No. 5 Market Place is a new venture for renowned chef Sam North, who hails from Wirksworth and began his culinary career as a head chef in the town. Sam then went on to teach catering at Nottingham College before moving into quality management and leadership. He always wanted to return to his hometown and set up a new restaurant, so when the opportunity arose, he grasped it.
No. 5 is a charming and stylish two-floor restaurant in the heart of Wirksworth, set within a quirky, multi-layered historic building. Newly refurbished and adorned with stunning local artworks, it perfectly suits its setting in this lively market town.
With its relaxed atmosphere and contemporary touches, No. 5 feels welcoming yet polished, making it ideal for anything from a leisurely lunch to an evening meal.
The food is confidently modern, with a clear focus on high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Dishes are well balanced and attractively presented, combining comfort with creativity without feeling overworked. The flavours are fresh and satisfying, and portions are just right.
What stands out is the attention to detail throughout the menu, from carefully considered flavour pairings to seasonal elements that keep things interesting. The restaurant offers both meat and plant-based menus, with dishes supported by a glossary of local suppliers.
We visited for a special occasion and were very well accommodated at a last-minute request. Service was super friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the relaxed enjoyment of the meal.
There is also a varied drinks menu offering classics and local tipples. We opted for all the tasters: marinated olives, homemade root-vegetable crisps, homemade bread and dips, which were all delicious. For starters we had beetroot-cured gravadlax, homemade soup, terrine and pork belly bites, all super tasty and beautifully presented. For mains we chose the miso honey roast chicken and the beef rendang, both full of flavour and perfectly cooked.
We will definitely be returning to sample the rest of the dishes and the tasting menu too. Highly recommended.
By Steph Walsh, Derbyshire editor
