The Lamb Inn, Chinley

For those of you who regularly read our little blog, then apologies that we haven't wrote in a while.  We have very busy of late trying to buy a new house for one thing and not really felt like doing much cooking.  We, have on the other hand, eaten out quite a few times and been very impressed by some that we will be writing about over the next week or two.

As well as revisiting some of our favourite haunts we have also tried some new places, mainly out in the country due to the nice weather and our need to be up a hill somewhere.  We enjoy walking in the Peak District and often drive over from Tameside (where we live) over to Edale and the surrounding villages to get our fix.  On the road to Edale (Hayfield Road) just past Hayfield you drop into Chinley.  Many times we notice the sign that says "you have just passed the Lamb Inn" and eventually we thought why not try the place out.

The Lamb Inn is set in magnificent scenery which already ticks a box in the Country Pub checklist for us and having read a few great reviews we were very excited about seeing what they had to offer.  So last week after I had come off a night shift and was struggling to sleep in the heat I thought - pub lunch is what we need and headed off to the Lamb Inn.

The pub itself is set back slightly from the main road but a stroll to the end of the car park reveals this view.







If you wanted to incorporate a visit to this pub in a walk it may help to know that we also passed it on a walk from Hayfield that takes in Chinley Churn which the picture above almost shows. 

The pub was wonderfully friendly, we received quick service and although a busy place, there were many little cubby holes making the place feel personal and private.  We got a table for two and browsed the fairly extensive menu.

For starters Fran chose the Cream of mushroom soup and I had Chicken Liver and Brandy Pate.  I had hoped for potted crab but I believe several people before me had the same idea as they had ran out.  Not to worry though as the pate was fine.  A little under-seasoned for my own personal taste but was very fresh never the less.  The onion marmalade was fantastically homemade which was refreshing as, although I quite like pre-bought jars (which you would normally get with a pate dish) this had an extra special feel to it.  Fran assures me the soup was delicious.  There was not too much in the way of gluten-free options as we could tell, but to be fair we didn't enquire specifically so who knows what the chef could have produced?



Chicken Liver and Brandy Pate



Cream of Mushroom Soup

For main course Fran ordered the Lamb Henry.  Fran is a big sauce fan and the minted gravy she tells me was fantastic.  Lovely creamy mash and crisp fresh seasonal vegetables.  The vegetables were a bit of a feature throughout the meal as they were so well cooked and the sugar snap peas beautifully crisp.  For my main course I ordered the Ham Hock with Rich Shallot and Tarragon Sauce.



Lamb Henry



Ham Hock with Rich Shallot and Tarragon Sauce



I have to say that the Ham Hock was the best tasting piece of ham I have ever tasted.  The meat just fell away from the bone (see aside) and the sauce was rich and beautifully seasoned.  Again the crisp vegetables were a perfect accompaniment.  I cannot really praise this dish enough, it was fantastic and well worth visiting the Lamb Inn just to try it.  I called the pub to find out which butcher supplies them and was told it was Andrew Armstrong of Bakewell. 


I believe all their food is sourced locally and they make special mention on the menu as to their suppliers.  Unfortunately I did not make a note of the others.

Our opinion of the Lamb Inn is that it is far superior to a standard pub for food.  This is a wonderfully homely pub far away from the hustle and bustle.  The interior is historic and charming with small cubby holes to create a very personal atmosphere.  The service was great and I wouldn't hesitate recommending it to anyone.  It is set in the most glorious of surroundings in the Peak District and the food is fantastic and also locally sourced.  The meal came to around £35 (no drinks) which, although not cheap, is certainly worth the money.