One of Derbyshire’s most iconic pubs, The Hurt Arms in Ambergate, has officially reopened following a major transformation and £500,000 flood defence investment after severe flooding caused by Storm Babet in October 2023.
Photo credit: Just Jenna Photography
The much-loved venue, owned by Moorwood Hotel Collection, has undergone extensive refurbishment and resilience works designed to future-proof the historic building, while also introducing exciting new food, drink and outdoor experiences for guests to enjoy.
Storm Babet caused devastating damage to the venue, with underground kitchens, cellars, offices and storage areas completely submerged, alongside flooding to ground-floor function spaces. The closure marked the third significant flood event to impact the pub in as many years.
Following almost three years of planning and redevelopment, The Hurt Arms has now reopened with substantial flood prevention measures in place, including the underground cellars and kitchen being filled with concrete and flood-proofing installed up to four feet high throughout the building.
Luke Richards, Operations Director for Moorwood Hotel Collection, said:
“This investment was about securing the long-term future of The Hurt Arms and rebuilding confidence in the venue following repeated flooding over recent years.
Weddings and events are such an important part of what we do here, so it was vital that we created a venue people could feel confident booking again.
Following the work, instead of previously taking months to recover after flooding, we’re now in a position where recovery would take a matter of days.
We’re incredibly proud to finally reopen the doors and welcome guests back.”
Photo credit: Just Jenna Photography
As part of the reopening, The Hurt Arms is once again welcoming weddings, celebrations and private events within its popular Tollgate Suite, with bookings now available throughout the Spring and Summer season from April through to October.
Alongside the refurbishment, guests can now enjoy an entirely refreshed food and drink experience.
The venue now serves a brand-new breakfast and brunch menu daily (until 11am), including takeaway options, alongside an extensive range of hot and cold drinks featuring iced coffees, matchas, speciality teas and more.
The main menu, served from 12pm – 8:30pm Monday to Saturday, includes:
Traditional pub classics · Chef specials · Fresh sourdough pizzas · Sharing and grazing boards · Dedicated children’s menus
Guests can also enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch menu each week (served 12pm until 6.30pm)
Adding to the venue’s new outdoor experience is the launch of the Smash & Dough Air Stream Trailer, serving freshly smashed burgers and sourdough pizzas every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting).
The Hurt Arms has also introduced four dedicated outdoor seating spaces, including the brand-new Aspall Cyder Garden, created in collaboration with Aspall Cyder.
The venue is set to become one of Derbyshire’s key summer destinations, with a packed programme of live events planned throughout the season including:
Giant World Cup fan park screenings · Outdoor cinema nights · Classic car shows · Family events and more
Richards added:
“We wanted The Hurt Arms to return as more than just a pub — it’s now a destination venue for food, drinks, events and outdoor socialising.
Whether guests are joining us for brunch, a Sunday roast, cocktails in the cyder garden, weddings in the Tollgate Suite or one of our outdoor summer events, there’s something for everyone.”
For bookings, menus and event information, visit:
https://www.moorwoodhotelcollection.co.uk/hurt-arms
