Unlike a lot of the town-dwelling restaurants in the Peak District, The Blind Bull has a properly rural feel. Situated in the tiny village of Little Hucklow, deep within the National Park, it’s a beautifully restored place which has clearly had plenty of time and money lavished upon it – sit outside if you can, for a view of the rolling hills. The cooking has a few more international touches than other restaurants in the area, including incorporating intense flavours such as nduja and nahm jim.

This historic 12th-century inn, known to be one of Britain’s oldest public houses, blends ancient heritage with contemporary comforts through careful renovation. Central hearths create natural gathering points, with traditional pub warmth downstairs and quieter upstairs dining offering kitchen views. Chef Luke Hawkins brings UK and French restaurant experience to bold, simple dishes featuring Derbyshire’s finest produce.

This 12th century inn in the village of Little Hucklow has some of the Peak District’s best beer garden views, accompanied by incredible food in a beautiful and historic building. Having recently (as of summer 2020) undergone a huge refurbishment, the Blind Bull retains its traditional charm with a modern touch and exceptional quality. The food menu reflects that style with seasonal, modern classics like Fish & Chips, Summer Squash Pappardelle, and Delicious Donuts with Dips and Sprinkles for dessert.

The Blind Bull’s owner-manager Raab Dykstra-McCarthy and head-chef Luke Hawkins have reinvigorated this 12th-century inn in bucolic Little Hucklow. Self-proclaimed as the fifth oldest public house in Britain, The Blind Bull remains charmingly olde worlde, all exposed beams, open hearths and stamp-size windows. Diners can choose a seat besides the roaring fire downstairs or by the open kitchen upstairs, before choosing one of the delicious local ales on rotations at the bar.

Visit England’s pub of the year in 2023, this renovated, twelfth-century Peak District inn’s other claim to fame is being the fifth oldest pub in the country. Feedback on its conservatory dining room was more limited than we’d like this year, but acclaims its “excellent food, lovely view and proficient service”. There’s an eclectic selection of modern pub grub, or you can choose to dine from the focused (four choices for each course) dinner menu at £39.50 for two courses.

At the foot of Kinder Scout, the village of Hayfield is a real magnet for ramblers looking to enjoy breath-taking walks in the Peak District. And, awaiting afterwards is The Pack Horse, a fantastic gastropub and restaurant praised by the Michelin guide. Working in partnership with a local butcher and some of the region’s best suppliers, the kitchen team here ensure that sustainability and seasonality are at the core of everything they do and create.

Explore the charm of The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow’s most recent independent pub with a rich historical background. Nestled in the captivating Peak District, our establishment stands proudly on the grounds of Britain’s fifth oldest public house. Following meticulous restoration efforts, the 12th century inn has been revived, transforming it into a splendid dining area and tap room.

Lee Smith’s Lovage in Bakewell charms with its “chatty, informative team” and “top-quality, modern menu,” while The Pack Horse in Hayfield tempts with its “hearty pub dishes” elevated by a “refined edge.” Finally, The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow wins praise for its “concise menu,” featuring “refined classics with a focus on flavour” and catering to vegetarian preferences.

The Peak District is much more a place of weather-beaten villages than parkland and palaces, and in the Blind Bull it has an inn to match its mood. Five well-equipped bedrooms, sporting luxury touches such as statement wallpaper and freestanding tubs, await in the revamped piggery. Long walks beckon in the Hope Valley to the north and along Cressbrook Dale to the south.

Raab Dykstra-McCarthy, owner, said: “We weren't in the list last year as we only opened in July 2020 and with Covid had to shut in October 2020 so we only really got started last year after the second lockdown. Saying that, we are very excited to even have been on the radar of top 50 after such a short period of time - let alone make it to the list.

The Blind Bull, Buxton offers 'Banquet set menus' for a table for 4 people and over offering some very delicious seasonal produce and if you’re just after a light snack they have a ‘Bar menu’ available everyday for walk ins which is good value for money.

Bill and Alan then finished the episode in Little Hucklow with a well-deserved pint at The Blind Bull Inn. Take a look below for more information about some of the places Bill and Alan visited.

I’d heard a lot of good things about The Blind Bull, but being a bit further away from Matlock than a lot of my favourite places AND often fully booked, it took a while to visit!

I’ve not tried any of these yet, but I see such good things online about The Pack Horse in Hayfield, The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow and The Old Hall in Chinley.

This one would have been a great loss for Derbyshire, as Ye Olde Bull’s Head, the site The Blind Bull inhibits, was Britain’s fifth oldest public house.