Escape to the Country
Louisa Warde visits the Chatsworth Estate with a stay at The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow, al-fresco fine-dining and the quintessential English countryside
As our first trip away from Cheshire in nearly two years, it was fair to say that we were looking forward to our visit to The Cavendish Hotel, possibly even an understatement. We had planned our route of just under two hours, taking us across country through the picturesque villages of Monyash and Longnor, with ice-cream and farm shop stops along the way. Arriving at the Chatsworth Estate for lunch time we chose a shady old oak to picnic under, carefully studied by the roaming sheep.
If you don’t plan for your picnic or are looking for an easy option, the Estate Farm Shop is brimming with goodies produced on the estate for eating now or taking back home with you. Re-energised it was time to visit Chatsworth Gardens, with its rock garden and stunning water features, not to mention its rolling parkland and monumental sculptures.
Back in the car for the short journey to Baslow and The Cavendish Hotel we were looking forward to settling in to our stay. On the edge of the village, the former coaching inn sits as if it was built to take in the views back across towards the Estate (a 20-minute walk direct from the hotel for anyone interested).
A warm welcome awaited us and we were shown to our room for the night, passing comfortable bar and lounge areas full of warmth and fabulous décor. Our room, number 16 is one of just 28 individual styled bedrooms on offer. Situated in the Old Wing, the oldest part of the hotel, it is classed as a Superior Room, meaning it is just a little bigger than the Classic option. Featuring a large four poster bed, with steps to climb up into it, the room was traditional yet complete with everything you need, including WiFi and proper coffee. And that is without mentioning the double aspect windows to gaze from.
As a treat our evening meal was in the Laurent-Perrier Champagne & Seafood Terrace, the latest addition to the foodie offering at the hotel and here for the summer. Situated on the lawn in front of the hotel and benefiting from the best of the views, it offers a substantial seafood menu from prawn and chilli linguine to Chatsworth Gin cured salmon and specials of the day.
Our choice was the large sharing platter for two which included tiger prawns, the aforementioned gin-cured salmon, dressed crab, prawn and crayfish in a Marie Rose sauce, curried pot shrimp, house salad, homemade bread and herbed new potatoes. All freshly delivered each day and prepared at the station in front of you. If we had to choose a favourite it would have to be the curried pot shrimp for its buttery loveliness.
Accompanied by a crisp, cool Yealands Sauvignon Blanc, had it not been for the rolling view, we could have been at the harbour in the South of France. It felt like a proper holiday, not simply a one-night break away. Desserts did not disappoint either, one chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake that was gone before I was offered a chance to sample and a tantalizing lemon posset with blueberry meringue sorbet. If you want to try for yourself the Seafood Terrace will be open from 12 to 8pm throughout summer but booking is essential.
And for those who aren’t fishy, The Gallery Restaurant offers great local produce and original cooking from head chef Adam Harper, who trained under Simon Rogan. Using the best, freshest local produce, the Tasting Menu is a great idea and whilst it changes regularly, includes Chatsworth Beef Tartare and Derbyshire Lamb on its five-courses.
It was time for a restful soak in the bath, using most of the Noble Isle Yorkshire Rhubarb bath gel and a climb into that beckoning four-poster. When morning came, we were refreshed and ready for our day ahead.
Breakfast is served in The Gallery Restaurant and is full table service from the friendly waiting team. For us it had to be the full English and Eggs Royale, accompanied by an assortment of freshly baked pastries.
There’s an awful lot to do in the Peak District, from walking to cycling, fishing so you won’t be wondering what to do with yourself. We headed to Bakewell for some of the famous pudding and a little shop before heading back in the car and home to Cheshire, thoroughly recharged.
The Cavendish Hotel, Church Lane, Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1SP
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