Ramblers Retreat

Its a great place to eat and drink and if you love walking its by some great walks

On Sunday went to Meynell Trial Gardens in Derbyshire, next to Keldelstone Hall. We’d taken a picnic for lunch, hoping to find a good pub for the evening
meal when both of us said lets have a hot luinch and save the picnic for tea.
Ramblers Retreat sprang to both our mind so off we went. We were in luck although busy there was room in the New «Snug». The Ale & Mushroom pie
was fab-​ulous (Mine) the shank of lamb tasty (the wife) a good cup of tea, coupled with excellent service and chat was just the best. In between courses I nipped out to bird watch in the hide then back in for the crumble/​custard. We’d just come back from 2wks in France this was a great home coming. We’ve never failed to enjoy a visit here a real gem. Wonder if they’re open New Years Day must phone.

We visited the Ramblers Retreat today after seeing so many positive reviews. We were, however, a little disappointed. The outdoor areas table covers were left unwiped for long periods of time. Our tea, when it arrived, was served in pots which looked as though they needed a much more thorough washing. The tea cups felt they had a faint residue on the inside, so much so I attempted to clean mine with the napkin.
On a positive note, we did not have long to wait for our food. The toasted sandwiches were quite nice but the accompanying salad leaves looked to be on the way out and the chips, although hot, were quite soggy and definitely not the best we have ever tasted by far.
Overall, quite a disappointing experience for somewhere that could be remarkable. The building and surrounding area are beautiful but we will not be paying a second visit. It makes one wonder whether they are trading on their past success and are now taking it somewhat for granted. Standards need to be maintained, once achieved and there is still some room for improvement.

Great café/​restaurant set in stunning scenery. Fantastic walks right on the doorstep and the food and atmosphere is fantastic.

Fabulous food, and a very high quality of good fashioned service, great prices right from snacks through to a formal meal. Very easy on the eye, great surroundings of an area called Dimminsdale set between the villages of Alton and Oakamoor in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Booking is essential to get a beautiful meal here. I have eaten here in the past on a regular basis and then taken a walk in the area of beauty and next to the River Churnet, watching the wildlife, watching the river, winding its way through., or walk the other way through the woodland. Quite sturdy walking even for pushchairs apart from when its been raining hard when Wellies are a must!!!