Eat & Drink

Dive into Derby’s vibrant food and drink scene, from cosy cafes and traditional pubs to award-winning restaurants and global flavours. Discover local tastes, warm hospitality, and dining experiences that satisfy every craving.

Featured Eat and Drink

Menu image for The Spice Lounge

The Spice Lounge

Offering a stimulating range of Bangladeshi and Southern Asian dishes with a creative twist to appeal to the western palate.

10 Friar Gate, Cathedral Quarter

Platinum Partner

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Bluebells Ice Cream Parlour

Award-winning farm-made ice cream, shakes and sweet treats at Bluebell Dairy near Derby.

Brunswood Farm, Locko Road

Platinum Partner

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Factory Food Court

Factory Food Court is Derby’s go-to destination for bold street food and laid-back outdoor dining.

Meadow Road

Platinum Partner

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Exeter Arms

Award Winning Pub, that has been packing them in with its cutting edge approach, all in a very traditional setting.

Exeter Place

Platinum Partner

Menu image for Bustler Derby

Bustler Derby

A vibrant street food, drink and social destination, independent traders, experiences and entertainment in the heart of the city.

St James' Yard, St James Street

Platinum Partner

All the places to eat & drink in Derby

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Menu image for Christmas Party Nights 2026 27 Nov + more

Christmas Party Nights 2026

27 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026, 4 Dec 2026 - 5 Dec 2026, 11 Dec 2026 - 12 Dec 2026, 18 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026 The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston

Menu image for Bustler Derby Christmas Bookings 25 Nov + more

Bustler Derby Christmas Bookings

25 Nov 2026 - 10 Jan 2027 Bustler Derby, St James' Yard, St James Street

Menu image for “Oh, No It Isn’t!” 13 Dec

“Oh, No It Isn’t!”

13 Dec 2026 The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate

Menu image for Family Bonfire Night Party 07 Nov

Family Bonfire Night Party

7 Nov 2026 Electric Daisy, 1 - 4 Bold Lane

Menu image for The Urban Wine Festival at Electric Daisy 06 Jun

The Urban Wine Festival at Electric Daisy

6 Jun 2027 Electric Daisy, 1 - 4 Bold Lane

Menu image for The Saboteurs - Traitors Inspired Experience 20 Feb

The Saboteurs - Traitors Inspired Experience

20 Feb 2027 The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston

Menu image for Titanic's Last Meal - Immersive Theatre & Dining Experience 17 Apr

Titanic's Last Meal - Immersive Theatre & Dining Experience

17 Apr 2027 The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston

Menu image for Cream Tea with Wendy Holden: The Queen's Painter - Part of Autumn Derby Book Festival 13 Nov

Cream Tea with Wendy Holden: The Queen's Painter

13 Nov 2026 Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane

Menu image for Chapel Street Arts Centre

Chapel Street Arts Centre

19 Chapel Street

Menu image for Nordic Bar 2026 28 Nov + more

Nordic Bar

28 Nov 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 Derby Market Place

Menu image for Derby Farmers' Market Part of the 50:50 campaign 29 Nov + more

Derby Farmers' Market

29 Nov 2026, 19 Dec 2026 - 20 Dec 2026 Derby Market Hall, Market Place

Menu image for Barbara Nice’s Christmas Cracker 08 Dec

Barbara Nice’s Christmas Cracker

8 Dec 2026 Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter

Menu image for Hidden Derby - A Derby Christmas Past Part of the 50:50 campaign 23 Dec

Hidden Derby - A Derby Christmas Past

23 Dec 2026 The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate

Menu image for Bell Hotel Winter Wonderland Party Nights 17 Dec

Bell Hotel Winter Wonderland Party Nights

17 Dec 2026 The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate

Menu image for Christmas Party Night 27 Nov + more

Christmas Party Night

27 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026, 5 Dec 2026, 19 Dec 2026 Kedleston Country House, Kedleston Road, Quarndon

Menu image for Mamma Mia | Immersive Dining 02 Jul

Mamma Mia | Immersive Dining

2 Jul 2027 The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston

Menu image for Scrooge Christmas Dining Experience 20 Dec

Scrooge Christmas Dining Experience

20 Dec 2026 The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate

Menu image for Diwali Lantern Making Part of the 50:50 campaign 01 Nov

Diwali Lantern Making

1 Nov 2026 Indian Community Centre, Rawdon Street

Menu image for Christmas Get-Togethers at Bookcafe Derby 27 Nov + more

Christmas Get-Togethers at Bookcafe Derby

27 Nov 2026 - 23 Dec 2026 The Bookcafé Derby, 21 Cornmarket, Cathedral Quarter

Menu image for Cocktail Masterclass 18 Dec

Cocktail Masterclass

18 Dec 2026 The Spirit Run Distillery & Bar, Derby Market Hall, Tennant Street

Menu image for Alexandra Hotel

Alexandra Hotel

203 Siddals Road

Menu image for Faulty Towers The Dining Experience 10 Dec

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

10 Dec 2026 The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate

Menu image for Dark Vs Light Beer Festival 2026 31 Oct + more

Dark Vs Light Beer Festival 2026

31 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026 Furnace Inn, 9 Duke Street

Menu image for New Years Eve Celebrations 31 Dec

New Years Eve Celebrations

31 Dec 2026 The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston

Close up of pint being poured at Bustler Market Derby

The benchmark for Ale Houses in England

Travel gurus at the Lonely Planet describe Derby as the "best place to drink real ale in the World" and the folks at CAMRA reckon there is more real ale choice in Derby than anywhere else. Hey, who are we to disagree?

Read why Derby has The Best Ale Houses in England

FAQ's

What kind of food and drink can I find in Derby?

Derby offers a wide variety of food and drink, from cosy cafés and traditional pubs to award-winning restaurants and global cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Japanese, and modern British dining options.

Are there any award-winning restaurants in Derby?

Yes, Derby is home to several award-winning and highly rated restaurants, including well-known local favourites and international dining spots recognised for their quality and creativity.

Does Derby have vegetarian or vegan-friendly places to eat?

Many restaurants, cafés, and pubs in Derby offer vegetarian, vegan, and dietary-friendly menus, with a growing number of venues focusing on plant-based dining options.

Where can I find traditional pubs in Derby?

Derby has a strong pub culture, especially in the city centre and surrounding villages, offering traditional pubs serving real ale, pub classics, and locally sourced food.

Are there independent cafés and restaurants in Derby?

Yes, Derby features a range of independent cafés and restaurants, from artisan coffee shops to family-run eateries, many located in areas like the Cathedral Quarter and Friar Gate.

Can I find international cuisine in Derby?

Derby has a diverse food scene with international cuisine including Indian, Thai, Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern restaurants across the city.

Is Derby known for any food or drink specialties?

Derbyshire is known for local produce, real ale, and artisan food experiences, with many breweries and food festivals celebrating regional flavours.

Are there food and drink experiences or tours in Derby?

Yes, visitors can enjoy brewery tours, vineyard experiences, gin schools, and seasonal food festivals showcasing local producers and chefs.

Where are the best areas in Derby for eating out?

Popular dining areas include the Cathedral Quarter, Friar Gate, each offering a mix of restaurants, bars, and cafés.

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