A Derbyshire dining spot, already laden with accolades, has clinched a spot in the illustrious Michelin Guide . The Bulls Head in Holymoorside, a quaint village just a stone's throw from the Peak District, was honoured with an Inspector's nod in The Great Britain and Ireland selection of the Michelin Guide for July 2024. Holymoorside can be found amongst hectares of rolling hills and farmland close to Beeley Moor on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
It's also a short drive from one of the Peak District's most famous destinations - Bakewell - which is famed for its namesake pudding. The coveted listing celebrates Patron and Head Chef Mark Aisthorpe's long-cherished dream, marking his establishment among the nation's culinary elite since taking the helm of the pub. Recognised by Michelin for cultivating a "strong following" through "gastronomically adventurous" offerings, The Bulls Head boasts a team deeply committed to making guests feel at home.
Michelin praised The Bulls Head's kitchen, proclaiming: "The chefs show great skill in spotlighting their quality produce, like super-fresh wild seabass cooked to perfection with a delicious crispy skin. The kitchen shows great ambition within the pub surroundings, with a tasting menu available alongside a la carte." Nestled between the charms of the Peak District and Chesterfield, The Bulls Head enjoys rave reviews for its fine dining prowess.
In January, Estrella Damm included the pub in its 'One to Watch 2024' list, recognizing its modern cuisine flanked by a "warm, friendly environment," reports Derbyshire Live . Chef Mark Aisthorpe, 32, catapulted into the limelight in 2022 after featuring on BBC's Great British Menu, has expressed his elation at a recent honour from the culinary world, remarking: "I am totally overwhelmed and in gratitude to Michelin Guide for this prestigious award which recognises our dedication to quality, innovation and excellence within the culinary world. "The hard work staff and I have put into achieving this honour is a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience.
I am so proud of what the Bulls Head stands for and the magnificent efforts of each and every member of the team. I can't thank Michelin Guide enough for this amazing accolade." At Derby's The Bulls Head, diners are treated to an array of gourmet offerings.
Its signature tasting menu boasts a medley of refined small plates and canapes, including sumptuous garlic mushrooms, succulent king scallops, handmade fettuccine, delicate wild halibut, and a local favourite, Derbyshire spring lamb. Besides the tasting menu, guests can also delve into a traditional a la carte selection, indulge in a hearty Sunday spread or explore an extensive wine list with over a hundred choices. Steeped in history since 1881, and having undergone a number of refurbishments, The Bulls Head proudly joins an exclusive club of just nine eateries featured in the Derby area on the Michelin Guide, among which four reside in the Peak District as well.
There's also the possibility to book one of the pub's three rooms upstairs for a luxurious overnight stay. Also, if you're an animal fan, the village also boasts its own riding school, offering lessons and hacking to the masses. The location of the village means that the school is blessed with a variety of routes through the scenic Peak District surroundings.
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