The Best Cafes in Alton, Derbyshire, United Kingdom (2025)

Absolutely amazing coffee! Fresh, rich in flavour and smooth. I tried the Biscoff Latte and it was just incredible. I can't wait to go back to try another. We also bought some of the Alton Blend beans to take home - so tasty and a real treat in the morning. The barista in Coffee Cherry was also really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

Exactly what you would expect for a place that sets itself up as "coffee experts". First, I had an amazing coffee there. Then, supremely knowledgeable advice where they really listened to my preferences and had good suggestions. Then a discussion of tools and techniques, where they clearly understand the ups and downs of how each technique can affect flavour. Finally, a superior product - just ground some of their Guatamalan Huehuetenango beans, medium roast, and to say that the output beats "high street coffee" is an understatement (using upside/down aeropress, with a bloom phase, and double paper filters). Absolutely lovely place and I cannot recommend it enough.

So this review is for my recent mail order of coffee beans - Celestial and Tiger Stripes blend. I have ordered ground in the past but we’ve now moved to grinding our own beans. Tried both these now and they are absolutely lovely. The tiger stripes in particular is gorgeous! They put commercial supermarket blends to shame and it’s a much better experience than a high st chain. The delivery was swift as well. Thank you.

Lovely coffee house - we watched the coffee beans roasting while waiting for our lattes and bacon rolls. Lots of coffee varieties on offer, together with cakes, rolls, bubble tea etc. Brilliant 👍🏻

We visited on a Sunday afternoon while visiting the area. We received a very warm welcome and had a sense that the staff genuinely cared about our experience. There was a lovely ambience. The menu options were perfect. The food was of great quality and prices about right. Unfortunately I wasn’t feeling so great so I didn’t eat all of my lovely hearty soup (of which there was a very generous amount) but it was by no means a reflection on the food. On any other day I’d have most definitely finished the lot off!

Wanted to try this lovely cafe we had heard about. Lived up to great expectations, great coffee, lovely atmosphere, we didn't eat ,but the food looked very tasty. Ben, Elliot and Maya give us great service. Thankyou

Absolutely lovely little cafe - great food and drink choices, including gluten free. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. The friendliness of the staff gave the cafe a really nice atmosphere, we will definitely be visiting again and would highly recommend 😀

Lovely place to have a spot of tea/coffee and a scone. The Scones were delicious and are hand made by the owners mum. Very light and fluffy. Coffee and tea both very good. Also, on a Sunday they are open later then most that shut around 4pm, which is why we luckily found this one. Staff lovely and friendly, very recommended!

This charming little cafe in Ashbourne is a real gem. We stopped by for breakfast and were pleasantly surprised by both the quality and value. We ordered the Full English breakfast, which was generous and satisfying. It included two tasty sausages, a perfectly cooked fried egg, crispy bacon, baked beans, mushrooms, tomato, toast, and even a slice of fried bread — all for just £12.75. Considering the portion size and the variety on the plate, it’s excellent value for money. To drink we had a vanilla latte and a refreshing orange juice, both reasonably priced and a great complement to the meal. We left feeling comfortably full — exactly what you want from a good breakfast! The cafe itself is cosy and welcoming, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy your time. There’s also an outdoor seating area upstairs which is a lovely touch if you’re visiting on a sunny day. Overall, it’s a great spot for a casual bite and a warm drink. We’ll definitely be returning the next time we’re in Ashbourne.

Had a lovely experience yesterday! Very family friendly (we had a pram, and they put out a baby change for us). The service was very good. The little finishing touches of bringing cutlery on a plate and sauce on a little side plate, too, made it a more pleasant experience. Food is an amazing value for money! Also full for the entirety of our time there, which I feel speaks volumes!

I’m an independent carer and care for a lady with dementia. On this day my lady wouldn’t come out of the car, I popped in and asked if they offered take away - without hesitation the lady was very accommodating and told me what she would be able to do for me. They were very quick! Very friendly! I’ll definitely be back here to try some warmer meals. Special menu had lots of offer and the food I was seeing be served looked delicious! I look forward to returning. Inside, the cafe had a very cosy feeling. What a lovely place to stumble across! They even gave us some wooden trays to take with us to eat on and offered to help me to the car! The baguettes and salad we had tasted so fresh and was very lovely! Thank you very much. I can’t recommend this place enough!

