While good food is at the heart of every good dining experience, other elements are needed to make a really great one – such as excellent customer service, a relaxing ambience and, of course, wonderful company. The Farmyard Inn scores highly in all categories. It’s a homely, traditional country pub, packed with friendly and chatty locals, and with a real fire burning in the grate.
I chose the Derbyshire mushrooms to start, bathed in creamy and tangy white wine and Stilton sauce and served with crusty bread. Blue cheese was the order of the day for my companion too, who opted for hearty broccoli and Stilton soup – delicious, chunky and unmistakably homemade.
For mains I plumped for the game pie – a mammoth creation containing tender venison, pheasant, rabbit and rich gravy, made while we waited to ensure ultimate freshness. My companion’s braised lamb shank, served with cranberry and mint glaze, was a true delight. The lamb simply fell off the bone and was served with colcannon – delicious creamy mash with fresh Savoy cabbage.
Finally, a word about landlady Sue – the perfect hostess. She was friendly, welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Dining and staying at the Farmyard Inn, as we did, is truly a home-from-home experience.