The Best Restaurants in Carsington, Derbyshire, United Kingdom (2025)

Had a family Sunday lunch which was very nice although I thought the roast potatoes were a bit hard. I tried to phone the pub beforehand to change the reservation time but after several attempts I left a message but no one called me back. We had a £60 voucher to use but were told that we couldn’t use it as there was no number on it even though there was a bar code. I went back into the machine where I purchased the voucher and they told me that they could have scanned the voucher on their iPad. Perhaps the staff need to be aware of this to avoid future problems.

Very nice pub just up from Carsington Water. Opted for a the bacon and cheese burger with tater tots from the food van outside for £10. Really good value considering quality - tater tots best I’ve ever had. Selection of sauces also quality - so much so I kept a few as stocking fillers for next xmas. Food indoors looked really good and portions very generous. Ate outside in spacious beer garden.

First time visiting the area and pub Staff inviting and welcoming. The Knockerdown had a warm ambience. We visited early evening @ 5pm as we had an early am start the following day. The food was fabulous. I chose Salt & Pepper Scampi followed by a Vegetable Thai Green Curry (Veg or Chicken as an option) and to finish a Passionfruit, Pineapple & Mint Pavlova. Hubby chose a Chicken Pâté, Followed by Chicken & Ham pie, veg + option fries with Caramel Ice Cream + Brownie. Red Wine + 2x 0% Peroni. Tis a shame it’s not our local. We’d go back in a heartbeat if it was. Thank you to the staff + Chef @ the Knockerdown. Will definitely be back. 👏 xx

Excellent Sunday lunch today, Roast Sirloin of beef that anyone would have been proud to serve, delicious home made food to a very high standard. Thanks

Came here with the clan. Access to the restaurant can be gained through the lift also which makes it wheelchair accessible. Service was slow but it was a nice day and a little busy. Staff were polite and there's a good range of food. Vegetarian options available. Parking nearby and toilets onsite make it an easy one stop for all. All in all a nice place to work up an appetite and get some food, or maybe walk off the meal as there are lovely walks around the lake. Enjoy your visit.

Due to the very wet weather we decided to have lunch instead. Never been upstairs before. Located a table. Probably best to book a table before going as it gets busy. I ordered the roast of the day which was turkey, my son had the gammon steak with chips. Ordered at the bar with your table number, brought back our drinks on trays. I really enjoyed my hot and Superb roast, my son enjoyed his thick gammon steak with a fried egg.

the restaurant is small, it would be very busy at lunch time. the homemade cakes look delicious. victoria sandwich cake was ok. the meals were value for money. the special beef bourguignon and salmon salad were tasty. the soup serviced in a large bowl. will visit again. the afternoon tea is required 24 hours advance order.

Nice place to stop for lunch after completing the 8 miles circular walk if the reservoir. The restaurant is clean, bright and has wonderful views over the reservoir. The menu was good with additional daily specials also available. Drinks arrived a while before the food and the tea and coffee were both good, however the hot chocolate was very weak and lacked any real taste. For lunch we ordered sandwiches and bowls of chips and the quality of the food was good. On departure we bought some cakes to take home with us and these were all good. Well worth visiting if your at Carsington Water.