The Duncombe Arms
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The Duncombe Arms
Following the relaxation of restrictions, the pub is now open for drinking & dining inside., Wednesday - Sunday. We strongly advise booking a table to avoid disappointment, although we will always have a warm welcome for anyone turning up on spec. We truly want you to return & enjoy the Duncombe Arms again, and your understanding is hugely appreciated.

The health & safety of our customers and staff is our top priority, and we have worked extensively with our health & safety consultants at CS-Compliance to develop a policy to ensure that the Duncombe Arms is a safe place to work and visit. From high quality serviced rooms to a charming self-catering cottage we have a choice of accommodation to suit your needs.
Services
We serve classic and modern British food of fine-dining quality in the warm, relaxed surroundings of a local country pub. It broke the hearts of owners Johnny and Laura Greenall a little every day, to drive past the boarded-up pub that had once been the hub of their local village.

And with backgrounds that together combined decades of experience in brewing, cooking and hospitality, they soon began to dream of giving the neglected inn the new lease of life its historic shell and picturesque setting deserved.A visit from Laura's mother sealed the deal.
Our menus and daily specials showcase the very best local and seasonal produce alongside the freshest and most delicious ingredients from around the country. The Michelin Guide Bib Gourman, The Good Pub Guide, Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastro Pubs - we are delighted that all of these have named us among the best dining pubs in the country.
This room offers a perfect opportunity to entertain family and friends. It is also ideal for business meetings and our staff can provide breakfast lunch or dinner to meet your requirements. The Private Dining Room is full of atmosphere with the walls lined with Old English prints and a log burning stove.
From scenic Peak District hikes to historic country houses to the white-knuckle thrill rides at Alton Towers, this scenic spot has something for everyone. The Duncombe Arms makes a handy stop in an area that's packed with attractions and activities.