My mum, dad and myself had been here on a previous trip to Ashbourne, but only had a cappuccino with the time getting on, and we found it to be a lovely place. So this time, on a solo trip, I decided to stop by for breakfast, which came with two sausages, bacon, baked beans, mushroom, a tomato, black pudding, hash browns, fried bread and white or brown toast. Thankfully, it wasn't too crowded inside and I was able to choose a table at the bottom, nearest the counter, as these are great for solo customers or a party of two. Had a look through the menu, and chose the regular breakfast with granary toast and a cappuccino for the drink. Super cosy place with awesome chairs and tables (going for the marbled look, complimenting the black and white chairs very well!) It was clean and I noticed, by the side, there was a glass jar of dog treats and some blankets, so I think well-behaved dogs are allowed. The lady who served me, as well as the other ladies, were super pleasant and very friendly. Food came out and was presented nicely on the plate, everything hot and cooked to perfection! The fried egg was fabulous and runny, the sausages well-seasoned (proper ones too, not like some you get elsewhere). The hash browns were nice and crispy, not soggy at all! Very filling and certainly set me up for the day. I think the breakfast and cappuccino came to about £16 altogether, which I don't think is bad at all, considering everything was fresh. Would have no hesitation coming back in the future, and would HIGHLY recommend! Many thanks to the staff at Café Impromptu!

A brilliant road side restaurant. Plenty of parking. Inside and outside seating. Good pleasant service and a very reasonable choice on breakfast and lunch menus open from 8.30am. Prices are reasonable and food is very tasty

The Cottage Kitchen Country Café is a delightful spot known for its friendly staff and freshly cooked, homestyle food. All the dishes we had were superb, hit, freshly cooked and definitely not a typical cafe quality- these are definitely restaurant level dishes in terms of taste. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to unwind, whether you're enjoying a meal or just stopping by for their impressive selection of high-quality cakes. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a cozy and satisfying café experience.

A great little stop-off for lunch! The Cottage Kitchen has a really cosy, country feel with a nice selection of homemade options on the menu. Everything we ordered was fresh and tasty. It’s a bit of a shame that dogs aren’t allowed inside, but luckily the weather was good enough and we were able to sit out the front. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area and fancy a relaxed bite to eat.

Lovely cafe with a range of brunch and lunch options. Visited a couple of times now for brunch and cake, both delicious!

Lovely setting and well maintained in the inside. Food and coffee are amazing. One point to consider; the sign about your card-charges. Take it down, these charges are a tax deduction against your income, plus all your bank charges. Maybe you should get rid of card payments all together if it’s causing an issue. At the end of the day, it’s the cost of doing business and these charges are already worked into your costs.

Enjoyed a delicious latte on the porch area in a peaceful park with local people going about their day, taking in the sites. I didn't have food but the cakes looked amazing! Friendly staff plenty of food options.

Stopped here for a takeaway coffee to enjoy in the park. It was piping hot, reasonably priced and the service was friendly. The cakes were very tempting but unfortunately I didn't indulge this time so can't vouch for their taste and quality. Worth a stop if you want something whilst in Matlock. Savoury items were also available.

Had tea and cake here recently. As usual, the service was friendly, and the food and drink were excellent. I have visited many times and would highly recommend it. Called in again in August and had this lovely coffee and pecan cake. Added some Valentine cake photos for February 2024. 13th October 2024 had tea and apple pie delicious! November 2024 and the café is decorated for Christmas, seasonal cakes await, and 'spicy parsnip soup'. The staff are as friendly as ever, a warm atmosphere awaits....

We were in England as tourists and since I had lived in Spain for some time (not far from Madrid), we decided to visit this restaurant. I ate seafood and my husband had steak. We really liked everything. The steak was excellent quality. I think it was farm meat. And the prices were much lower than in other restaurants in Ashbourne. I recommend it to everyone. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely go back there again.

Lovely people! A warm welcome, great atmosphere, and delicious food. Thoughtful in catering for dietary requirements, with a good choice of dishes. Everything arrived beautifully presented, well cooked, and clearly freshly prepared. We were a large group and they did a fantastic job. Very reasonable prices as well. 100% recommend.

A Taste of Spain in the Heart of Ashbourne! 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸 Tapas Madrid is an absolute gem. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm, relaxed atmosphere and the unmistakable aroma of authentic Spanish cooking. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor and clearly made with love and care. The service was just as impressive—friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they’re serving. They were more than happy to help me practice my Spanish! Perfect family atmosphere and now our new favourite restaurant!!

What a delightful find. Gorgeous tapas beautifully cooked and the nicest staff we've encountered for some time. Nothing was too much trouble, even though we had a five-month-old baby with us. Will be going back very soon. Highly recommended.

