I visited The Farmhouse at Mackworth and was blown away by the friendly staff and roaring fire

I’m always on the lookout for good pubs to add to my must-visit list, which features around 10 at the moment.

One of the things I rate is customer service - throw in a good menu, plus a roaring fire and you’ve pretty much guaranteed my return. 

I have visited The Farmhouse at Mackworth Derby a number of times and always enjoyed the experience, which was made extra special on my last visit, thanks to a hearty meal and a cosy fire. It was just what I needed on a chilly November weekend.

The building is an 18th-century farmhouse that boasts views across the Peak District. 

There is lots of exposed timber and antique-looking wood that I think could tell a tale or two. This adds to the cosy atmosphere as it welcomes you to hunker down, get comfy, and enjoy good food and drink.

The menu is eclectic with wide-ranging dishes including baked Camembert, honey and mustard glazed ham hock, chicken burgers, Sirloin steak, hand-stretched pizzas and more.

It was a Sunday and for some reason, I wasn’t in the mood for anything ‘Sunday lunchy.’

Breaking with tradition and shunning popular opinion - everyone else at the table ordered Sunday lunch - I decided to go rogue and have the Signature Sharer. 

Five is a good number of items on the plate as I just wanted to graze.

Baked lamb koftas were dense and subtly spiced. I would have liked to see a little more yogurt, perhaps in a small dipping container and not on top of the kofta, but this is not a negative and more a personal choice. 

I loved buttermilk chicken tenders whose batter was lighter than anything I have eaten in a long time. The chilies on top provided a good fiery kick and also made the tenders pretty festive to look at (I see Christmas everywhere and it is a good thing!).

The BBQ cauliflower wings seemed to be just a little dry but they tasted great. I enjoyed swiping the flatbread triangles through the generous pot of hummus, but I would have enjoyed it more if the flatbread had been warm.

Many restaurants now serve smaller portions for children, but these work just as well for adults who can’t handle a full-on roast.

A dish ordered at the table was Kids Roast Beef which had a giant slice of succulent beef - probably the most generous meat option we have seen on a smaller portioned roast in a Derby pub.

The usual suspects to be found on a Sunday roast were also delicious.

A fist-sized Yorkshire pudding sat on top of the plate, seasonal greens and braised red cabbage were well cooked, and roasted carrots had a hint of maple syrup to render the dish appetising as hell. 

All this scrumptious food sat in a pool of red wine gravy which was meaty and delectable - I could easily order a side of chips and dunk away at my heart’s content.

Another Kids Roast ordered at the table was the Veggie Sausages option. The sausages were well seasoned and the diner really enjoyed their entire dish. 

Overall the food was very good, and that roaring fire was utterly gorgeous.

But a key highlight of the visit was the fabulous customer service courtesy of Oliva. She was attentive without being intrusive and her enthusiasm made our stay at Farmhouse such a memorable one.

Yes, the food has to be good, but customer service is one of my top priorities. When an eatery goes above and beyond, it really registers with me, which is why Farmhouse is in my top 10 places to visit in Derby. 

For food that doesn’t cost the earth, and for really generous roast options, The Farmhouse at Mackworth will not disappoint.

What I ate at The Farmhouse at Mackworth Derby

Cost of food without drinks

Signature Sharer £17.95

Kid’s Roast Beef £8.95

Kid’s Veggie Sausages £8.95

Address: Ashbourne Road, Mackworth, Derby DE22 4LY

For more information about The Farmhouse at Mackworth visit their website by clicking here.