlock and Matlock Bath). The latest Trip Advisor comment reads like this and the few I read are of similar ilk: I recommend staying here, eating here or just popping in for a drink. On learning I couldn’t have a drink, Marcel disappeared to the bar and brought me a huge glass of my favourite wine, wrapped in clingfilm as a take out! A man after my own heart. The wine flowed (for those of us not driving) and there was an abundance of chatter and laughter – it was the type of evening I used to enjoy when living in Europe – it’s just that something ‘extra’ that you don’t very often get in the UK. The devoted chef brought over a plate of fresh banana bread he had made for breakfast – what a treat that would be! I am told that as he often wakes early he creates delicious treats for the guests that you wouldn’t typically find on a hotel menu.įairly full, we asked chef to prepare us a small selection of desserts to sample and a creation almost too beautiful to eat arrived lemon posset, raspberry and lemon cheesecake and chocolate orange brownie/ torte pieces with fresh raspberries arrived so we tucked in and it all tasted as good as it looked. We were talking to Marcel and Jo after our meal and while they finally had time to eat their own we were admiring Jo’s dish of vegetable curry all served on a giant tortilla with deep fried rocket, which looked and smelled fantastic. This place is a hidden gem, there are 14 bedrooms (often full) which are luxurious and beautifully decorated and from talking to our host Marcel and his wife Jo, it is clear that nothing would ever be too much trouble, I think they would do almost anything to ensure that whether you are there for an evening or a longer stay, your satisfaction and happiness would be of paramount importance. It’s proper honest food, touched with ‘gastronomie’, the prices are ridiculously reasonable for the quality of both the ingredients and the cooking so you won’t be disappointed. The accompanying vegetables were served alongside and were seasonal and fresh.īoth portions were not for the faint hearted and extremely generous. The meat is super fresh and bursting with flavour, tender and tasty. Paul chose the lamb shanks garnished with fresh orange, which were on the ‘specials’ menu. To follow, I had chosen the belly pork, slow roasted and served on a bed of mustard mash which was exceptionally creamy, garnished with baked apples and the pork juice. Each paté had a different texture and completely different taste but all married well together. He came over to introduce himself after we chose our food, ably assisted by our friendly and helpful waitress, Alison.įor our starters we chose a selection of terrines and patés, all home-made and beautifully presented on slates with chutney and fresh bread.
HIGH TOR HOTEL FULL
Marcel, who runs the hotel, is a character, full of life and European bonhomie, originating in Belgium but as English is only his fourth language it gives you an idea of how well travelled he is. We sat to have a look through the menu, whilst sampling the wine – and agreed that it is perfect, enough choice without bamboozling you with options and leaving you worried as to the provenance (and cooking methods) of the dishes on offer. The dining room is clean and fresh, with fresh flowers highlighting the unusual windows, it was obvious from the outset that these were not bought from a supermarket it turns out they are supplied by a local lady from her garden – it’s a lovely touch and I would love to see the garden where they originated. A beautiful 19 th century building stands in stunning surroundings, nestled amongst the cliffs. Just past the cable cars and up the steep entrance slope on the left is High Tor Hotel. On a warm, balmy evening my dining partner Paul and I set out from Belper and meandered our way down the A6 and through Matlock Bath.