Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>From traditional pubs to Michelin fine-dining, grab your sunnies, your pals and  your pooch, and check out our picks of the best riverside eateries near you. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://darleys.com/">DARLEYS, DARLEY ABBEY</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-8.jpg" alt="Riverside restaurant: Darleys, Derby
" class="wp-image-1178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-8-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-8-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-8-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-8-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Darleys </figcaption></figure>



<p>You couldn’t get a more idyllic location for a fine dining restaurant. Darleys sits by the water’s edge of the River Derwent in Darley Abbey Mills – part of the <a href="http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/plan-your-visit/derby/visit-derby-abbey-mills-village/">Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.</a> </p>



<p>The mill building has over 200 years of history, and is now fronted by a local father-and-son team: Lee Bebbington and Robert Ellis, along with Michelin trained Executive Chef Chris Marshall. You can dine on one of two outdoor terraces or the inside the classy saloon. </p>



<p>We have to say, Darleys certainly lives up to its two AA rosettes. Along with gorgeous lunches and knockout dinner options, you can pop in for posh breakfast too. Enjoy drop scones with seasonal berries and crème fraiche or if you’re celebrating, treat yourseld to the five-course English breakfast with sparkling wine. Booking is recommended for this on – Darleys is open every day except Monday and Tuesday. </p>



<p>Darleys, Haslams Lane, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1DZ</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.clockwarehousepub.co.uk/">THE CLOCK WAREHOUSE, SHARDLOW</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-21-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1253" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-21-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-21-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-21.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: The Clock Warehouse </figcaption></figure>



<p>Built in 1780, this former mill building now houses The Clock Warehouse. A traditional county pub in some gorgeous surroundings. A nod to its industrial past, it&#8217;s conveniently situated on the Trent and Mersey Canal with views that would be wasted on the workers!&nbsp;</p>



<p>Not far from Derby, <a href="https://www.clockwarehousepub.co.uk/">The Clock Warehouse</a> makes for a great <em>Sunday-lunch-with-a-stomp</em> spot. And in the summer, head to the beer garden and settle in with a tipple. (No guarantees you&#8217;ll be able to drag yourself away.) </p>



<p>On the menu, there&#8217;s classic pub fare with a few twisty specials so it&#8217;s a good one for the family. Inside, it&#8217;s cosy with exposed beams and bags of charm. But be sure to nab a table by the canal and watch the boats drift by. </p>



<p>The Clock Warehouse, Shardlow, Derby DE72 2GL</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.tombrowns.co.uk/">TOM BROWNS BRASSERIE, GUNTHORPE</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-10.jpg" alt="Riverside restaurant: Tom Browns Brasserie" class="wp-image-1184" width="613" height="920" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-10-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-10-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-10-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-10-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Tom Browns Brasserie </figcaption></figure>



<p>For some award-winning dining on the leafy banks of the River Trent, look no further than Tom Browns Brasserie. <br><br>Beloved by Notts locals, Tom Browns has a sterling reputation for quality food without the pomp. You can dine from an A La Carte menu, some of the best Sunday roast in town or pick up afternoon tea with an outdoor twist (read more about this over on our <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/afternoon-tea/best-afternoon-teas-uk-2/">Afternoon Tea picks</a> post). Kids are welcome, but with the heated outdoor terrace, you may want to save this trip for date night. </p>



<p>Trentside, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7FB</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/millstream-bar-and-terrace-castle-donington">MILLSTREAM BAR AND TERRACE AT PRIEST HOUSE HOTEL&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-24-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1257" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-24-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-24-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-24-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-24-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-24.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Millstream Bar and Terrace at The Priest House Hotel </figcaption></figure>



<p>With an idyllic riverside setting, it’s no wonder the Priest House Hotel doubles as a picture-perfect wedding venue. As one of the oldest buildings in Castle Donington, the Norman Mill Tower was noted in the Doomsday Book <em>and </em>owned by the crown until 1581. But you don’t have to be a wedding guest (or related to royalty) to enjoy meals at the <a href="https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/millstream-bar-and-terrace-castle-donington">Millstream Bar and Terrace</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Offering a seasonal menu packed with regional produce such as trout and guinea fowl, you can dine al fresco and enjoy the views. Whether you’re looking for somewhere special for Sunday lunch, or want to take your mum to afternoon tea, you’ll be in for a treat.</p>



<p>Millstream Bar and Terrace at The Priest House, Kings Mills, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RR&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.redcatpubcompany.com/pubs/nottinghamshire/waterside-bar-and-kitchen">WATERSIDE BAR + KITCHEN, WEST BRIDGFORD</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-12.jpg" alt="Riverside restaurant: Waterside" class="wp-image-1185" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-12.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-12-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Waterside Bar + Kitchen</figcaption></figure>



