Bulls Head, Castleton — Restaurant in High Peak

Sis and I were on a road trip from a much flatter part of the country and had been enjoying a wonderful trip over the ups and downs into Castleton. As we were pulling into the ample and well laid out car park at the rear of the venue a spectacular downpour started. We decided to wait it out in the car while enjoying the Bakewell tart we had resently purchased in Bakewell. Rain subsided and we ventured towards the front door, remarking the view of the castle ruins above us - which had appeared out of the rainy splodge we could see through the windscreen while we sat waiting. At the bar we were greeted by a very friendly host. Lots of people appeared to be enjoying themselves at the tables around us. Some with food and drink, most with dogs. It was a nice and cozy atmosphere. We got checked in and the host explained the breakfast menu and showed us up some stairs to our room. The stairs and halls were clean and tidy - recently refurbished as we understand - and they even had shoe-bags to use for any potentially muddy hiking boots. The room was a nice size and had a, erm, fun decor. Very busy flower patterns on the walls and lamps - but it worked and the feel of the room was nice. The host explained how the heating worked and any other things we would need to know and left us to settle in. The bathroom facilities were also in very good and very possibly brand new condition. Water pressure and temperature excellent! We selected our breakfast items as instructed and ventured out to explore a bit. We enjoyed beautiful views over the fells, babbling brooks, idyllic lanes and alleys and wonderful old cottages. Unfortunately it was late in the afternoon and both the castle and the cave were “closed”. It didn’t matter - a good time was certainly had! Upon our return to The Bull’s Head we tidied ourselves up and ventured down for some grub. Sadly, none was available due to circumstances which probably greatly annoyed the staff. Only “improve for next time”-comment we would make would be to communicate this to guests. We were passed by staff at least five times at our table - unable to make eye contact - and no one said anything. So we asked ;-) No matter - because the 1530, an Italian restaurant, was basically next door. After dinner we turned in and both enjoyed sleeping on comfortable mattresses with soft duvets. There were even extra blankets available for warmth and comfort. Zzz.

All in all, The Bull’s Head in Castleton saw us off to a great start on our little road trip and we would definitely stay again!

Ps: we did get a call after we left, presumably from the host who had greeted us on arrival, to apologise for not being able to serve us dinner. This was very kind and not at all necessary -...

B&B host recommended this place for an evening meal. So we phoned to ask to book a table with it being a bank holiday. Lady over the phone booked us in for 7:30 that very evening and all seemed great. Arrived and mentioned to the bar that we’d booked and were shown to a table that was set up for us. After heading to the bar to order roasts my friend came back saying they had run out. We were browsing the menu again for something else when a bloke clutching a pint came over and told us we can’t sit there. Very rude, no introduction, no apology. Thought it was just a drunk making a joke at first. We explained we’d phoned up and booked the table so we can sit here. He said ‘we don’t take bookings on bank holidays’ and confrontationally and arrogantly made us move. We went back to the young bar staff to explain. The bar staff looked confused and looked at the booking that was written down for us and said the table was for us. The older bloke clutching his pint then turned up at the bar and angrily barked at his staff saying ‘Who made the booking?!! Who made the booking?!... we don’t take bookings, residents wanted to have that table’ (then spotted the smirk on the middle aged lady he was referring to that must have complained that a table was reserved for us) No apology, no desire do resolve the situation, not sorry, arrogant and rude behaviour from I guess the manager who still never explained or introduced himself just bark at us. The young bar staff were polite and trying to be accommodating. We waited for 15mins and they grabbed a low table by a sofa for us to eat from. No offer of a free drink or any way an apology for the staffs misunderstanding from the manager. We ate a burger that was mediocre but very overpriced. Angered by the experience and the lack of customer service skills ruined our holiday. We will never return nor recommend and we told our B&B host not to. The night before we had booked a table and had 3 courses of lovely food and a wonderful service and atmosphere from The Castle over the road, which was much better value for money too. I’d recommend anyone go there instead. This manager should not be working with people or customers if he passion is for drinking and being rude rather than running a business based customer service. We felt sorry for all the...

‼️‼️‼️I truly don’t wish to get into an argument with you. My complaint was never about the bar-ordering system itself, but rather that it was never explained to us. What upset me most was that when I tried to ask a waitress about it, even after greeting her politely, I was ignored. Do you know why I felt it was deliberate? Because it happened twice, and on the second occasion my husband saw one of your staff deliberately turn her head away when I raised my hand.

Your reply has only left me more upset, as it carries the nuance that I should have known your system straight away and that I was at fault. Both my husband and I felt very much dismissed. We even observed how the same waitress who ignored us handed menus to some newly arrived tourists.

In conclusion, I believe it would be much kinder if your staff could explain your policy to first-time visitors, and not ignore greetings. I wish you the best of luck. ‼️‼️‼️

I’m writing in response to the reply you left on my review. Do you think I’m oblivious? When I first walked in, I said ‘Hi,’ but no one responded. Then I saw you immediately bring menus to the people who came in after us — and they didn’t go to the bar to order either.

I don’t want to engage in an unproductive back-and-forth. I just hope that you will treat future guests with kindness and without discrimination.

I am Asian, and no one came to take our order, while everyone else was served. Don’t respond by saying I didn’t make myself noticed — I saw other customers who came in and behaved just like us get served right away. I also tried to make eye contact with several waiters, but they deliberately avoided me. This restaurant is...