Derby Restaurants and Dining

(Derby, Derbyshire, England, UK)

Known throughout the Midlands as the regional real ale capital, the city of Derby contains more than 100 real ale pubs and several microbreweries. Pubs in Derby are a great place to enjoy a hearty meal, with favourites including the Brewery Tap, the Brunswick Inn and the Flowerpot. For fine dining, you will need to check out the restaurants and similar eateries located in the city centre.

Derby is beginning to gain quite a strong reputation for its dining establishments, many of which specialise in traditional British dishes, such as fish and chips, steaks, pies, roast dinners, toad in the hole (sausages in a batter mixture) and beef Wellington. However, other restaurants have chosen a more international flavour, offering Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican and Thai dishes.

Where to Eat

Those craving fast-food in Derby will no doubt be pleased to find the familiar facades of Burger King, KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut restaurants. For a little more culture, look for dining venues around the Market Place and the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, being particularly plentiful along the Georgian streets of Friar Gate and Iron Gate.

A burgeoning dining scene is certainly emerging on the London Road and Midland Road area, where a number of popular bistros and bars have opened in recent years. Just outside of central Derby and located alongside the Derwent River is Darleys, a Michelin recommended restaurant regularly making an appearance in the Good Food Guide. For something rather historic, consider eating at Ye Olde Dolphin Inn on Queen Street, which is the oldest remaining public house in Derby and dates back to the early part of the 16th century.

The extensive food court at the Westfield Derby mall is another great place to eat out, especially if you are on a shopping spree and have time for a spot of lunch. Head to Eat Central on the second floor of the Westfield and you will find a huge choice of tasty food, set within a relaxing dining environment able to comfortably seat some 800 diners.