Hartington Farm Shop & Cafe — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

Where can we find a great breakfast whilst camping in February? Yup, you heard it camping in February… almost doesn’t matter right now because we found our breakfast.

We got up early doors and walked up hill and down dale to what we were told was a a great little breakfast spot and those that spoke, did not lie!

There is a great selection of well prepared breakfasts to choose from after the early morning jaunt along wet country lanes and muddy footpaths. The only logical option was the full English or their full Hartington Breakfast. Nice crockery presented the hot drinks of choice which hit the mark or so I was told as I supped my breakfast softie. A double round of thick cut white bread, I could have chosen granary today but … well .. it’s Saturday and it’s raining, so white it is! Within minutes of buttering my bread with the “just a little over warm butter” (You know the type, where consistency has all but evaporated and spreading is more of an exercise in blowing it around the bread with a soft drink straw.) A stunning breakfast arrived! Described only as two “butcher’s sausages”. Pride of place was given on this well stocked platter to two leviathans of locally processed pork wonder. Just to the left of the behemoths was a couple of pork based duvets cut, cooked and delivered to the same tasty level. They were perfectly cooked, (Great news when bacon can be so very subjective for the average guest.) not too fatty and best of all, thickly cut. There was no chance I was reading the daily rag through these bad boys they had proper substance where the porkers had girth. Smiling up were two poached eggs, fine by me! I don’t recall there being an option to change (I am sure you could) but healthy and tasty with a small twist of salt to taste and who could complain? Mushrooms, well… there should have been but I asked specifically for “no fungus” on mine and they delivered as promised. A somewhat processed hash brown and some beans found languishing in a pot as they should be. I don’t actually mind the beans having a route march round my plate. However, many do and Hartington Farm Shop & cafe have allowed for this and therefore I am happy. Anyway.. back to the hash brown. Yeah, it was there. I get it, we all want them, they are timely to make by hand in a rosti type format, but by god when a business does… yummy! This potato triangle of chopped and formed tatty has not let the meal down and it did tick a box so, let’s move on. Now, I am not a man to order “fruit or fungus” with my breakfast. I know… heathen… but I just do not, so once again, let’s move on. Before we do, not only does a tom’ add colour, it also is a breakfast staple, soooo? Okay, look… this is a GREAT breakfast with little reason to avoid it especially after an hour or so on the trail. I can say no more that this, go try it and let me know what you think. For me? It is a big yes and I thank the team for it.

The venue is an old garage, whilst there look around and take in the shop and buzz that fills it. People are happy and for good reason. It is warm, clean and well run. The team were interactive and seemed to enjoy the banter of a slightly hungover fool. There was a small element of breakfast based, delivery confusion. This though seemed to fuss the team more than our meagre party, but actually… isn’t that the way it should be??? It was noted that on the second morning (yes, we visited again and did not even hesitate to walk the two’ish miles to breakfast) that the lady on the till was far brighter, happier and joyful than anyone working on a Sunday should be. Hey, not a bad thing and rare luxury among the “yoof” even. There does seem to be a plethora of young ladies running the venue and no obvious manager. Once again though, I believe the best places have no obvious manager so here must be by my own definition “one of the best?”

I am no doubt running out of letters/words & space here but I am a supporter, a lover, a fan and I actively encourage you to visit here for that needed breakfast be it mid summer, or in the depths of a...

Best place in Hartington to get a quick drink, breakfast, lunch, sweet snack or do a little shopping.

Previously only getting some products and gifts from farm shop, this time we stopped for breakfast (full English) and coffee. Mocha was really nice and served very quickly. We had t wait for breakfast but it wasn't more than 15 minutes. The breakfast was very tasty and the portion was definitely too big for me. The menu is decent, including the menu for kids, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Great cake display on the counter and very good prices (next time I'll try some of the cake).

The staff was friendly and helpful.

The place is converted farm, with lots of space. The shop is situated in front, the cafe in the back with plenty of tables. Local artists pictures are on the walls (for sale) which gives more character, the place is clean.

What's also worth mentioning is that the farm shop won some awards and they source ingredients from...

I can't comment on the food unfortunately. We passed through today and saw the cafe was open until 4pm according to the Christmas Opening Times hung on the door. My partner and I and our two young children took a seat in the cafe, we waited for a few moments but no one came over. I went to the counter and asked the lady if they were still servicing food, she replied "no we are not and we DO close in 20 minutes" (it was 3:08). There were still a lot of customers drinking and finishing their meals in the cafe and more coming in. I understand that maybe hot food wasn't available but there is a way of communicating with people which the wider world calls 'customer service'. There was no offer of hot drinks or cakes and we were made to feel very unwelcome. I was taken aback by her condescending tone so walked straight out with my upset children. I certainly won't be recommending this place to anyone and won't be...