The Spotted Cow — Restaurant in Amber Valley

We had seen an advert for The Spotted Cow and as it was some years since we visited we went for an evening meal. Initial observations were good, showing a pleasant bar area that was very busy with regulars. We placed our order at the end of the bar and moved into one of the number of small eating areas. These areas are shuttered off with rustic panels at head height that sadly closed off any view of the pleasant pub and bar area. A little oppressive really. There was a cool draft of air blowing across our legs from the front door. Our meals were a little disappointing really. A bland chillie con carne with white processed rice. The mini fish and chips was a better meal, with excellent chips. Just one desert was ordered and we moved to get out of the draft. We thought the desert menu was poor - cake was well represented! Perhaps their is some relationship between the daytime cafe and evening deserts! Anyway, we opted for the lemon meringue. It was disappointing. Perhaps the night we went was unrepresentative but we felt it could be a lot better. We turned the car heater onto our legs as we went...

Beautiful pub and restaurant tucked away in Holbrook. Good parking. Warm and welcoming.

My meal: Ribeye and chips. Strawberry Bavaroise.

Honestly I've got to tell you about the chips first! These are THE BEST chips I've eaten since I was a kid. If you have nothing else, have the chips. It's a welcome blast from the past when chips were lightly brown and a bit crispy. Fluffy and soft on the inside. So much flavour.

My steak was beautifully cooked. Medium for me and it was cooked perfectly. Tender and lots of full beefy flavour. I savored every mouthful.

Strawberry Bavaroise was all soft and tasty and creamy. A divine finish.

I feel so chuffed to have this pub locally but it's definitely worth a drive for this tasty treat.

The staff are attentive and efficient. Not overbearing like some places. Happy smiles.

The prices are very reasonable. Outstanding food.

The atmosphere is relaxed but bustling, with soft popular music old and new. Quiet chit chat and laughter. Soft lights. Beautiful stone and wood. A wood burner in a cosy corner.

Be prepared to feel mellow and...

I've put off commenting on the Cow for a while after it's reopened. Whilst I can't fault the beers I've tried there I'm concerned about the food due to three instances I've witnessed. I've eaten there twice - the first time I had the lamb burger which was served on a cold plate which meant the bottom of the bun was cold and therefore the lamb wasn't as hot as it should have been and was even fattier than lamb normally is. The second time our meals were fine but there was a party of half a dozen on the table next to us and their order was screwed up. It ended up with the waitress bringing out a plateful of fried eggs which should have been part of the original order. The third instance occurred whilst I was sat in the bar having a drink. A woman took a plate of food to the bar and pointed out the ham was off and smelled funny. Three times I've been in the pub and three times there's been a fault with the food....