The Devonshire — Restaurant in Amber Valley

Update October 2022: After three years, I returned to Belper for a little pub crawl, and of course I dropped by The Devonshire to again have the best Fish and Chips (Called "The Chippy"). TWICE! And I wasn't disappointed. Same huge portion, same great taste. For people with smaller appetite, there's a small version of the "Chippy" available, too. Pleasant outside seating area, too (pub gets very busy on weekends). Great atmosphere, great service - same as ever! Carry on the good work.

The Devonshire is the best "combined ale & food" option in Belper, as it provides not only a good selection of real cask ales, but offers BRILLIANT food on top of that. I first went there on a pub crawl in this small but densely pub-ulated town, first time with a good friend from Derby, the second time to finish the crawl on my own - which was evidently just an excuse to have lunch again at this great establishment. On both occasions, the food was wonderful: the best fish & chips I've...

Rang to bk a table on the 13 of Feb for the following sun asked what meats were included in Sunday roasts was told all the usual ? So said can I bk a beef n lamb was told no need to do that as all will be available. .my mum and myself get there to find NO lamb , but pork , beef and half roast chicken available disappointed no lamb but we both went for the Beef as in passing plates that went by it lkd very nice . After a wait as it was quite busy for food ours arrived , I'm sorry to say I was straight away unhappy to see the meat was very bloody and pink not just on mine but on my mum's. , which I knew straight away could not be able to even try and eat it . To me that sort of way to cook meat is an acquired taste not everyone likes that sort of rareness! ! The waitress came and did usual is everything OK. ? We said no and explained and to my amazement she said 'oh we do get a lot of people sending it bk ' !! Then pls don't cook it this way why ? Both dishes went bk and when they came bk to use thinking they would be fresh the meat was loads better but my veg was all luke warm , even my giant yourkshire was stone cold and it was covered in gravy ! How can this be ? My mum's was fine . I tried to eat some of the roast potatoes but just tepid . I didn't want to send it bk a second time as embarrassed for myself and my mum eating a meal on her own , the meal in my opinion should have come bk out even more better than before. I wasn't charged for the meal , but I did say I'm not paying anyway at nearly £13 for 1 dish sorry no , . I ordered a pudding for my mum bakewell tart n custard which she says was delicious .All in all its a lovely stylish pub with nice touches , a nice menu but should really either say on menus how the meat is cooked or ask u to say how u want it served cos as a first time customer was not prepared for that .it should come bk pipping hot . This will not put me off going bk for another visit tho as seems a nice new addition...

11/12/2016

Sunday Carvery: A Chèf's recommendation.

We (my wife & I) went here as a last minute decision for Sunday lunch, whilst in town quite late on (around 3pm) food was very good.

Pro's: Quiet, we may have found a quiet little secret for Sunday lunch No problem being seated, it could have been we had missed the rush, although it did get busier a little later on.

Fresh food: Good selection of fresh, slightly crunchy vegetables (particularly enjoyed the braised red cabbage) A choice of meats, Beef, Ham, Turkey, with the choice of well done or quite rare beef. Served (& cooked presumably) by a French Chèf, which was very refreshing, who was friendly, polite, considerate & helpful.

Cons:

Little on the pricier side at £8 per main course.

Slightly let down by the cheap condiments.

The one main thing to let the experience down was the obviously untrained staff. We were kept waiting & in the dark as to what food was available as only wine lists were present on the table. We couldn't be told what was on the menu for the carvery (although she did have the wherewithal to go take a look, which I would have done if she hadn't anyway) she had never heard of an IPA & did not know if they had any & did not offer to ask/find out.

Please if your going to have young & inexperienced people working for you, (which we all must at some point) help them & help yourselves by training them properly, It's never good when they come across as uncaring or unknowledgeable & would rather be stood behind the bar chatting together & not attending to the customers.

Overall it was a small niggle easily made up for with the enjoyable conversation with the chèf & the food. I don't recommend many places but I would recommend you try The Devonshire for the carvery on a Sunday & see what...