Charlie's

Nestled in the charming village of Baslow, just outside the historic market town of Bakewell, Charlie's welcomes guests with the warmth of a roaring log fire and a menu that puts a contemporary spin on classic British dining. With a solid 4.7-star rating from over 230 reviews, this independent restaurant has quickly become a favorite for its high-quality food, reasonable £10–£20 per-person price point, and genuinely hospitable service. The street-side setting on Church Street makes it an easy and inviting stop, whether you're exploring the Peak District, walking the nearby trails, or simply looking for an excellent meal away from the everyday chains. Stepping inside, the cozy yet polished atmosphere sets the tone for everything that follows—smart enough for a special evening, relaxed enough for a leisurely weekend breakfast.

Charlie's operates with a rhythm that suits both the village pace and the anticipation of a great night out. The doors open for daytime dining Wednesday through Sunday, with a natural mid-afternoon pause before the kitchen fires up again on Friday and Saturday evenings. This dual-service pattern means you can drop in for blueberry pancakes and perfectly brewed coffee after a morning ramble, then return later in the week for a candle-lit dinner built around scallops, steak and ale pie, or whatever seasonal specials the chef has crafted. The restaurant delivers a genuine bistro feel—attentive but never fussy—and that balance earns consistent praise from locals and visitors alike. Families feel welcome, couples find it romantic, and solo diners appreciate the friendly bar-side interaction.

Services & Facilities

The team at Charlie's has designed the experience around flexibility and comfort, with clear service windows that cater to different moods and occasions. Whether you are planning a relaxed morning with the newspaper or an evening celebration, the setup adapts beautifully.

Daytime Dining & Breakfast

From 9 or 10 AM, depending on the day, the dining room fills with natural light and the scent of fresh coffee. The breakfast and lunch menu leans toward elevated comfort food—think full English breakfasts made with quality local ingredients, fluffy blueberry pancakes, and bacon sandwiches that have earned their own following. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the speed of service means you never feel rushed, even during peak hours.

Evening Bistro Service

On Friday and Saturday nights, Charlie's transforms into a proper bistro. The lighting softens, the log fire crackles, and the menu shifts to more substantial plates. Scallops, fruit cake, and hearty steak and ale pie appear alongside daily specials that make use of seasonal Peak District produce. The £10–£20 price bracket remains consistent, delivering excellent value for the quality on the plate.

Takeaway & Delivery Options

Understanding that not every occasion calls for table service, the restaurant offers both delivery and takeaway. The same menu care goes into every packaged order, so a night in at your Bakewell cottage or Baslow guesthouse can still feature restaurant-quality food. This convenience makes Charlie's a reliable choice for walkers who want to refuel after a long day on the hills without cooking.

• Dine-in with full table service
• Delivery to surrounding areas
• Takeaway for on-the-go meals
• Seasonal, locally inspired menu
• Dog-friendly seating (as noted by multiple reviewers)
• Outdoor seating in favorable weather
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner cover

What We Offer

Charlie's menu reflects a deep appreciation for British culinary traditions while leaving plenty of room for lighter, modern tastes. The kitchen's approach is ingredient-led, sourcing from trusted suppliers around the Peak District and Derbyshire, so the offerings evolve with the seasons. This commitment to freshness means that repeat visits rarely feel repetitive—there’s always something new alongside the beloved staples.

Breakfast favorites anchor the early part of the day, with the full English breakfast standing as the signature morning plate. The blueberry pancakes have become something of a local legend, praised in multiple reviews for their fluffiness and just-right sweetness. Lunch and dinner bring heartier options to the fore: the steak and ale pie, served with proper pastry and rich gravy, delivers exactly what you want from a country restaurant. Seafood lovers gravitate toward the scallops, which surprise diners with their delicate treatment in a village bistro setting. And for dessert, the fruit cake—mentioned right alongside the savory stars on the menu highlights—provides a nostalgic, beautifully executed finish. Beyond the printed menu, the specials board is where the kitchen shows its creative range, often spotlighting game, wild mushrooms, or peak-season vegetables from nearby farms. A concise drinks list of wine, beer, and soft drinks complements the food without overwhelming the experience.

Why Customers Choose Us

The reviews paint a vivid picture of why Charlie's has earned such a strong reputation in a competitive food scene. Diners consistently highlight three pillars: the quality of the food, the warmth of the service, and the unbeatable atmosphere. The log fire alone gets mentioned enough to consider it part of the identity—there’s something about a real flame that turns a meal into an occasion, and Charlie's uses that natural advantage brilliantly. In warmer months, the outdoor seating offers its own appeal, making the restaurant a year-round destination.

