The Sticky Beak Blog


Amber Valley — covering Heanor, Alfreton, Ripley and Belper — has a wide mix of places to eat, from independent cafés and traditional pubs to modern restaurants and takeaways. Whether you’re after a quick coffee, a relaxed lunch or an evening meal out, there’s plenty of choice across the area.

You’ll find everything from classic British pub dishes and Sunday roasts to international cuisine and contemporary menus, with many venues focused on fresh ingredients and friendly, informal dining. The area is especially strong for independent businesses, giving it a local, community feel that makes eating out here enjoyable and accessible.

Together, the towns and villages of Amber Valley offer a varied dining scene that’s well worth exploring, whether you’re visiting or simply looking for somewhere new to try close to home.


Mustard Cafe, Heanor

Popular local café serving quality breakfasts and lunches by day, then small plates and tapas-style dishes on the evening menu, with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere

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Olive Moroccan, Belper

A unique experience of tastes and aromas, showcasing fantastic quality food, all served within a small and distinctive restaurant located a short walk from the Market Place.

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Gurkha Dine, Pye Bridge

Nepalese and Indian inspired cooking with aromatic spices, generous portions and warm hospitality, offering a relaxed setting for casual dining experiences.

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Family Tree, Whatstandwell

A family-run coffee lounge, licensed bar/restaurant, and B&B offers breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, home-made cakes, and a selection of refreshing beverages.

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The Bulls Head, Belper Lane End

A charming village pub serving seasonal, locally sourced dishes, from bar snacks to à la carte meals, complemented by drinks, cosy seating, and a garden terrace.

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Fairways At Chevin Golf Club, Duffield

Based in Chevin Golf Club and open to the public in a conservatory which over looks the 18th green serving breakfast, lunch, sunday lunch and afternoon teas.

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Horsley Lodge, Horsley

The Farmhouse Kitchen offers relaxed dining with all-day menus, breakfasts, pub classics, steaks, wood-fired pizzas, Sunday lunches, and great drinks selection.

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The Kedleston Country House, Kedleston

Seasonal, locally sourced menus at a family-run Derbyshire country house, offering fresh, high-quality, flavorful dishes in a warm, relaxed, homely dining setting.

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Roka Turkish Kitchen, Ripley

A relaxed Turkish restaurant serving freshly prepared grills, mezze and classic dishes, combining modern presentation, generous portions and warm hospitality.

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The Dog, Pentrich

A gastropub serving British classics, seasonal mains, burgers and steaks with vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus Sunday lunch, lunch menus and informal evening dining.

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The Railway Inn, Shottle

A traditional pub serving freshly made British classics, hearty Sunday roasts, burgers, pies, fish & chips and gluten-free options, all in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

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The Bull Shed, Shottle

Offers farm-to-table experiences with homemade goat cheese, hearty meat dishes, and craft beer, all served in a charming, rustic barn with open fire.

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The Book Cafe, Belper

Quirky award-winning café serving great food, quality coffee and homemade cakes, with a relaxed atmosphere, brunch, lunch, all-day dining, and epic Sunday roasts.

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The White Hart, Duffield

Food is served daily, from light lunches and early evening dishes to fine cuisine, with Sunday lunches offered throughout the day, renowned for their presentation.

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Pear Tree Hotel, Ripley

Offering live music and a welcoming atmosphere, this venue serves home-cooked food, features SKY and BT Sports, and provides beers, wines, and cocktails daily.

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The Willow Tree Cafe, Hilcote

A high-quality countryside restaurant on the Derbyshire–Nottinghamshire border, offering a welcoming atmosphere and excellent food in a charming rural setting.

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Burger Wurger, Heanor

A gourmet burger and dessert restaurant serving in-house made burgers with fresh ingredients, complemented by classic toppings, shakes and sweet treats in a relaxed setting.

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Tom Yum, Belper

A Thai restaurant serving authentic dishes packed with fragrant herbs and spices, offering curries, stir fries and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options in a relaxed setting.

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Platta, Stanley Common

A daytime café and evening bistro serving coffee, brunch and seasonal British-European plates, using local ingredients in a relaxed, stylish and welcoming setting.

