The Tap House Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in South Derbyshire

The Tap House Bar and Brewery, Ashby de la Zouch

We called into the Tap House on a whim while in the area, looking to have a late evening drink somewhere we'd not tried before. The pub is sat on the outskirts of Smisby village, on a quiet road. Driving to the rear of the building, there was a substantial car park, an on site micro brewery, children's play area and large outside eating area, most of it covered and suitable for use during Covid restrictions. We were met in the car park by a friendly doorman who took us inside to sign in and then showed us through to the main bar where we were assigned the last available table as it was so busy and table service only. Inside, the decor was all beams, exposed brick and wooden tables with comfy seating....really attractive with a cosy but lively vibe with people clearly enjoying themselves. The bar staff were really nice and on hand for patrons to order drinks and bar snacks and returned regularly to clear tables and enquire if any more drinks were required. We weren't wanting to eat and food service had stopped at 9pm, just before our arrival. Chatting to regulars though led us to learn that the food served is fantastic and the Tap House is particularly renowned for its Wednesday night pie night and it's carvery! The latter, at least, offers a nut roast alternative for non meat eaters like myself , and the regular menu and specials also have alternatives too. Apparently almost all food is locally sourced and freshly cooked and the pub has maintained its business and community spirit by setting up a take away service, which has included it's carvery roasts, during lockdowns. There are several beers on tap from their own micro brewery, as well as a few well known brands, plus a great selection of cider and gins for non beer drinkers like me! I was sorry to leave......although a relatively short visit, the place had a great atmosphere and I'm looking forward to being back in the area in a couple of weeks and having the chance to return to sample the food and hopefully, if Boris allows it, some live music which is normally a regular occurrence there. No photos this time but will update on my...

The Tap House is an old pub at the side of a B road. When you pull into the car park you can't see the space behind, there is a lot of parking space. The pub is a free house and has it's own micro brewery. The bar had three Tap House Brewery beers on as well as Bass, a selection of Lagers and some Ciders. The pub also boasts an extensive gin menu. The restaurant was running a Carvery on the day we went, a Friday, and the food was excellent. I had a blue cheese burger from the a la carte menu, my wife had the carvery. The bill for 3 adults and one 7 year old was £44. This included, two pints of beer, two and a half pints of cola, two adult "lunch club" carverys (choice of dessert or starter for a set price) 1 child's meal and the a la carte burger. We thought this was very good value. Staff were very very friendly. Outside there is a covered bar area and a marquee. There is also a small children's play ground. We went back for bonfire and fireworks night with an outdoor BBQ. My only slight reservation is dogs being allowed into the restaurant, but we haven't seen any yet. Our new...

Dropped in for a bite to eat Saturday afternoon at 4pm. Lovely log fire and friendly bar staff. Waited until 5 for the evening food service and ordered the venison (£23) and two other meals. The venison was totally over cooked and had no seasoning or flavour at all. Small portion but wouldn’t have been an issue if what I had eaten was reflected in the price. Fish and chips and children’s chicken were in a very strange batter that was over cooked and had a burnt taste. The fish was dry and again over cooked. Chips were lovely with the fish and chips, the only saving Grace. Addressed the issue with the waitress who might I add was fantastic with our son and a lovely girl but had no idea how to handle complaints. The atmosphere changed drastically when the landlady/owner came in to sit down.. the staff appeared very on edge. Such a nice pub but felt as if they were charging city gastro prices. Presentation was lovely but they need to deliver on quality before we will return....