Stones

Featured reviews

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  Michael Cottee

  ·2 weeks ago

  “We visited Stones for a late anniversary meal. We were seated by Ann-Marie,she was very friendly & very professional. The food was absolutely amazing, we were looked after by Ann - Marie through our our visit & even suggested she take our photo by the river.”

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  Jennifer Foster

  ·2 months ago

  “This is nowhere near a star as other reviewers have stated. Indeed, the chefs displayed solid skill in many respects and some of the dishes were absolute stand-outs and could easily be on a Michelin menu, but others were shockingly poorly prepared: underdone scallops, a lamb dish that lacked any type of cohesion, very very overcooked sea bream that despite having perfectly crispy skin was so tough it was like leather (which also had clearly been sitting under a hot plate for a long time), a dessert component that tasted of freezer burn, sand in an undercooked baby potato that hadn’t been properly scrubbed). The wait staff, although very kind, let the kitchen down by not being properly trained for food of this caliber: reaching across in front of people to place flatware on the opposite side of the table (and sometimes placing on the wrong side and/or askew), placing drinks in the middle of a place setting for the person who didn’t order it, having guests fill their own water glasses, and repeatedly placing the bill wide open in front of one of my guests when it was clear I was the one who asked for the check and presented my card. The pacing was also extremely poor, with some dishes rushed together and others taking 20+ minutes to be delivered. The experience took nearly 4 hours, and it was painful throughout. By the end, we just wanted to go home. Some of those dishes showed so much promise that I really hope with a bit more training (and fewer tables overall—it was utterly cramped) they could become a standout. But they just aren’t there yet.”

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  Simon Ellis

  ·5 months ago

  “Such good value. Fabulous service. Delicious food.”

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  Cyprian Bogacz

  ·7 months ago

  “Great spot on Matlock's culinary map. Refined and tasty food, welcoming and enthusiastic service, beautiful view and relaxing atmosphere. We enjoyed dinner tasting menu for my wife's wedding. All of the courses were to our liking. Flavours were really well balances. I really enjoyed dishes that by description alone I thought I will not like. We will definitely visit again.”

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  Steffy Lam

  ·1 year ago

  “We visited the restaurant for a birthday celebration and decided to try the tasting menu. We drove nearly two hours to get there. Overall, the food was acceptable, but at this price, expectations are naturally higher. Unfortunately, the service was quite disappointing, and the overall experience didn’t feel worth the cost. When we made the reservation, we specifically mentioned that it was for a birthday celebration. However, even until we received the bill, we noticed that every other table celebrating a birthday received a surprise plate — except us. I truly hope this wasn’t a form of discrimination, but it certainly left that impression, which is very disappointing after traveling such a long way to dine there. ⸻ 🍽️ Tasting Menu Review 1) Leek & Potato Soup 👎 The soup was not served hot — not even warm. The flavor was fine, but the texture wasn’t creamy enough. 2) Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder 👎 The flavor was pleasant, but the texture was rough and not as tender as expected. It lacked the softness you would normally expect from slow-cooked meat. 3) Seared Scallops 👍 Perfectly cooked with excellent timing. The scallops were tender, and the pumpkin purée paired beautifully with them. 4) Breast of Gressingham Duck 👍 Cooked to a perfect texture, and the purée complemented the duck very well. A nicely balanced dish. 5) Coffee Crèmeux 😐 Nothing particularly special — it felt rather ordinary as a dessert to end the meal.”

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  Simon Hodgson

  ·1 year ago

  “Perfect tasting menu. Great wines to pair with. Couldn’t fault the food etc. only thing is if you don’t get a conservatory table to feel a little hemmed in. Definitely visit again.”

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  Grant Stanley

  ·1 year ago

  “This was a recommendation from a friend and it was worth the hour and a half drive! The story I was told was that the chef was a Michelin star chef working in London, who was sick of the rat race and relocated to Matlock in Derbyshire. My partner and I opted for the 7 course taster menu and what a sensation that was. EVERY dish was an explosion in the mouth of complimentary flavours and textures. With the appetisers, the sour dough bread and the mous bouches , it turned out to be almost 10 courses. Just look at the photos! Unbelievable! The location is beautiful too. The outside terrace overlooks the river and the sounds of the water creates at truly romantic setting. The staff were excellent too and I’m surprised that Stones doesn’t already have a Michelin star! Out of this world and I would recommend everyone that likes food to try it! @ £80 per person, it is an absolute bargain. For food like this you would pay double that in London!”

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  Adam Kaplan

  ·1 year ago

  “Was in the area for a long weekend away and booked Stones to celebrate my partners birthday. What a great choice. Food was fantastic and reasonably priced for the quality. The service was great and the location was lovely too. Would highly recommend if you’re visiting the area.”

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  Christopher Dean

  ·1 year ago

  “Absolutely delicious fine dining. Loved every dish. Worth every penny including the excellent wine pairing. Worked out to be 11 courses if you include the amuse-bouche dishes! Book in advance to avoid disappointment as this is the best place and only fine dining restaurant in Matlock. Highly recommended!”

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  David Pinney

  ·3 years ago

  “We had booked a table for lunch for a group of 6. Parking problems made us a bit late but we were welcomed warmly. We much enjoyed the 3-course lunch (with surprises added). My own meal was superb and good value. Only the peach could have been tastier and softer but everything with it was delicious.”