The Packhorse Inn

When you’re in the Peak District, if you’re anything like me, The Packhorse at Little Longstone just off the Monsal Trail is just the sort of country pub you want to be in.

It’s timeless inside and out. The lovely old stone building contains a warm and cosy two-room set-up – a main bar and a smallish back dining room. There’s no modern technology on show, just old wooden tables, an old clock or two and candlelight. There’s even an ancient telephone with a proper bell that rings every now and again. It’s a fantastic retreat away from the modern world and you’ll want to stay for quite some time.

This is a genuine pub and the beer served here is as outstanding as the ambience, with much of it coming from leading craft brewer Thornbridge, located just down the road near Bakewell.

The food menu is on a large chalkboard and you’ll find satisfying, comforting dishes like slow-roast pork belly and black pudding with mustard mash and cabbage; seafood and pearl barley stew with crusty bread; and smoked beef brisket (all the beef served at The Packhorse is reared two fields away and comes from Critchlows Farm Shop in Bakewell), with horseradish mash and roast root veg. There are also sharing platters and wholesome sarnies.

The Packhorse is a traditional, simple, timeless village pub perfectly suited to the Peak District. Great food, great beer, authentic feel.

By Matt Wright, founder