A highly-acclaimed restaurant in Derbyshire has received a prestigious nod from Michelin, the gold standard of food critics, with a spot in its esteemed Guide to top-notch eateries. The Bulls Head , situated in the quaint village of Holymoorside near the Peak District, earned an Inspector's addition to The Great Britain and Ireland selection of the Michelin Guide in July 2024. The village of Holymoorside can be found amongst hectares of rolling hills and farmland close to Beeley Moor on the edge of the 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. This recognition is a dream come 'true' for Patron and Head Chef Mark Aisthorpe, who has long aspired to see his establishment listed among the nation's best. According to the Michelin Guide, The Bulls Head has garnered a "strong following" for its "gastronomically adventurous" approach and the team's genuine enthusiasm for welcoming guests.
A Michelin spokesperson praised the chefs' exceptional skill in showcasing high-quality produce, citing the "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." The kitchen's ambition is evident in its tasting menu, available alongside a la carte options, all within the cosy confines of a traditional village pub.
There's also the possibility to book one of the pub's three rooms upstairs for a luxurious overnight stay. Located between the Peak District and Chesterfield, The Bulls Head has built a reputation for fine dining, having been named by Estrella Damm as 'One to Watch 2024' in January for its modern cuisine and "warm, friendly environment," reports Derbyshire Live . Mark Aisthorpe, the 32 year old chef who gained fame after appearing on BBC's Great British Menu in 2022, has expressed his deep appreciation for being recognized by the Michelin Guide: "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 .
" He added, "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.
" Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, The Bull's Head serves a variety of dishes ranging from its signature tasting menu a collection of small plates and canapes that include such delights as garlic mushrooms, king scallops, fettuccine, wild halibut and Derbyshire spring lamb, to an extensive a la carte selection. Sundays get their own special treatment with a dedicated menu, and wine connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice with over one hundred different wines to choose from. With its origins dating back to 1881, The Bull's Head, which has been gently refurbished through the years, now finds itself among a select group of just nine other restaurants in Derby featured in the Michelin Guide, four of which are located in the picturesque Peak District.
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. If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here.
