The Wheel Inn
Quick info
About The Wheel Inn
On Main St in Derby, The Wheel Inn is a pub serving a short menu built around four dishes, with the Festival Pie as its named centerpiece. Alongside it, the kitchen turns out Roast Beef, Chicken Marsala, and Bangers and Mash. There is no formal reservation process, the pub runs on a walk-in basis, and it opens daily. The compact menu keeps the kitchen's focus on a handful of plates rather than a sprawling list.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention roast chicken, cauliflower cheese, beer garden and duck unavailable.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention roast chicken, cauliflower cheese, beer garden and duck unavailable.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often praise the roast dinners and the lunch deal, with one reviewer highlighting three courses for £25 and a server who was polite and attentive. Others enjoyed the beer garden and relaxed atmosphere. However, one reviewer describes a birthday roast marred by an hour-plus wait, dry chicken, missing stuffing, and a hair found in the cauliflower cheese, with staff described as dismissive when raised.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often praise the roast dinners and the lunch deal, with one reviewer highlighting three courses for £25 and a server who was polite and attentive. Others enjoyed the beer garden and relaxed atmosphere. However, one reviewer describes a birthday roast marred by an hour-plus wait, dry chicken, missing stuffing, and a hair found in the cauliflower cheese, with staff described as dismissive when raised.
Featured reviews
- Julia Dallimore
“We had the pleasure of photographing some dishes at The Wheel Inn recently and they were absolutely stunning! The care and attention that goes into sourcing local ingredients and presenting plates of delicious food is wonderful. And it's a lovely venue, in a fascinating village, not far from Calke Abbey. I definitely recommend it.”
- Amy Smith
“Unfortunately, our visit was a little disappointing. We were told by a member of staff that the duck, along with a few other dishes, wasn't available because of the cost. I completely understand that these things happen, but it's probably …”
- Emily Walton
“Had a really lovely time here — the food was absolutely delicious and everything we tried was spot on. The atmosphere is so nice and relaxed, and they have a lovely bar and beer garden too. It’s a great place whether you’re going for a meal or just popping in for casual drinks. Would definitely go back!”
- Fionnbharr Williamson
“Very disappointing experience from start to finish. Food took 1 hour 20 minutes to arrive, and one meal came out a further 15 minutes after everyone else — the birthday guest had to eat alone after the rest of the table had nearly finished. When this was raised, the response from staff was dismissive rather than apologetic. None of the food was piping hot (aside from the late meal), which suggested it had been sitting before service. The chicken was dry and overcooked, cabbage undercooked, portions extremely small, and there was even a hair found in the cauliflower cheese. Basic elements expected with a roast, such as stuffing, were missing entirely. Despite these issues being raised at the time, the bill was brought without us asking and no reduction or goodwill gesture was offered. Given the small portions and quality problems, the meal felt significantly overpriced. We were then asked whether we had left a tip for another staff member, which felt inappropriate given the experience. Overall, very poor food, slow service, and unprofessional handling of complaints. Would not return.”
- Niamh
“We had the lunch menu, 3 courses for £25 and it was such good value for the amount of food you got! James served us and he was really polite and couldn’t do enough for us will definitely be back ☺️”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible car park · Has wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Does not have assistive hearing loop
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Location
Bars near The Wheel Inn
- Victory Club4.42295.2 mi awayWheelchair accessible
real ale, live music, friendly staff
- Crown Hotel4.21075.5 mi awayGood for kids
function room, live band performances, lambert lounge
- Brackens Alvaston4.22235.6 mi awayWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
darts, karaoke, locals
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wheel Inn | 4.3359 | — | roast chicken, cauliflower cheese, beer garden |
| Victory ClubWheelchair accessible | 4.4229 | 5.2 mi away | real ale, live music, friendly staff |
| Crown HotelGood for kids | 4.2107 | 5.5 mi away | function room, live band performances, lambert lounge |
| Brackens AlvastonWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.2223 | 5.6 mi away | darts, karaoke, locals |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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