Rose Cottage — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

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...

When visiting Matlock always have gone in this small pub to sit outside and have a drink. Pleasant i previously thought watching people go by. Today however i encounted what i deem as rude, unkind and an impolite tone from a person regarding my children using the toilet. Yes, i get no one need use the toilet if not a customer but i was going to be! The trouble was i was on my own with two children who were desperate for the toilet. I did not want to sit with my drink then they go on their own to the toilet so went with them before i got my drink. Saving faffing. So after the toilet i was going to go to the bar to order our drinks. I didnt get the chance as I was greeted by a person who had trouble delivering a question without what i describe as an aggressive tone shouting about toilet use. They thought and presumed i wasnt going to be a customer. PRESUMED!!!! ... Rather than just ask in a decent way so i could say i was getting a drink after was rather disrespectful and rude in their manner. I dont except anyone talking to me in that way and wont be intimidated especially in front of my children. I immediately did not go to the toilet and told them id go eles where for a drink. It also upset my children. Went elsewhere greeted with a rather nice young WELCOMING lady with a smile. Will never go here again! Rather PETTY lack of basic friendly customer service skills . Its not what you say but how you say it. Might be helpful to remember in the future so you dont upset wrongly a...

I went onto Google to leave a review as my family and I ate at Rose Cottage recently. I have just read the previous post and was at the pub when this incident was taking place. Myself and my family and lots of other diners inside and out overheard what was happening due to the volume that the parents of the children were shouting at. They had been eating there own food in the pub when the staff asked them politely not to. I felt that this was understandable as if it is allowed for one family then others may follow suit. The manager and his staff were astounded as were other customers at the behaviour of the parents. The poor children were highlighted as having PROBLEMS which was screamed both inside and outside. What a show and the parents should be ashamed of themselves. May I also add that as these awful people left several customers went inside to speak to the staff as we felt sorry for the staff and management. A dreadfully embarrassing situation!!! Our food was beautiful, very tasty ribs and burgers and large portions.... we will for sure be returning but hopefully without the embarrassing entertainment that this family made of their...