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The Palfrey, Milford

Relocated to a beautiful hillside setting, this newly refurbished bar and restaurant offers seasonal food, quality drinks, and relaxed, friendly hospitality for all.

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The Bridge House, Ambergate

A Cafe / Bistro serving freshly cooked Breakfast, Brunch and lunch 7 days a week. With indoor and outdoor dining , all food cooked fresh to order.

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The Canal Inn, Bullbridge

A characterful Grade II listed pub offering cosy dining, hearty pub classics, Sunday roasts and local ales, combining historic charm with warm, welcoming hospitality throughout.

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The Fork & Furrow, Moorwood Moor

The expertly designed menus partner with local suppliers to deliver true field-to-fork cooking, celebrating fresh Derbyshire produce and seasonal flavours throughout the year.

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Oakfield Farm Shop, Stanley Common

A café and farm shop set on a working farm serving freshly prepared meals, homemade pies, burgers, hot sandwiches and drinks in a relaxed, rustic barn-style setting.

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The Coach At Horsley

A family and dog-friendly village pub with quirky décor, relaxed atmosphere and welcoming service, serving pub classics, seasonal specials and a standout Sunday lunch.

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Yassou Greek Kitchen, Little Eaton

Traditional Greek mezze served in a lively, welcoming setting, combining authentic flavours, generous sharing plates and upbeat atmosphere for relaxed dining.

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The Village Inn, Marehay

A local village pub & restaurant serving an evening menu including woodfired pizzas with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus in a relaxed atmosphere.

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The Little Kitchen, Little Eaton

Wanting some warm comfort food? Look no further. The Little Kitchen offers homemade dishes ranging from their selection of soups through to their homemade pies.

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Eat @ Denbys, Denby

Visit for breakfast, brunch or lunch serving freshly prepared, made-to-order dishes, including their own bakes and daily specials using fresh local ingredients.

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The Farmhouse, Mackworth

A welcoming pub and restaurant set in a traditional farmhouse building, offering seasonal British dishes, Sunday roasts, drinks and casual dining in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

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Roosters Bar & Restaurant, Morley

A relaxed bar and restaurant set within parkland golf courses, serving home-cooked bar snacks, hearty meals, drinks and alfresco dining with countryside views and terrace seating

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Undal Indian, Ripley

A family-run restaurant and takeaway serving freshly prepared dishes, offering dine-in seating, takeaway and delivery, focused on generous portions, quality cooking and friendly service.

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Makeney Hall Hotel, Milford

A country house hotel restaurant serving seasonal British dishes and afternoon tea in elegant surroundings, with relaxed dining overlooking landscaped Derbyshire grounds.

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The Elephant And Peacock, Milford

Serving authentic Indian curries, grills and street food alongside inventive pub classics, this welcoming Victorian venue offers great food, drinks, and comfortable stays.

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Cafe G, Belper

Mediterranean, Turkish and Greek cafe & restaurant serving breakfasts, meals, snacks and drinks, fresh produce cooked to order in a warm friendly atmosphere.

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The Bell, Smalley

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with an extensive menu of home-cooked favourites, daily specials and comforting classics prepared fresh in a relaxed pub setting.

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Bournes Coffee Shop & Bistro, Denby

A coffee shop and bistro serving seasonal breakfasts and lunches, beautifully presented on Denby tableware in a relaxed café setting within a popular visitor destination.

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Curry Lounge, Somercotes

A contemporary Indian restaurant serving authentic dishes prepared with blended spices, delivering rich traditional flavours in a relaxed, modern dining atmosphere.

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The River Garden, Belper

A long-standing, family-run Chinese restaurant offering a charming all-you-can-eat menu with freshly prepared, high-quality dishes for a delightful dining experience.

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Croots Farm Shop Cafe, Duffield

Enjoy stunning views over the Ecclesbourne Valley. All food is produced and home cooked on site, including gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options.

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The Joiners Arms, Quarndon

A welcoming pub and restaurant serving freshly prepared meals including burgers, steaks, pizzas and classic dishes, with drinks and relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

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The Queens Head, Little Eaton

A local village gastropub serving locally brewed beers and ales alongside homemade dishes, with ingredients sourced nearby and a strong focus on seasonal, fresh cooking.

