Fountain House
<p>In the historic Peak District village of Youlgreave, Fountain House reimagines the neighborhood bakery for a new era. Located on Fountain Square in Bakewell, DE45 1UR, this is a place where the craft of traditional baking, the warmth of an Italian-inspired bistro, and the comfort of a thoughtfully restored hostel all come together under one roof. Sourcing ingredients from our own garden and trusted nearby growers, every loaf, pastry, and plate is a direct link to the landscapes of the White Peak.</p> <p>With a 4.9 rating from 82 Google reviews, our bakery has quickly become a destination for locals and visitors seeking excellence without pretense. Whether you stop in for a quick coffee and a sourdough loaf, settle into the lounge for a wood-fired pizza, or stay overnight in a character-filled room, you are part of a living tradition of community and collaboration that stretches back to 1887.</p> <h2>Baked Fresh Daily</h2> <p>Our bakery counter is the heart of Fountain House. Every morning, the team prepares crusty sourdough, buttery pastries, viennoiserie, and sweet treats using seasonal, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The process is rooted in patience and respect for the grain—long fermentation, careful shaping, and a deep understanding of how the Peak District climate affects each bake.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Sourdough & heritage loaves:</strong> Naturally leavened breads with open crumb and deep flavor, baked in-house each day.</li> <li><strong>Pastries & sweet treats:</strong> Flaky croissants, fruit-filled danishes, cakes, and the popular Blueberry Pie mentioned by regulars.</li> <li><strong>Seasonal specials:</strong> Recipes that shift with what’s growing in our garden and the surrounding fields, from rhubarb bakes in spring to wild blackberry tarts in late summer.</li> <li><strong>Coffee & tea:</strong> Expertly prepared espresso drinks and loose-leaf teas to enjoy in our cosy lounge with views over the square.</li> </ul> <p>We operate as a dine-in and takeaway bakery, Tuesday through Sunday. Customers frequently comment on the welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere and the steady stream of both locals and hikers who make us part of their daily routine.</p> <h2>Our Italian Bistro</h2> <p>As day turns to evening, Fountain House transforms. Our bistro menu brings a taste of Italy to the Peaks, honoring time-honoured recipes while making full use of the outstanding produce on our doorstep. Handmade pasta, wood-fired specials, and generous sharing plates define the experience, all served in a lounge that looks out onto the beautiful Fountain Square.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Handmade pasta:</strong> Seasonal fillings and sauces crafted from scratch, often highlighted by customers as a standout feature of the dining experience.</li> <li><strong>Wood-fired specials:</strong> The Fabulous pizzas celebrated in reviews—available for eating in or taking away on Friday and Saturday evenings.</li> <li><strong>Sourcing & seasonality:</strong> Menus evolve with what local growers and our own garden provide, ensuring each visit can offer something new.</li> <li><strong>Drinks & hospitality:</strong> A curated selection of wines, local ales, and soft drinks complements every meal, served by a team that knows the building and the village inside out.</li> </ul> <p>Whether it's a leisurely dinner after a day of hiking or a quick takeaway pizza to enjoy by the river, the bistro is designed to feel both special and effortlessly comfortable.</p> <h2>Stay at Fountain House Hostel</h2> <p>Above the bakery and bistro, our restored hostel offers a place to rest, reconnect, and slow down. Each room balances heritage character with natural textures and calming spaces, making it an ideal base for a weekend escape or a longer walking holiday in the Peak District.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Historic character:</strong> The building—once Youlgreave’s Co-operative, founded in 1887—has been thoughtfully adapted to retain its original spirit while providing modern comfort.</li> <li><strong>Guest insights:</strong> Exclusive access to curated walking trails, insider tips, and local knowledge, helping you discover the best of the region.</li> <li><strong>Community atmosphere:</strong> Shared spaces encourage the kind of spontaneous conversations that turn strangers into friends, echoing the cooperative values on which the building was founded.</li> <li><strong>Peak District gateway:</strong> Step outside and you’re immediately among limestone dales, gritstone edges, and routes suitable for every ability.</li> </ul> <p>Booking is available directly through our website, and the team is always happy to help plan your itinerary.</p> <h2>Outdoor Adventures & Local Discoveries</h2> <p>Youlgreave sits in the heart of the White Peak, surrounded by a network of trails, historical sites, and natural landmarks. Our team shares a passion for slow travel and mindful living, and we encourage every visitor to explore at their own pace.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Walking & hiking:</strong> From gentle riverside strolls to moorland adventures, routes like Monsal Dale, Lathkill Dale, and the Limestone Way are all within easy reach.</li> <li><strong>Cycling:</strong> The area offers everything from family rides along the Monsal Trail to challenging road climbs and off-road mountain biking.</li> <li><strong>Climbing & bouldering:</strong> Legendary gritstone crags at Stanage Edge and Froggatt attract climbers from around the world, with trad, sport, and bouldering options.</li> <li><strong>Local landmarks:</strong> Historic Bakewell (home of the famous pudding), the medieval beauty of Haddon Hall, the grandeur of Chatsworth House, and the poignant history of Eyam ‘Plague Village’ are all within a short drive or scenic walk.</li> </ul> <h2>Why Customers Choose Fountain House</h2> <p>Visitors consistently highlight the quality of the food, the warmth of the welcome, and the sense of rootedness that sets this place apart. A recent five-star review described an unexpected Italian meal that rivalled specialist restaurants, while another praised the “excellent coffee and delicious food” in a beautiful little café setting. The common thread is care—care for ingredients, for craft, and for every person who walks through the door.</p> <ul> <li><strong>4.9-star rating:</strong> Based on 82 reviews, reflecting consistently high standards across bakery, bistro, and hostel.</li> <li><strong>LGBTQ+-freundlich:</strong> A welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.</li> <li><strong>Dog-friendly ethos:</strong> A favourite stop for walkers with canine companions, noted in multiple reviews.</li> <li><strong>Eat in, take away, stay over:</strong> A rare combination that makes Fountain House a versatile choice for any occasion.</li> <li><strong>Seasonal & local:</strong> Menus and bakery offerings change with the calendar, reducing food miles and deepening the connection to the Peak District landscape.</li> </ul> <h2>Hours, Location & Directions</h2> <p>Find us on Fountain Square in the centre of Youlgreave, near Bakewell, DE45 1UR. We are open Thursday through Sunday, with bakery and bistro hours aligning to serve both early risers and evening diners. The bistro’s wood-fired pizza nights run on Fridays and Saturdays—locals consider them a weekly highlight.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Address:</strong> Fountain Square, Bakewell DE45 1UR, England, United Kingdom.</li> <li><strong>Phone:</strong> 01629 636518 for bookings, enquiries, or to check daily specials.</li> <li><strong>Email:</strong> [email protected] for hostel reservations, bistro questions, or general messages.</li> <li><strong>Opening days:</strong> Currently Thursday to Sunday (hours may extend seasonally; call or check the website for up-to-date timings).</li> <li><strong>Getting here:</strong> Youlgreave is well served by local roads and is a pleasant walk or short drive from Bakewell town centre. Public transport links and cycling routes provide alternatives for those travelling without a car.</li> </ul>
- Category
- Bakery › Bakery
- Location
- Bakewell, England, GB
- Address
- Adresse: Fountain Square, Bakewell DE45 1UR, Vereinigtes Königreich
- Phone
- +441629636518
Tags: bakery, bistro, hostel, sourdough, pastries, wood-fired pizza, italian food, peak district, youlgreave, bakewell, dog-friendly, local produce, coffee, takeaway, community
