Designate @ The Gate — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

We recently hosted a 70th birthday party at Designate in Matlock, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Andy and Kirsty, who went above and beyond to make the celebration truly special. Their passion for the venue and genuine care for their guests really shone through.

The venue itself is full of charm and character — cosy, stylish, and incredibly inviting. The outdoor space was absolutely perfect, especially on a sunny afternoon. The children were busy in the sandpit and playing in the vintage caravan and there is plenty of seating for everyone to relax. It added so much to the atmosphere of the party.

Inside, everything was beautifully and uniquely decorated. The food and drinks were spot-on, catering to a wide range of tastes, and the flow of the event was seamless thanks to Andy and Kirsty’s expert hosting.

We also had family who stayed overnight, and the accommodation was just as impressive — clean, comfortable, and full of character. It made the whole experience feel like a proper getaway and allowed us all to relax and really enjoy the celebration without anyone having to worry about travelling home.

Most importantly, the birthday guest of honour had an amazing time, surrounded by family and friends in such a warm and welcoming setting. We couldn’t have asked for a better venue or more dedicated hosts.

If you’re looking for a unique, friendly, and beautifully run venue in Matlock, we wholeheartedly recommend Designate. Huge thanks to Andy and Kirsty for helping us create such a joyful and...

Booked Designate at The Gate for my Mothers 90th birthday party. We also booked the three adjoining rooms for some of our family to stay at. Could not have booked a better venue. Kirsty and her partner were so accommodating and could not do enough to ensure the event was memorable! Went out of their way to help us in any way they could. Perfect venue for a family occasion and the outside area is fabulous as were the indoor facilities. The buffet provided by Kirsty was perfect with plenty of choice. The bar was well stocked and carried and extensive range of drinks. Everyone young and old loved the venue and the food . They also felt very welcomed by the hosts.

We have organised many family events and this one could not be faulted in any way....

We spent a whole week running events at Designate@TheGate and honestly didn’t want to leave! The space is absolutely gorgeous, beautifully designed, full of charm, and with such a calm, welcoming vibe that really set the tone for each day.

Kirsty and Andy were incredible hosts from start to finish. So warm, helpful, and genuinely supportive of what we were doing. They went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and that we felt completely at home.

It’s a rare gem of a venue, creative, stylish, and full of soul. Perfect for workshops, talks, or anything that needs a thoughtful and inspiring setting. We’ll definitely be back and wouldn’t hesitate to...