Riverside House Hotel
<p>In the heart of the Peak District, Riverside House Hotel offers a refined escape where heritage charm meets contemporary luxury. Known as Rafters at Riverside House, this 5-star restaurant with rooms is set on the banks of the River Wye in Ashford-in-the-Water, just outside Bakewell, England. After an extensive refurbishment by restaurateur Alistair Myers, the Grade II listed former shooting lodge has been transformed into one of Derbyshire’s most celebrated hospitality destinations, holding 5 AA Gold Stars, 2 AA Rosettes, a Notable Wine List, and a Breakfast Award. Every detail, from the locally sourced menus to the thoughtfully designed bedrooms, reflects a deep commitment to quality and sustainability.</p><p>Guests arrive to a warm welcome and the promise of a stay defined by comfort, exceptional food, and genuine care. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend in the Peak District, a midweek dining break, or an intimate wedding with the river as your backdrop, the team at Riverside House Hotel creates experiences that feel personal and memorable. The combination of a nationally recognised restaurant, elegant accommodation, and a tranquil village setting makes it a standout choice for travellers seeking more than just a hotel.</p><h2>Accommodation & Bedrooms</h2><p>The hotel offers 14 individually styled bedrooms spread across the original house and a modern Garden Wing. Each room has been designed to provide a restful retreat with views of either the River Wye or the private gardens.</p><ul><li><strong>Superior Rooms</strong> – Rafters and Kingfisher, located in the original house, featuring period details, luxurious furnishings, and generous proportions.</li><li><strong>Premium Garden Rooms</strong> – Four ground-floor rooms with French doors opening onto private patios, ideal for morning coffee or evening drinks by the garden.</li><li><strong>Garden Rooms</strong> – Four first-floor rooms overlooking the river, offering a light, airy feel and soothing water views.</li><li><strong>House Rooms</strong> – Four additional rooms on the first floor of the Grade II listed building, blending heritage character with modern comfort.</li></ul><p>All rooms come with amenities that support a 5-star stay, with free WiFi, complimentary parking, and a celebrated breakfast included in many packages. The décor combines neutral palettes with soft textiles to create a calm, inviting atmosphere after a day exploring Bakewell and the surrounding countryside.</p><h2>Dining at Rafters</h2><p>Dining is at the heart of the Riverside House experience. The restaurant, Rafters, carries a strong reputation from its Sheffield origins and brings three AA Rosette pedigree to this Peak District location. Chef and owner Alistair Myers builds menus around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on sustainability and flavours that speak of Derbyshire’s larder.</p><h3>Breakfast & Brunch</h3><p>Served daily from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., the breakfast menu ranges from a full Peak District cooked breakfast to lighter options such as granola, pastries, and fresh fruit. The AA Breakfast Award confirms the quality, with local bacon, sausages, eggs, and preserves featuring prominently.</p><h3>Lunch & Sunday Lunch</h3><p>Lunch is served Thursday through Sunday, with the Sunday lunch menu available until 4:00 p.m. Expect dishes like roasted meats from local farms, seasonal vegetables, and proper Yorkshire puddings. The lunch menu changes regularly to reflect what’s best from nearby producers.</p><h3>Dinner</h3><p>Evening service runs Wednesday through Sunday, with the kitchen showcasing multi-course tasting menus alongside à la carte options. Standout elements include a notable wine list carefully curated to complement the food, and desserts that demonstrate technical skill without overshadowing the core ingredients.</p><h2>Weddings & Private Events</h2><p>Riverside House Hotel is licensed for weddings and provides a storybook setting for couples. The private grounds alongside the River Wye create a natural aisle for outdoor ceremonies, while the restaurant and reception spaces can accommodate seated celebrations of varying sizes. The team handles everything in-house – from menu design using the same AA Rosette kitchen to overnight stays in the 14 bedrooms for you and your guests.</p><p>Wedding packages are tailored, not off-the-shelf. Coordinator Jamie works with each couple to shape a day that reflects their style, whether that means a small family lunch or a full wedding breakfast followed by dancing. Overnight packages with dinner, bed, and breakfast are available throughout the year, and spring/summer dates often include special offers for midweek bookings.</p><h2>Location & Exploring the Peak District</h2><p>The hotel sits in Ashford-in-the-Water, a picture-postcard village known for its medieval Sheepwash Bridge and stone cottages just two miles from the market town of Bakewell. This central position makes it easy to explore the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, and the Monsal Trail.</p><p>Free parking at the hotel removes any stress about where to leave the car. Many guests choose to walk from the doorstep – footpaths along the Wye lead up towards Monsal Head and Litton Mill, while Bakewell’s shops, pubs, and famous pudding bakery are within a short drive or a pleasant 40-minute riverside walk.</p><h2>Serving Ashford-in-the-Water & Bakewell, England</h2><p>While the hotel draws visitors from across the UK and beyond, it has strong ties to the local community. The restaurant is a destination for Derbyshire residents celebrating special occasions, and the offers – such as a midweek lunch menu or seasonal overnight breaks – encourage people from Sheffield, Manchester, and the Midlands to choose Bakewell for a countryside break.</p><p>The property’s commitment to locality extends to its supply chain. Meat, dairy, and vegetables are sourced from named farms within Derbyshire and the wider Peak District. This connection to the land informs the kitchen’s ethos and supports the rural economy.</p><h2>Why Guests Choose Riverside House Hotel</h2><p>Reviews consistently highlight three things: the quality of the food, the comfort of the rooms, and the warmth of the service. The AA awards provide independent validation of what the team delivers day in and day out. Being named Hotel of the Year at the 2022 Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards cemented its status as a leader in the region’s hospitality scene.</p><ul><li><strong>5 AA Gold Stars</strong> – The highest rating for service and accommodation quality.</li><li><strong>2 AA Rosettes</strong> – Recognising culinary excellence beyond the norm.</li><li><strong>AA Breakfast Award</strong> – Guarantee of an exceptional start to the day.</li><li><strong>Notable Wine List</strong> – Curated pairing options that elevate the dining experience.</li><li><strong>Peak District Tourism Awards</strong> – Hotel of the Year 2022.</li></ul><p>With a clear focus on sustainability and a team driven by a shared passion for hospitality, Riverside House Hotel continues to evolve while staying true to the vision that Alistair Myers brought to this historic building. It’s a place where modern luxury and genuine Derbyshire character meet.</p>
- Category
- Restaurant › Fine Dining Restaurant
- Location
- Bakewell, England, GB
- Address
- Adresse: Fennel St, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell DE45 1QF, Vereinigtes Königreich
- Phone
- +441629814275
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