Exceptional experience. This was our first ever visit with our 4 legged friend and the welcome could not have been any more warmer. The servers were chatty, polite and ready to explain anything and everything about their menu. I had my first taste of a rice crispie chicken burger and all I can say is wow! You must try to appreciate it. Hot chocolate and coffee we would go as far the say the BEST in Derbyshire. We can’t wait to return.

we had a spontaneous trip to Ashbourne and this cafe caught our attention straight away. And so good we came there! I loved the decor, and menu offers so much more than a typical cafe. We had butternut squash on toast (looked and tasted great) , my partner had pancakes with bacon, breaded chicken with maple syrup.. sooo delicious! and coffee - that's another big STAR for amazing ones. I had a beetroot latte (rarely on the menu at most cafes) - it was perfect. We already planning to come back to Ashbourne in the summer

Great food and lovely atmosphere. Shakshuka and pancakes were filling and tasty. Fab coffee and we are coming back for margaritas later 😜. You should come here. It is fabulous. Luke looked after us very well 👍🏻

Really nice breakfast spot with a great selection on the menu. The decor and ambiance is also really nice and works perfectly. The dishes are nicely presented and the drinks and coffee options are also good. I had the eggs benedict but would have preferred the eggs to be slightly more cooked as the whites were a little runny but still edible (poached eggs aren't the easiest) and I think a tad more bacon too as it was quite slim. Others in my group had a full English and the bacon and chicken pancakes which they enjoyed. We also tried the special brew of coffees which was a nice experience. Overall really good place and would consider revisiting if in the area.

Great breakfasts, a cosy fire, and with a friendly atmosphere. Pay cash and fill up on tasty treats! Plenty to take away too, including the largest sausage rolls you've ever seen!

Good quality non fussy food at very reasonable prices, in a beautiful location. Outdoor and indoor seating. Parking (third party) next door for £2

Stopped here on our way through to the Hope Valley. A bit of a pilgrimage as I used to frequent the café in my younger days while on holiday in the Peak District. Thankfully not much has changed! Food and drink are ordered from the counter and is brought to the hatch where cutlery and sauces are kept. There are two seating areas, both with a lot of original station decor, and both with lovely roaring fires. We ordered a full breakfast each, a hot chocolate and a coffee. The drinks were made immediately and were piping hot. The food was a little while after and was quite the plate full, for £8.80 including the drink was very good value for money. Don’t forget to bring cash and make sure you take your dirties to the wash up counter!

Came across this cafe next to padley gorge, don't let looks deceive , First class location food is to die for, I had the stew, crazy portions first class food and portion a chips,enough to feed 4, certainly going back, highly

I'm so happy that the Old Smithy has reopened! It used to be a favourite stop on our walks, and we missed it so much. We worried if the new owners would maintain the charm and atmosphere, but we were not disappointed. The menu is basic, but the portions are generous, and the food is really fresh and tasty. The staff are superb!!!! Very friendly, yet polite and respectful. The service was prompt and efficient. Cannot wait to go back. I sincerely hope that the business will thrive and wish the new owners all the best of luck.

A definite must not miss cafe if you are visiting nearby Chatsworth. Delicious food & cakes in a lovely setting with attentive & friendly staff.

Fantastic place! Warm and friendly with great food and service, in a beautiful little village. What more could you need.

Very quick review... If you go to any cafe around Chesterfield this is absolutely a must not miss. The food is really beyond even my expectations and the coleslaw ♥️♥️♥️. For an old jaded restaurant critic this was just wonderful. Really. So, check out the Old Smithy, it's utterly exquisite on all fronts (decor, food, and service). My highest award: FIVE NOMS 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

Had a fantastic experience at The Family Tree! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a lovely countryside charm. The food was delicious, well-prepared, and generously portioned. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from start to finish. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee, a meal, or just a relaxing time, this place is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommended!

Popped in with the missus for a spot of lunch, which quickly escalated into a dining delight! I chose the bagels with smoked salmon, and she chose poached eggs on toast with crushed avocado. Both meals were absolutely perfect, great textures, balance of flavours, and the portions were both generous and very reasonably priced. Touches like a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and a seeded bagel, rather than a plain one, just shows the level of care and attention put into their food. Throw in some fresh spinach and eggs cooked to perfection, what more could you want?Cake! That’s what!! Even though we were both full, we simply couldn’t leave without a couple of the cakes on display, they simply looked amazing. And they were! Thoroughly recommend these lovely people, the fantastic food, great location, and one more bonus…they allow dogs, which meant we got a bit of a doggo fix too!! Brilliant 👍

A well proportioned cafe plenty of outside dining space and good parking. Offers a wide range of tasty looking breakfasts with vegetarian options. The first time I have been offered a raspberry jam croissant, but it was quite nice. I would imagine this place is very busy during tourist season. Prices seem reasonable for the quality offered. Staff are .pleasant