Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-oven-1024x683.jpg" alt="inside harpurs of melbourne restaurant" class="wp-image-12172" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-oven-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-oven-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-oven-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-oven.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Slap bang in the heart of the beautiful south Derbyshire village of Melbourne, bustling pub <a href="https://harpursofmelbourne.co.uk/">Harpurs</a> has dialled up its foodie offering with a grown-up makeover. With a new lick of paint and elegant accessories, the downstairs dining room (which shares the ground floor with the Tap Room bar) is more inviting for evening pub grub. Upstairs is the slightly more formal restaurant, split into an open, family-friendly area with view of the pizza chefs and pizza oven, and a more intimate dining room better suited to date night dinners or grown-up get-togethers.</p>



<p>With nine fresh, contemporary bedrooms and suites, you can stay over too and make a proper escape of it exploring all that this arty, quirky village has to offer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-new-refurb2.jpg" alt="new refurb at harpurs of melbourne derbyshire" class="wp-image-12171" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-new-refurb2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-new-refurb2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-new-refurb2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-new-refurb2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-new-refurb2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I visited early on a Saturday evening and the Tap Room was already buzzing, Through the swing door the downstairs bar/restaurant was a bit calmer but starting to fill up. It’s a nice space, with muted, chalky blue walls and teal banquettes that add a touch of class. It’s not super-luxe – this is still at heart a village pub &#8211; but the décor definitely signals a more elegant environment.</p>



<p>Upstairs, where we ate, feels more restaurant-y. The wood-fired stove and open pizza kitchen takes centre stage at the back of a spacious, open plan area. It’s all white beams and high, vaulted ceilings – ideal for groups.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-restaurant-1024x683.jpg" alt="restaurant at harpurs melbourne derbyshire" class="wp-image-12175" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-restaurant-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-restaurant-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-restaurant-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-restaurant.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>We were led around the corner to another spacious, but more intimate, dining area. There were a few other tables already seated – double dates and couples – but we weren’t out of place as a family of four. As with all the <a href="https://bespokeinns.co.uk/">Bespoke Inns </a>venues I’ve visited, the service was top notch from the start. These guys know how to do hospitality and are wizards at putting everyone at ease and making you feel welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-starter-1024x683.jpg" alt="melted camembert starter" class="wp-image-12164" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-starter-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-starter-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-starter-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-starter.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>That open kitchen and look-at-me wood-fired pizza oven is the clue here. The pizzas are to die for and there’s plenty of choice (including an Avventuriero if you fancy going off-piste and conjuring up your own invention). You can even go half and half with two different pizzas if you can’t make up your mind (a godsend for the indecisive).</p>



<p>Starters and small plates are a soupçon posher, with Duck Liver Paté, Spiced Calamari and Salmon Rillettes all vying for attention. A sucker for oozy, melted Camembert, I opted for a sharer of Harissa and Honey Baked Camembert. With a sprinkling of pomegranate on the top, it was a good choice. Delish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-from-oven-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12165" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-from-oven-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-from-oven-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-from-oven-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-pizza-from-oven.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The kids and I were keen to try out the with wood-fired pizzas for mains – just the right balance between crispy and doughy, they were hard to fault. My husband bagged a double-smashed beef burger which was another a reliable choice and delivered on flavour.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-burger-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12166" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-burger-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-burger-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-burger-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-burger.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The dessert menu at Harpurs is<em> seriously</em> tempting. I&#8217;d normally say no after such a filling preamble, but Apple Crumble Tart, Sticky Toffee pud and Dark Chocolate Delice? Too good to resist. Nothing for it but to order the crumble tart and four spoons &#8211; and *chef’s kiss* &#8211; oh-so-worth it. This was the highlight of my meal. Comforting, crumbly textures and full of flavour, it&#8217;s a complete dream that I&#8217;d order again in a second. Absolutely make sure you save some space for these next-level desserts (or at least wear a stretchy waistband).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-crumble-tart-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="apple crumble tart and ice cream" class="wp-image-12169" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-crumble-tart-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-crumble-tart-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-crumble-tart-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-crumble-tart-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>As you’d expect from a long-running pub, the drinks menu covers the lot. A generous gin selection, stacks of spirits, ales and lagers. Cocktail connoisseurs will be happy with the choice of 16 cocktails (complete with seasonal specials) and half a dozen mouth-watering mocktails. Vinophile? There’s a very decent wine list, with 17 whites (from English Bacchus to South African Chenin Blanc) and 15 reds on the menu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-bedroom-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12162" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-bedroom-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-bedroom-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-bedroom-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/02/Harpurs-bedroom.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy staying over so you can ditch designated-driver status? Alas, I had to get back, but rooms (including one suite) are fresh, breezy and contemporary and there are some seriously good deals to be had – especially mid-week.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-dog-friendly">KID-FRIENDLY? DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Kids, yes. Dogs, only in the Tap Room and outside. The crowd-pleasing menu caters to plain palettes as well as the more adventurous and children are made to feel welcome by the friendly and fun staff. There’s a pretty relaxed vibe too (so you won’t be wincing if the nipper goes nuclear).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>Quirky, quaint Melbourne (a former <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/best-places-to-live/derbyshire/">Muddy Best Place to Live</a>) is a delight. With Melbourne Hall and the mill pool at its heart, this large village is a charmer, with plenty of interesting indie cafés and shops to browse and lovely, leisurely walks. Worth visiting at the end of the summer for the marvellous <a href="https://www.melbournefestival.co.uk/">Melbourne Festival</a>, a brilliant open house trail and arts festival (set for 20-21 September this year).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Pizza afficionados, fussy eaters and hard-to-please groups. It’s a reliable meal out with a menu that caters to most tastes &#8211; along with speedy, welcoming service with a smile.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Save the LBD and Louboutins for elsewhere. If you’re going smart, make it smart-casual. It’s relaxed, laid-back dining here.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Small plates from £8.99, pizzas cost between £12.99 (Margherita) and £15.99 (steak and mushroom) and mains start at £13.99. Those drool-worthy desserts? Good value at around £8.99 each. Oh, and if you’re parking in the pub car park, come prepared. You’ll need to pay to park up, even in the evenings.</p>


Muddy reviews: Harpurs of Melbourne

You may also like