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The Bay Leaf, Heanor

A restaurant blending Indian and Bangladeshi flavours with modern influences, serving vibrant, spice-led dishes and creative fusion cooking in a relaxed dining setting.

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The Devonshire, Belper

A historic, award‑winning gastro pub serving quality home‑cooked food, real ales, craft lagers, wines, and spirits in a welcoming, family‑friendly atmosphere.

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Thapas, Alfreton

A Nepalese and Indian restaurant serving freshly prepared dishes packed with bold spices and flavour, offering relaxed dining and warm hospitality in a welcoming setting.

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Praan, Belper

An Indian restaurant serving flavourful dishes inspired by traditional heritage recipes, blending aromatic spices and varied regional influences to create a vibrant, satisfying dining experience.

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The Tiger Inn, Turnditch

A traditional family run village pub set in the heart of the Ecclesbourne Valley, Derbyshire with an outstanding kitchen serving fresh food daily, including 100+ homemade pies.

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Lotus Lounge, Alfreton

An all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant offering a wide buffet selection of freshly prepared dishes, combining classic favourites and modern options in a relaxed dining setting.

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Breadsall Priory, Morley

A modern grill restaurant serving steaks, global classics and creative seasonal dishes, paired with cocktails and wines, offering relaxed dining built around fresh British ingredients.

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The Hanging Gate, Shottle Gate

Set in the foothills to the Peak District, the pub is popular with visitors to Carsington Water and the White Peak and only a short drive from nearby Belper.

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The Pantry, Swanwick

A cosy café and eatery serving freshly prepared breakfasts, brunches, light lunches, homemade bakes and speciality coffees in a friendly, relaxed setting with great local flavour.

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The Lion Hotel, Belper

The Lion has a long-standing reputation for serving delicious homemade cuisine from their extensive menu options and are renowned for their friendly atmosphere.

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Marios Fish Bar, Alfreton

A traditional fish and chip shop serving freshly cooked classics, generous portions and takeaway favourites, known for crispy batter, quality fish and friendly local service.

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Alfreton House Tea Rooms, Alfreton

A charming tearoom serving homemade cakes, afternoon teas, light lunches and hot drinks, offering a cosy atmosphere and traditional café favourites prepared fresh daily.
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The Black Swan, Belper

A family-run freehouse serving tapas-style small plates and homemade food daily, offering relaxed social dining in a welcoming town-centre pub setting.

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Elaichi, Belper

A family-owned restaurant serving flavourful Indian dishes to loyal locals and visiting diners alike, known for consistent cooking and warm, welcoming hospitality.

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Rachael's Secret Tea Room, Belper

This is a unique experience where you book to have afternoon tea in a lovely quiet Derbyshire setting in Belper on the edge of the Peak District.

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The Black Boy, Heage

A traditional village pub serving homemade food, classic favourites and drinks, offering relaxed dining, friendly service and a cosy atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.

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The Nutbrook Coffee Shop, Mapperley

A friendly local coffee shop serving freshly brewed drinks, breakfasts, light lunches and homemade cakes, offering relaxed café dining and a welcoming community atmosphere.

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Basilia, Langley Mill

A café and deli serving freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and homemade bakes, offering speciality coffee, light bites and relaxed dining in a friendly setting.

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Shapla Spice, Ripley

A contemporary Bangladeshi restaurant and takeaway serving authentic spice-led dishes, offering traditional flavours and freshly prepared cooking in a relaxed setting.

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Ripley's Fish & Chips, Ripley

A traditional fish and chip shop serving freshly cooked favourites, crispy battered fish, chips and takeaway classics, known for generous portions and friendly local service.

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Jeera Indian Restaurant, Codnor

A contemporary Indian restaurant serving freshly prepared curries and traditional favourites, offering rich flavours and relaxed dining in a welcoming setting.

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Sea Fish Restaurant, Ripley

A traditional fish restaurant and takeaway serving freshly cooked classics, generous portions and crisp battered favourites, known for quality fish and friendly local service.

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This article includes venues we have visited and would recommend to friends and family, if a venue is not included in this collection then, most likely, we just haven't had the chance to visit them yet.

If you are a venue owner, manager or look after the PR / Marketing for a venue and are interested in being included in this collection then please get in touch