<p>Sports fans will <em>love</em> this venue. Just a stone&#8217;s throw from the iconic Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and Nottingham Forest&#8217;s ground, <a href="https://www.redcatpubcompany.com/pubs/nottinghamshire/waterside-bar-and-kitchen">Waterside</a> sits right on the banks of the River Trent. <br><br>The riverside courtyard is a sun trap overlooking the water so it&#8217;s a cool little haunt for a summer&#8217;s eve. And for drizzly days, the conservatory is also an option for some outdoor-indoor vibes. <br><br>There&#8217;s a contemporary menu of dishes (smalls plates and brunch are available all week) on offer and some proper fancy cocktails. Plus, there&#8217;s live music every Friday for a post-work, wind-down session. </p>



<p>Trentside N, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5GJ</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.stones-restaurant.co.uk/">STONES, MATLOCK</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock.jpeg" alt="Riverside restaurant: Stones, Matlock" class="wp-image-134" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock.jpeg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/04/Stones-Matlock-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Stones </figcaption></figure>



<p>One for the fine diners, this intimate basement venue is tucked away in the heart of Matlock. It&#8217;s contemporary and deceptively airy with large windows that open onto a conservatory <em>and</em> a riverside terrace perched above the Derwent. <br><br>With a clean, modern feel and awards aplenty (including two AA rosettes for culinary excellence), you can expect some top nosh and quaff. Book for a low key lunch or romantic A La Carte dinner. Want to try it all? There are delicious tasting menus on offer, or dine at their popular Sunday Lunch Club.&nbsp;Be warned, Stones is very popular so be prepared to book well in advance. <br><br>Local tip, this is the only place you can eat by the river in Matlock so take advantage. Order that pudding. </p>



<p>Stones Restaurant, 1c Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3LT</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/swanandsalmonnewark/">SWAN AND SALMON, NEWARK </a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-22-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1255" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-22-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-22-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-22-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-22-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-22.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Swan and Salmon, Newark</figcaption></figure>



<p>A favourite haunt for Newark folk, the Swan and Salmon stands proudly overlooking Newark Town Lock. It&#8217;s neighbour is the stunning Newark Castle. This listed 12th century monument was the scene of the death of King John in 1216. In less dramatic ways, the team at the Swan and Salmon are keen for it to make its own mark. So in 2021, the restaurant had a huge £400k renovation. <br><br>With all the classics, along with some seasonal specials and sharing boards, this is great spot for the whole family. Sit alongside the canal for a some al fresco dining or head up to the gorgeous Upper Deck Dining Room. Arriving on boat? Not a problem, just moor right outside. </p>



<p>34 Castle Gate, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1BG<br>Tel: 01636 558188 </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://thedragonatwillington.co.uk/">THE DRAGON, WILLINGTON</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-23-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1256" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-23-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-23-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-23-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-23-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-23.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: The Dragon</figcaption></figure>



<p>Sitting on the border of three counties: Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, <a href="https://thedragonatwillington.co.uk/">The Dragon at Willington</a> is a local institution with more than 150 years of history. Popular with diners, drinkers, walkers and boaters who come to enjoy the glorious scenery, it&#8217;s been recently renovated and restored.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the 70-seater restaurant, courtyard and beer garden which backs onto the canal. And if it&#8217;s looking a bit grey overhead, get settled in the conservatory or the super-cute &#8216;Igloo pods&#8217;. </p>



<p>Take your partner for a date night or stop off with the kids for hearty pub-food, snacks and sandwiches. From 7am Monday-Friday, there&#8217;s a champagne breakfast on offer too so gather your gang for this one. </p>



<p>The Dragon, 11 The Green, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6BP</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://riversidehousehotel.co.uk/">RAFTERS AT RIVERSIDE HOUSE</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-9.jpg" alt="Riverside restaurant: Rafters at Riverside House" class="wp-image-1182" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-9-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-9-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-9-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/08/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-9-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Rafters at Riverside House</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re looking for picturesque, countryside villages, they don&#8217;t come quainter than Ashford-in-the-Water – home to Rafters at Riverside House. </p>



<p>On the banks of the River Wye, Rafters at Riverside House is a new venture from the Rafters Restaurant in Sheffield team. The hotel has recently undergone a massive renovation, and restaurant has been making some culinary waves too. 2 AA Rosettes <em>and</em> inclusion in the Michelin Guide 2022 did you say? </p>



<p>If you&#8217;re dining indoors, there&#8217;s a fantastic, seasonal A La Carte menu or try out the 6-course tasting menu if you&#8217;re indecisive. Sundays are a dream with the much-loved, Highland Wagyu roast. For garden diners, there&#8217;s a lush picky menu of sharers, nibbles, cocktails and steaks. </p>



<p>Fennel St, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell DE45 1QF</p>


9 riverside restaurants for lunch by the water

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