Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</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/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-front.jpg" alt="The Dragon Willington from outside" class="wp-image-6982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-front.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-front-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-front-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-front-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-front-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-front-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>What started off life as a small, cosy, canalside pub has gradually grown into spacious (but still cosy) gastropub with one of the best beer gardens in the area, a fabulous food offering and boutique style bedrooms. And there’s more to come. More beautiful bedrooms are under construction and this already popular village local is fast blossoming into a destination restaurant with rooms. </p>



<p>With the mainline station just across the road (Birmingham in one direction and Derby in the other) and the A50 moments away, it’s in a super-convenient location. It’s a pretty one too. With the gorgeous rear garden perched right next to the canal, it’s a tranquil spot to sip, snack and people-watch on sunny days.</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/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-from-outside.jpg" alt="The Dragon Willington from outside" class="wp-image-6983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-from-outside.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-from-outside-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-from-outside-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-from-outside-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-from-outside-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-from-outside-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Welcoming, warm and cosy. I arrived at dusk on an autumnal day and was greeted with the glow of twinkling strings of lights and a warm, buzzy atmosphere (pretty packed for a Tuesday night).</p>



<p>There are lots of different areas to choose from: snug, private-feeling corners, a more open-plan seating area by the bar, or the larger, low-ceilinged restaurant area where we sat. Fairy light-studded faux foliage creeps up from the floor and across the ceiling and manages to stay the right side of tasteful, creating an intimate feel. Even on a November day, the canalside beer garden manages to look enticing and is going straight to the top of my list for al fresco dining when the weather warms up again. What a spot.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/the-dragon-willington-beer-garden.jpg" alt="The beer garden at dusk at The Dragon, Willington, Derbyshire" class="wp-image-7085" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/the-dragon-willington-beer-garden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/the-dragon-willington-beer-garden-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/the-dragon-willington-beer-garden-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/the-dragon-willington-beer-garden-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>But it&#8217;s the warm Derbyshire welcome that really stands out and sets the tone at The Dragon. The Bespoke Inns group know how to do hospitality. The service here is outstanding, with a warm and genuine welcome, helpful suggestions, and waiting staff that really care about keeping guests happy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff">SCOFF</h2>



<p>Hungry? You&#8217;d better bring your appetite. There’s a broad menu of generously-sized dishes from pub classics like fish and chips, posh burgers and beef and ale pies to refined specials like sea bass, charred lemon chicken breast and Tuscan prawn linguine. All tempting, but the friendly waiting staff were on hand to help with recommendations and detailed descriptions.</p>



<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/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-starter.jpg" alt="Beetroot and feta starter at The Dragon Willington" class="wp-image-6984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-starter.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-starter-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-starter-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-starter-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-starter-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-starter-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I kicked off with a melt-in-the-mouth Korean Beef Short Rib. Sticky, delicious and prettily presented (traditional pub grub it ain’t). And the dots of wasabi and pear purée? *chef’s kiss*. My pals had a tasty tomato soup and a Feta and Beet bruschetta with walnuts which was lovely.</p>



<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/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-seabass.jpg" alt="Seabass at The Dragon Willington" class="wp-image-6985" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-seabass.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-seabass-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-seabass-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-seabass-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-seabass-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-seabass-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I went for the fish of the day (who can resist seabass?) with crushed new potatoes and kale. Another beautifully cooked dish. My friend’s prawn linguine, seemingly never-ending, was super-tasty and very generous on the garlic-buttered prawns. And the slow-cooked Beef Bourguignon was comfort-food perfection on a chilly night. Derbyshire-sized portions for sure, and while they defeated us, the man in your life will love it. </p>



<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/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-prawn.jpg" alt="King prawn linguine at The Dragon Willington" class="wp-image-6986" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-prawn.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-prawn-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-prawn-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-prawn-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-prawn-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-prawn-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<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/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-beef.jpg" alt="Beef at The Dragon Willington" class="wp-image-6987" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-beef.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-beef-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-beef-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-beef-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-beef-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-beef-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The selection of seven desserts covers most tastes and I loved the light and zingy Blackberry Yoghurt Parfait. Slightly less light, but equally drool-worthy was the Salted Caramel Tart with clotted ice cream. And the Lemon Meringue Pavlova was a stand-out star, topped with lemon curd, blackberries and oatmeal crumble.</p>



<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/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-dessert.jpg" alt="Dessert at The Dragon Willington" class="wp-image-6988" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-dessert.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-dessert-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-dessert-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-dessert-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-dessert-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-dessert-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quaff">QUAFF</h2>



<p>There’s a great selection of real ales, both from the pub’s own Boot Beer brewery and plenty of local guest ales. If cocktails are more your thing, you’ll be buzzing with the menu here. From fresh fruity mojitos and English Garden cocktails to indulgent dessert cocktails like Razzbaretto and the decadent Baileys and cream-drenched Chocolate Surprise.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-bedroom.jpg" alt="Bedroom at The Dragon Willington " class="wp-image-6989" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-bedroom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-bedroom-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-bedroom-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/The-Dragon-bedroom-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Although I didn’t stay the night, I had a good nose around the boutiquey bedrooms and wished I had booked in for a post-supper snooze. A huge bed (wider than it was long), pretty but unfussy décor (muted grey wood panelled walls, rust-coloured accents) and cosy oak beams and lots of mood lighting make it warm and welcoming. The good-sized bathrooms are sleek and shiny and finished to a good standard. Two of the bedrooms overlook the busy main road while the rest are at the back. While I can’t vouch for the overnight peace, when I popped in, the road noise wasn’t noticeable.</p>



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



<p>Work that appetite up with a walk or cycle along the Trent and Mersey canal. You can pop into Mercia Marina for a shopping-fix en route or head west and make it a <a href="http://www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/willingtonwalk.htm">circular four miles</a> by adding on a loop around &nbsp;the pretty village of Findern. </p>



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



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> What’s not to like? The Dragon works for week-night gatherings with friends, foodie date nights, weekend treats and slap-up family lunches. With an outstanding outdoor offering and a cosy indoor set-up, it’s a year-round destination too.<br><strong>Not for:</strong> Mmm, micro-appetites maybe? But there are plenty of lighter options – you’ll just have to have half. It also has more of a casual feel, so not one for fine dining.<br><strong>The damage:</strong> Pretty good for the quality. Mains come in at between £12.99 and £18.99 (fish of the day), while small plate starters average £8 and desserts are £7.99-£9.99.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://thedragonatwillington.co.uk/">The Dragon</a>, 11 The Green, Willington, Derby, DE65 6BP</em>.</p>


Muddy reviews: The Dragon, Willington

You may also like