The George at Alstonefield

The George at Alstonefield sits on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire in the Peak District. It looks and feels like the quintessential country pub, and inside you’ll find excellent, creative cooking featuring local, seasonal ingredients.

A former coach house, this 400-year-old building has been beautifully restored. Rustic furniture complements low wooden beams and quarry tiles. Quirky old photographs hang on lime-plastered walls.

The George aims, wherever possible, to source ingredients within a 15-mile radius. That includes salad and vegetables from local allotment holders and its kitchen garden. Over our visits, we’ve particularly enjoyed the wood pigeon served with butternut purée, caper and raisin dressing, cob nuts and Savoy cabbage. It provided a perfect balance of flavours and textures. An outstanding fillet of beef also wowed us, topped with braised oxtail and crispy marrowbone crumbs, and served with super-smooth truffle pomme purée and smoky charred gem lettuce. The tempting dessert menu might include chocolate fondant, or Yorkshire forced rhubarb cheesecake with parkin or British cheeses such as Hartington Blue and Staffordshire organic Cheddar.

The food here is first-rate modern British cooking. However, the informal and friendly atmosphere is that of a traditional country inn without pretension. The George at Alstonefield is a gem.

For opening hours and food times, check The George’s website.

By Lynne Barnsley, Staffordshire editor
Photos: The George

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