The Darwin Forest Country Park is a getaway close to the stunning Derbyshire Peaks, and it’s here you’ll find the delightful Foresters Bar & Restaurant. In its new conservatory, Foresters Restaurant offers discerning diners the opportunity to enjoy locally sourced, freshly cooked delights from head chef Steve Mower’s kitchen – a chef who has won Derbyshire Food Awards both in 2011 and 2012. The restaurant proves especially popular during holidays and on weekends, as it seamlessly caters to all tastes and preferences, making it an excellent choice for families holidaying in the park lodges or those visiting locally. For this reason Foresters also scooped the accolade ‘Best Family Friendly Venue’ in 2012.
Steve Mower arrived at the Foresters in early 2012, having previously helped win ‘Gastro Pub of the Year’ at a nearby restaurant. His training and passion for cooking can clearly be tasted in his signature dish of tarte au citron with homemade raspberry sorbet – a dessert not to be missed if it’s on the menu. Diners here rave about the pan-fried Derbyshire lamb rump with sautéed Savoy cabbage, bacon, onion, Dauphinoise potatoes, thyme and red wine sauce. The homemade Derbyshire beef burgers are always popular with families.
Locals to the park are wising-up to the Foresters as its reputation spreads, but you’ll mainly find diners are those holidaying in the lodges. The Darwin Forest Country Park is the top of its league when it comes to self-catering accommodation – not just in the Peak District but nationally. In 2012 the park won the VisitEngland Bronze Award, after winning a ‘Best in Britain’ award in 2009. The lodges may be self-catering, but with a bar and restaurant as good as the Foresters on hand, you’ll soon be tempted. Life doesn’t get much better than holidaying in a Pinelodge, surrounded by beautiful countryside. A meal at the Foresters restaurant is the icing on the cake.
Darwin Forest offers something for everyone. It offers peace and tranquillity in a woodland setting for those seeking rest and relaxation, but also provides high-octane activity for the energetic. The trim track and the magnificent Evolution swimming pool and gym provide a good workout for adults and children, while the state-of-the-art Little Monkeys Play Centre is a mecca for youngsters. And, of course, the Derbyshire Peaks are just waiting to be discovered.
