The Old Smithy Tearooms & Restaurant

Tucked into the heart of the Peak District, The Old Smithy Tearooms & Restaurant in Monyash is a beloved stop for walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and anyone who appreciates honest, well-prepared food in a genuinely welcoming setting. The building carries the character of the village's heritage, with weathered stone walls and a warm glow that promises comfort before you even step inside. Once you do, the hum of conversation, the clink of china, and the scent of fresh coffee and baking pull you straight in.

We're known across Bakewell and the wider Derbyshire Dales for a menu that runs seamlessly from an early Full English Breakfast right through to afternoon cakes and cream teas. The team here believes that good food doesn't need to be complicated—it needs to be made with proper ingredients and served with a smile. Regulars come back for the consistency, while first-timers quickly understand why The Old Smithy has earned its 4.7-star reputation.

Breakfast & All-Day Offerings

Morning is a serious business at The Old Smithy. The kitchen opens early on weekends to welcome those arriving before a long ramble. The Full English Breakfast remains the standout, built around bacon, sausages, eggs, and all the trimmings that fuel a day in the hills. For a lighter start, bacon baps and breakfast cobs are a signature draw, especially with motorcyclists who gather here on sunny Saturday and Sunday mornings.

All-day choices extend into a confident lunch lineup. Sandwiches, paninis, and traditional hot meals fill the gap between breakfast and the afternoon tea crowd. The ingredients are locally sourced where possible, and each dish is prepared to order—nothing sits under a heat lamp.

• Full English Breakfast – A hearty plate with bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, tomato, and toast.
• Bacon BAP – A soft floury roll packed with British back bacon, popular with the biking community.
• Breakfast Cob – A crusty bread roll filled with hot breakfast ingredients, ideal for a quick but satisfying start.
• Sandwiches & Paninis – Freshly made with a choice of classic fillings, served with a side of crisps or salad.

Afternoon Tea, Cakes & Bakes

By lunchtime, the counter displays start to fill with the day’s cakes, scones, and traybakes. Afternoon tea here isn't a stuffy affair—it's generous, relaxed, and very Peak District. Whether you settle for a single slice of cake with a pot of tea or go for the full tiered stand, the quality is the same. Everything is baked on site, and the selection rotates seasonally so regulars always have something new to try.

Customers consistently praise the coffee cake, Victoria sponge, and fruit scones served with clotted cream and jam. The drinks menu matches the food with care: loose-leaf teas, properly pulled espresso, creamy cappuccinos, and a well-chosen range of cold beverages for hot summer days.

• Coffee Cake – A moist, coffee-infused sponge layered with buttercream, often named in reviews.
• Scones with Clotted Cream & Jam – A Peak District essential, baked fresh each morning.
• Full Afternoon Tea – A tiered stand of sandwiches, scones, and cakes with unlimited tea.
• Specialty Coffees – Flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos made from a well-balanced house blend.

Atmosphere & Customer Experience

One of the first things you'll notice is how many different groups feel at home here. On weekdays you'll find locals popping in for lunch and hikers comparing route notes over tea. At weekends the forecourt fills with motorcycles and bicycles, creating a lively, informal meet-up culture that's become a defining feature of The Old Smithy. Staff are known for being attentive without hovering, and the pace of service is quick even when tables are full.

The interior mixes traditional tearoom charm with practical, unfussy seating. Exposed beams, stone walls, and a wood-burning stove in colder months make the space feel like a proper country refuge. When the sun does come out, the outdoor seating area is equally popular—perfect for watching village life on Church Street while enjoying a cold drink.

Reviews repeatedly highlight the friendly, efficient team. Whether you're a solo walker looking for a quick stop or a group of friends settling in for a long catch-up, the service is calibrated to match your needs.

Serving Monyash, Bakewell & the Peak District

Set in the village of Monyash, the tearoom sits along a quiet lane just minutes from the limestone dales and networks of footpaths that define this corner of England. Bakewell is only a short drive away, and the location makes The Old Smithy a natural base for exploring the White Peak area. Visitors frequently combine their stop here with walks along the Monsal Trail, Lathkill Dale, or the villages of Over Haddon and Youlgreave.

Being right in the center of Monyash means you're never far from the next view or trailhead, and the team is always happy to share local knowledge—where to walk, what to see, and how to find the quieter routes that the guidebooks sometimes miss.

Hours, Location & Directions

The Old Smithy Tearooms & Restaurant operates seven days a week with steady hours that suit both early risers and afternoon visitors. Monday through Friday we open at 10 AM and close at 5 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays we open an hour earlier, at 9 AM, to catch the weekend breakfast crowd before they head out for the day.

You'll find us at Church Street, Monyash, Bakewell DE45 1JH, United Kingdom. The village is well-signed from the A515 and the B5055, and there is roadside parking available nearby. For cyclists and motorcyclists, Monyash is a known waypoint on popular Peak District riding routes, and you'll almost always spot two wheels in the car park.

• Monday–Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
• Address: Church St, Monyash, Bakewell DE45 1JH, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 1629 810190

Why Customers Keep Returning

When you read through over 1,300 reviews, a few themes keep coming up. The food is consistently good, the atmosphere is genuinely friendly, and the location is unbeatable. Motorcyclists call it a "must-ride destination," walkers refer to it as "the perfect finish to a long trail," and families mention how easy and relaxed the service is, even with children in tow.

We’re proud to be a place where multiple generations and communities overlap. No one feels out of place, whether you've arrived in full leathers, muddy hiking boots, or Sunday best. That inclusive spirit is something you can't manufacture—it grows naturally from a team that genuinely enjoys what they do and a building that has been welcoming people through its doors for decades.

From a full breakfast to a slice of cake and a pot of tea, The Old Smithy Tearooms & Restaurant delivers the kind of experience that makes the Peak District special. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Monyash.