The Cavendish — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

After a long day of exploring chatsworth, I decided I’d like a nice warm sit-down meal so entered this establishment. The hostess appeared shocked when I asked for a table, and then proceeded to faff around with her ipad that wasn’t turning on and started rambling on about how she doesn’t think its possible and then said the kitchens were closing soon. Mind you it was 2pm, more than 2 hours before they close. She then proceeded to seat the couple who came in behind me as i was leaving. I stood there flabbergasted how brazenly she turned me away and then sat them. I read another review that said they didn’t like it when food was only ordered for one person because they’re money hungry- might be that. Or perhaps had something to do with either how I was dressed or me being a visibly non-white, non-christian person. She didnt even ask if I only wanted afternoon tea or if i wanted lunch so that was not the differentiator between me and the white couple who came in behind me and were seated. Shocking. To Chatsworth house, you have people of all cultures and backgrounds coming to visit- I advise you either fix whatever is wrong with the snobby attitude at the only restaurant in the vicinity, or provide a real alternative for a restaurant. There was nothing else for me to eat at the time. In the cafe, which i was rudely dismissed and pointed in the direction towards by the hostess, they were already taking away the lunch items and the sandwiches sitting out looked unappetising. I even ventured to bakewell for something to eat only to find nothing substantial or suitable for my diet, and proceeded to return to chatsworth house to have a couple bags of crisps and a coffee instead. Loved walking past this pretentious restaurant to see the couple that had been sat after me having their meal that clearly the kitchens were able to prepare despite supposedly already...

Reserved an outdoor table as I was in a wheelchair and had two small dogs, was informed by phone on the way to Chatsworth that afternoon tea cannot be served outdoors as it is served on wedgewood crockery which they wont use outdoors. We decided to keep the reservation and have the regular lunch, which they WILL serve outdoors.

As we approached the counter to be seated, the person behind the desk was on the phone, looked at us and turned her back on us - eventually a server came to seat us - not the best customer service.

We asked if they would serve us the afternoon tea on normal plates which they wouldn’t - but informed us it was because there would be “wasps and flies” attracted by the jam?! A different server came out and told us it was due to the first reason given (wedgewood).

The three course lunch was nice apart from the vegan dessert - a rock hard pineapple finger and a scoop of sorbet. It was very difficult to even cut through and contained some of the tough outer part of the pineapple. This was generously taken off the bill, although when I sent it back I wasn’t offered an alternative, replacement or informed about what was going on, it was just removed from the table and the bill was brought soon after. I think a wise thing to do would be to have the vegan desserts (at least one) that are advertised with the afternoon tea - as options for the general menu - which sound really good - because no vegan / or anybody wants a single “poached” pineapple finger at that price point (or at all). I bet the crumble could be so easily veganised too with minimum prep.

Service overall felt a bit clumsy / food was ok.

Gnocchi was 10/10

Not sure if the outdoor ban on afternoon tea is stated on the website, if so that’s my fault - if not, add it! (I’m just moaning because nowhere does vegan afternoon tea and I...

I visited The Cavendish at Chatsworth House on Monday 25th August 2025 around 11:30 am and had one of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had.

An older white lady served me and her behaviour was dismissive, rude, and completely unprofessional from start to finish. She ignored me at first, then when I ordered an iced caramel latte, she snapped “is that all?” and after I paid, she gave me a hot latte instead. When I pointed this out politely, she raised her voice in front of other customers and claimed I had asked for it that way, which simply was not true. I was left embarrassed while she stormed around and made another drink.

She then made it in a sit-in glass even though I wanted takeaway, and when I said so, she became visibly irritated, banging things around. Eventually, she shoved the drink onto the counter in a takeaway cup with no lid. It spilled over my cashmere blouse, which was both upsetting and damaging.

When I asked the younger blond-haired staff member for a lid, he was polite, apologised, and tried to help. The difference in professionalism between him and his colleague was night and day.

I then noticed that another older white customer nearby was treated with friendliness and even given her mistaken drink for free, while I was treated with hostility and disrespect. I strongly feel that I was treated differently because I am Asian, which makes this not just bad service but discriminatory behaviour.

This experience ruined what was meant to be a nice day out with my baby and family. I left feeling humiliated.

Unless this is addressed properly, I will continue to share my experience so...