On the edge of the Peak District and a stone's throw from the Pennines, this unspoilt countryside inspired great minds including George Eliot, who based Hayslope, fictional setting for her novel Adam Bede, on Ellastone.The Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau meanwhile wrote his seminal Confessions while in self-imposed exile in Wootton.
Walnut House is a home away from home with cosy and luxurious bedrooms in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. Enjoy seriously delicious food and stay in a really cosy room with a rural backdrop of beautiful Staffordshire. We want you to feel you're at home, which is why we've designed our rooms with every luxury in mind, but they're also cosy and comfortable to encourage guests to relax and unwind.
Reviews (18)
Kate Unsworth
Kate Unsworth
Jan 02, 2022
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We stayed here 3 nights and had a wonderful time. The rooms are beautiful and super comfortable, with lovely views. We ate at the restaurant every night and the food is absolutely sensational. Topped off by lovely staff and friendly owners. Highly recommended.
V. C.
V. C.
Dec 27, 2021
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Stayed one night for bed, breakfast and evening meal. The quality of accommodation, food, drinks and service are just outstanding. Its good to be somewhere you can feel the love.
Colin Burrows
Colin Burrows
Dec 25, 2021
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Absolutely fabulous Christmas Eve meal with my true love ❤️. Food & service second to none cocktails to die for.
Kieran Rons
Kieran Rons
Dec 24, 2021
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If it looks like a great place, the service is excellent, the drink and food are superb, then it probably is excellent! If you find yourself here, you're in for a treat!
Kieran Rons
Kieran Rons
Dec 18, 2021
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These guys know how to look after you. The service is genuinely superb and the food is next level. I saw this place and knew I had to go in. It's my kinda place.... The team seem genuinely passionate and dedicated to your having a good time and can't do enough. The food and drink is expertly crafted and served.
It's an absolute gem of a place. All credit to the team who make it so! 🙏 I'll be back asap!
Jane Watkins
Jane Watkins
Nov 15, 2021
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Excellent meal . The staff were very friendly and helpful and couldn't have done anymore to make the evening special for my twin sister and myself,celebrating our 70th birthday.We look forward to returning to the Duncombe Arms in the future. Well done to all the staff especially the chef for an exceptional meal and dining experience.
Sarah Hadley-Rainsford
Sarah Hadley-Rainsford
Nov 08, 2021
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Wow! What a place. So welcoming, amazingly friendly team. Beautiful food, setting and service. Felt so well looked after I can’t rave enough about this place to anyone that will listen. It’s a firm favourite now and somewhere really special ♥️
Steve Fletcher
Steve Fletcher
Nov 08, 2021
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Stopped in this little gem of a pub on a trip from Surrey to Ashbourne.
After a long drive we were in need of a pit stop
This turned out to be a very good choice 👍🏻.
From the get go it was friendly and inviting and friendly professional staff attended us.
Although we didn’t eat the menu looked excellent and I was also told the menu changes with the seasonal produce which again is a excellent thing . I took a walk around the place and as well as a good looking garden and outdoor eating area the place was alive with past history.
Cosy, friendly and professional is the verdict and we
Javier Calderon
Javier Calderon
Oct 28, 2021
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It's OK. When you book a pub like this one and at the price you pay, expectations are high. The place its very nice, no fault there. Waiting time not amazing and food... it depends. I had a ribeye steak which was really good, but wife ordered a burger which was super dry. The problem is they say they can't make it less overcooked as per the law. But the burger was really dry anyway, any other pub can make a better burger. Anyway with other dishes maybe the experience would be better
Pauline O'Sullivan
Pauline O'Sullivan
Oct 16, 2021
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The food is excellent here but what made our lunch celebration special was Hannah's service. She is highly professional but warm and friendly - it is service like hers that makes a dining experience memorable. Thank you so much Hannah ♥️
Alan Farrell
Alan Farrell
Oct 10, 2021
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Beautiful pub, friendly staff. Dinner was a bit of a let down. When I cut into cauliflower (cauliflower cheese), it was black, obviously rotten. Did point this out to waitress, she said "yuk", but that was as… far as it went. No offer to replace or reduce bill. pudding was amazing. Overall for nearly £80 for a 2 course dinner for two people, disappointed. Would return to pub though, beautiful place, but would be reluctant to eat.
Julie Vlacos
Julie Vlacos
Sep 25, 2021
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We have just returned home after a fabulous lunch to celebrate a family Birthday. The food was truly excellent and nothing was too much trouble for the lovely staff.
The ambiance in the restaurant was delightful and we were impressed with the imaginative menu.
We look forward to returning soon
Sylver Claw
Sylver Claw
Sep 15, 2021
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A pleasant country pub with a high-end appearance for its rural location, but rather overpriced. The food was good but certainly not special enough to justify the city centre pricing model.
Staff were very polite on arrival and we were served quickly, but then completely forgotten when it came time to get the bill. This is a bit of an unforgivable sin in my books.
Darren Ball
Darren Ball
Sep 05, 2021
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Fantastic Pub, lovely food, always made to feel very welcome, thank you
Irismar Carvalho
Irismar Carvalho
Sep 05, 2021
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Wonderful Sunday meal, very good for value, 3 courses and the apple tart to share is absolutely amazing. Very friendly staff and helpful too, 100% recommended
Pippa Hammond
Pippa Hammond
Aug 21, 2021
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The fish and chips was the best I have ever tasted! The dessert was to die for too, staff immaculately turned out it’s a 10/10 from us.
Nancy S.
Nancy S.
Oct 03, 2017
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We were invited to Duncombe Arms to celebrate a 30th Birthday. Our group included 11 adults and 3 children. What a wonderful afternoon! Upon entering our private dining room we were welcomed with wonderful waitstaff, the girls were great!
Our dinner choices included Sunday roast dinners ( chicken or beef) a roasted cod dish. Five starters incl chicken parfait, squash veloute and a roasted beets and goats cheese salad. Sweets included chocolate delice and apple crumble. Cheese course to follow. This was a special menu made for us.
James is the manager and made our event wonderful. Want to celebrate
Qype User Lyj E.
Qype User Lyj E.
May 01, 2012
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Had a lovely night at this newly re-opened country pub. Very attentive staff and excellent service all round. The food was well presented and tasted A++. Highly recommended for a fab night out dining or just for a local pint.