Rose Cottage

Located in the oldest building in Matlock Bath, this tiny pub (once the riverside fishing lodge for the owners of Haddon Hall) has had its share of ups and downs, openings and closings, gastropub reinventions and similar nightmares, but finally (2018/2019) has a landlord who gets it. Caters for every type and age of person except the rude, locals and tourists alike, with two or three excellently kept real ales (the landlord will confiscate and replace any pint which even looks vaguely suspect to him) and generous and tasty portions of food. Ultra dog friendly and a great favourite with Matlock Bath's famous (and friendly) visiting bikers, with its roadside terrace from which to admire the passing machines. Well behaved children are welcome except in the main bar room, which is reserved for badly behaved adults; that still leaves 3 other rooms and the terrace.

Be aware, though, that as an early C17th cottage building with 3' thick walls it can never be wheelchair accessible and the toilets are up a steep flight of stairs; there are no baby changing facilities; and the bar and kitchen areas are so tiny that food can take a while in high season because there are only so many staff you can fit in them! You will be advised of waiting times when ordering, though. Also be aware that some negative Facebook reviews predate this landlord. Apparently Facebook don't worry about that sort of thing.

I declare myself a local on very good terms with the landlord, but he doesn't know I'm reviewing the pub and I stand by the objectivity of this review.