Classy Peak District country pub's Sunday roast named among best in UK

A highly-regarded country pub has added to its many awards after its Sunday roast was named among the best in the UK. The Pack Horse in Hayfield is no stranger to winning prizes across the hospitality industry, having been named among Estrella Dam's Top 50 Gastropubs list for 2023 and earning the title as Derbyshire's cosiest pub in 2022, to name a few.

It is the only Derbyshire restaurant to receive the recent accolade, which sees it included in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Sunday Roasts in the UK. The Market Street pub has been run by self-taught chef Luke Payne and partner Emma Daniels since September 2016, and has been earning rave reviews for several years.

Following the inclusion on the Sunday roast list, a spokesperson for the pub said: "We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been listed in The Good Food Guide's UK’s top 50 Sunday Roasts. Thanks to everyone that nominated us, and we shall see you all soon.

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"Please be aware that bookings for the next few Sundays are already looking full, so book ahead to avoid disappointment." The Sunday menu includes some light-bite offerings such as a Manchester Egg, salt and pepper whitebait and olives, as well as some classy starting incorporating a range of fancy ingredients such as crab, mackerel fillet and confit chicken.

But it's the mains that we are here for. The cheaper £20 options include a carrot, tenderstem and tunworth tart to go with your usual Sunday roast trimmings, or if you fancy a cheaper meat option you can get yourself a charcoal roast pork chop for the same price.

For £22 you can order the slow roast chicken breast, but if you fancy something a little more pricey you can go for the roast beef sirloin (£28), the mint and honey braised lamb shoulder (£25) or the venison loin (£30). Speaking on The Pack Horse's ethos and high-quality offerings, a spokesperson for the restaurant said: "Our food changes with the seasons, offering a unique snapshot of the British food calendar using the best local suppliers wherever possible.

"Our butcher, John Mettrick, has his own co-located abattoir just 4 miles from the pub; guaranteeing us the best local meat reared to the highest welfare standards. Our fishmonger, Hodgson's, has strong ties to the Peterhead fish market, sourcing us some of the finest North Sea seafood and Scottish day-boat catches."

The dog-friendly pub boasts a strong 4.5/5-star Tripadvisor rating from more than 600 reviews. One reviewer, stansnana22, said: "Four of us ate in The Packhorse last night. My partner and I don't live in Hayfield. However, my daughter does.

"So we were looking forward to a good night. And we were not disappointed. Lovely, welcoming atmosphere. Friendly, efficient staff, too. And the food was delicious. Quality ingredients are made into gorgeous tasting food."

Another customer, while they enjoyed their experience, did note the high prices. Gm11 said: "I keep coming back to this place for a reason. One of the best pubs around, the food is honestly outstanding and there's a lovely feel to the place.

"Everything feels like it's truly done with heart. Last time I went the tart was with pistachio chantilly which seemed to change to almond - which was a shame as the pistachio is unreal. Only other thing to note is it is expensive!

"A roast beef sets you back around £30 so I'd expect more substantial vegetables with that as not much comes with the roasts for the price (but the beef is beautiful)," With JohnLBath saying: "Excellent tasty food. Definitely gastropub rather than pub food but everything was delightful. Wine choices great. Trout perfectly cooked. Aubergine main was also fantastic. Would definitely recommend."

Anyone wishing to pay a visit to The Pack Horse in Hayfield for their special Sunday roasts can do so between 12pm and 9pm on Sundays, although people are advised to book in advance and note that the kitchen will not be open throughout the entire evening. Otherwise, you can a visit to the pub from 5pm to 11pm on Wednesdays and 12pm to 11pm from Thursday to Saturday. For more details, click the link here.