Value is another recurring theme. At £10–£20 per person, guests feel they receive far more than they pay for—both in ingredient quality and in the overall experience. The staff’s hospitality draws words like “lovely,” “hospitable,” and “fantastic” from reviewers ranging from local guides to international visitors. One guest, stopping in after a walk, summed it up by calling breakfast “absolutely delicious” and declaring it a place they’ll “definitely come back to.” Another praised the “good tasty food served by hospitable staff in attractive setting”—a concise and powerful endorsement. Even those who note the relatively compact menu appreciate that what is offered is done exceptionally well. The dog-friendly policy also wins points; in a region celebrated for walking trails, being able to bring a four-legged companion into a warm, welcoming dining room is a meaningful differentiator.

Serving Baslow, Bakewell & the Peak District

Charlie's sits at the heart of Baslow, a village that serves as a gateway to some of the most iconic walking and cycling routes in the Peak District National Park. The restaurant’s location on Church Street places it within easy reach of the Chatsworth Estate, just a mile away, and only a short drive from Bakewell proper. This positioning makes it a natural stopping point for tourists exploring one of England’s most beloved regions. Visitors touring Chatsworth House, walking the Derwent Valley, or hunting for the perfect Bakewell pudding can structure their day around a meal here. Ample nearby parking and the village’s compact layout mean that popping in is never a logistical puzzle.

For Bakewell and Baslow locals, Charlie's functions as an essential part of the community fabric. It’s the spot for post-church Sunday breakfast, a midweek coffee and catch-up, or a Friday night dinner that feels like a genuine treat without requiring a drive into Sheffield or Chesterfield. The split schedule—closed on Mondays and Tuesdays—lets the team recharge and prep, ensuring that every service day runs with energy and attention to detail. This rhythm also mirrors the ebb and flow of village life, which further cements the restaurant’s place in the local routine. Across the broader Derbyshire area, word of mouth has built a loyal following of diners willing to travel for a reliably excellent meal in a setting that feels both special and unpretentious.

Hours, Location & Directions

Planning your visit to Charlie's is straightforward, but the specific opening pattern is worth noting to avoid disappointment. The restaurant operates on a split schedule that varies slightly between weekdays and weekends. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, service runs from 10 AM to 4 PM—ideal for late breakfasts and leisurely lunches. Fridays extend the daytime hours, still opening at 10 AM but then reopening from 7 PM to 11 PM for the evening bistro crowd. Saturdays offer the fullest service: 9 AM to 5 PM during the day, followed by the 7–11 PM dinner window. Sundays mirror the Saturday daytime hours, opening at 9 AM and wrapping up at 5 PM, leaving the evening for the kitchen to rest. The restaurant remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The address, Church St, Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1RY, places you in a picturesque stretch of the village. For those relying on satnav or map services, the postcode leads directly to the door. The Google Maps plus code 69XG+67 Bakewell offers another reliable geolocation option. If you are arriving by car from Bakewell, the route east along the A619 is quick and scenic; from Chesterfield and Sheffield, the drive through the eastern Peak District sets the mood perfectly. Public transport options include local bus services connecting Baslow to Bakewell, Chesterfield, and Sheffield, with stops a short walk from Church Street. For cyclists and walkers, the restaurant sits close to several well-marked trails, making it an ideal refueling point mid-route. Phone ahead to +44 1246 582619 with any questions about the day’s specials, table availability, or takeaway orders—the staff are consistently praised for their helpfulness over the phone as well as at the table.

Questions Visitors Ask

Guests often wonder about the best time to arrive, especially for the popular evening services. Friday and Saturday dinners fill up quickly without a traditional reservation system listed online, so a call or an early arrival is wise. The £10–£20 price range, reported by over 70 diners, gives an accurate expectation for a full meal with a drink—individual items like the pancakes or bacon sandwich naturally come in below that. For those bringing dogs, the outdoor seating and certain indoor areas welcome them, but a quick phone confirmation is always sensible. Parking is generally available along Church Street and in nearby village lots, but during peak tourist seasons, arriving a bit early helps secure a spot. Dietary requirements are accommodated wherever possible, and the kitchen’s seasonal, ingredient-led approach means that vegetarians and those with allergies can usually find or request a suitable option with advance notice.