The Pack Horse Hayfield — Restaurant in High Peak

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention & other readers a deeply distressing experience my partner and I had at your restaurant recently. While I commend your team's initial professionalism and understanding when we were running late, I must express my grave concern and disappointment with the way a severe allergic reaction was handled during our dinner.

To provide context, I failed to disclose my severe nut allergy during the booking process, an oversight for which I take full responsibility. However, I was alarmed that neither our server nor the kitchen staff inquired about allergies when we placed our order, a standard practice that could have averted the unfortunate events that followed.

I ordered the Stone Bass fillet, and upon taking the first bite, I immediately sensed an allergic reaction—my ears itching and throat tightening. Concerned, my boyfriend asked the server to confirm if the dish contained nuts. After a brief check, the server assured us that there were no nuts in the dish, and gave a thumbs up afterwards. Trusting this information, I continued to eat, only for my reaction to intensify.

In the midst of my escalating allergic response, we expressed our urgent need to leave and requested the bill. Shockingly, another server insisted on the mandatory 2-course minimum for the set menu, despite our plea that I was unwell. This felt like an inappropriate and callous insistence on a policy rather than a genuine concern for our well-being.

I want to emphasize that our complaint is not entirely motivated by financial concerns; we understand and respect restaurant policies. However, it would have been appreciated if we could have just paid for what we ordered. The lack of sensitivity and understanding during a medical emergency is deeply troubling.We both work in healthcare and we would expect a higher level of care and compassion from your establishment.

The situation was aggravated by the absence of an allergen sheet, a standard feature in reputable establishments. Instead, the server texted the list of ingredients, which did little to alleviate our concerns and added an unusual element to the already tense situation.

I sincerely hope you take this feedback seriously and use it as an opportunity to reevaluate your team's approach to customer care, particularly in instances of allergies. Imagine if this were a life-threatening situation involving your child, I would trust you would agree that compassion should always take precedence over policy.

I urge you to consider implementing better training for your staff regarding allergy protocols and emergency situations. Your restaurant's reputation is at stake, and I believe a commitment to improvement will not only salvage customer trust but also contribute to a safer dining environment for all patrons.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I sincerely hope you take the necessary steps to prevent such distressing incidents...

So disappointed... New potatoes and pesto for main course as sole offer for vegan. My parents travelled from Scotland to visit, they were excited to take me to the Pack Horse and called ahead at 1.30pm to book and say dietary requirements (my mum's gluten intolerant and I'm vegan). Having already scouted their menus as I know they change them regularly, I felt confident I'd receive a delicious vegan alternative. Sadly, I felt so embarrassed - I was presented with a separate menu, with a single choice of potato and pesto with some asparagus. As I wanted my parents to have a good time I said it was OK, though the waitress apologised as she could see my shock and disappointment. I really did feel like an unwelcome second-rate customer. For those still reading, we had a 3course meal, I only had one sad option for each: Starter - charred onion & romesco sauce, main as above, Dessert - poached rhubarb and vegan ice cream [chopped up, nothing else]. My parents, it must be said, apart from feeling bad for me, said their food was delicious, I should hope so to be recognised in athe Michelin Guide. The meal with a drink each to start, and bottle of wine, came to £200 [we split the bill]. I also took a taxi there and back which is unusual for me, so I could 'really enjoy the special evening'.

I have been holding onto this review for two days as I was so angry I wanted to calm down and reflect if I still wanted to post it. I'm still pretty shocked by what I experienced*.

*Please note I have no intention of going back/receiving compensation of any kind. I'm writing this more as a warning to those vegans who'll need to brace themselves if family or friends...

I had high hopes for this pub after the glowing coverage from MCR Finest and word of mouth from locals, but sadly, it fell short of the hype. Located in such a stunning setting, it has the potential to be an exceptional destination for a post-walk treat in the Peak District. Instead, the experience was rushed and underwhelming.

We were hurried through our starters and mains in under 30 minutes, which left the meal feeling transactional rather than enjoyable. By 3 pm, key menu items like the beef rump and Manchester egg were sold out. For a busy Sunday, I expected better planning from the kitchen. It was particularly disappointing as this was a birthday celebration for me—clearly noted in the booking—but it went entirely unacknowledged. To make matters worse, the table next to us also had a birthday, and they were similarly overlooked.

The roast portions didn’t justify the steep prices, and the much-hyped charcoal roasting fell flat with the Barnsley chop, which was tough and overwhelmed by an unpleasant, acrid flavour (more bad barbecue than premium cooking). On top of that, the roast potatoes lacked the crispness you’d expect, and the sides were sparse and uninspired.

The one highlight of the meal was the salted caramel tart—it was the only dish that delivered on its promise. But overall, I wish the kitchen invested less in flashy cooking techniques and gadgets, and more in properly executed classics, thoughtful preparation, and anticipating demand.

This place could be outstanding, but for now, it feels like a victim of its own hype, struggling to keep up and trying to pump money out of...