Description
There has been an Inn here for so long it is uncertain when it was built. Originally the famous Peacock Inn, it was the property of the Duke of Rutland and served the turnpike between industrial Chesterfield and the spa town of Buxton.
It became the Duke of Devonshire's property around 1830 and in the early 1970's was rebuilt as the Cavendish by Chatsworth Estate when the original character was preserved and the Duchess of Devonshire selected the decor and furnishings, some of which came from Chatsworth House itself
The Cavendish has operated since 1975 under the proprietorship of Eric Marsh. A closely knit team is dedicated to looking after guests as individuals, not simply room numbers. The Hotel exudes a quiet elegance; an extensive collection of original artwork, antiques, charming furnishings and decor maintained in a continual programme of improvements all add to that elusive dimension - tranquillity. Add to that, of course, that view from the window of your bedroom; no traffic, only fields and you will begin to understand the lure of the Cavendish.
Peak District Accommodation
We are able to offer two types of bedroom accommodation :
Standard Bedroom Accommodation
All the Cavendish bedrooms overlook Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District and are luxuriously appointed with twin or double beds, private bathrooms with bath and shower, direct dial phone, computer modems, television, hairdryer, refrigerated bar and beverage facility.
Superior Bedroom Accommodation
These are generally larger rooms which occupy the original Peacock Inn and include four poster, brass
or king size beds, luxury bathrooms, fine art and antique furniture. Many feature original iron fireplaces.
The Gallery Restaurant
Our aim in the Gallery Restaurant is to provide imaginative food, using the freshest possible ingredients in relaxed and sumptuous surroundings. 'Formal' implies rigidity or lacking in friendliness, which is certainly not our intention. Rather a menu with emphasis on fresh and exciting flavours, stylishly presented and surrounded by (in the case of the Gallery Restaurant) some interesting fine art. The decor of the Gallery compliments this informality, muted hues of blues and yellows, soft lighting and of course the Chatsworth view. The a la carte menu emphasises the use of fresh ingredients, many locally sourced, but hopefully creating an unexpected twist here and there.
The wine list offers around 70 different wines, ranging from classics, such as Chateau Gruad Larose 1993 to exciting 'New Worlds', such as Viognier 'La Cruz', Colchagua, Chile. There is an extensive half bottle selection and thanks to the miracles of modern science, many wines are offered by the glass with every confidence of their peak quality.
Conferences
The Boardroom at the Cavendish Hotel is situated on the ground floor overlooking the garden. It is furnished with red leather upholstery, antique brass lights, fine lithographic prints and features an open fireplace.
The room is designed for meetings, receptions or dining and can seat 16 boardroom style or 20 theatre style.
The area is well lit, carries ample phone, tv and power sockets and has interlined curtains. A flip chart is available free of charge and audio visual equipment can be hired.
Locality Features
Commerce and shopping in ancient Sheffield and nearby Meadowhalls shopping mall
Chesterfield's conspicuous crooked spire from M1 junction 29
In rustic Bakewell, celebrated puddings and cattle market
History and culture at Chatsworth, Hadwick and Haddon Hall
Tradition and lore of well-dressings surrounding Eyam
Climbing or walking the scenic Peaks and Pennine Way
Gliding from Hucklow
Cycling from Tissington and Monsal
Potholing, open mines and show caverns at Castleton
Golf at Bamford
Skiing at Edale and all year round on Sheffield's dry slopes
Theatre at Buxton's Opera and Sheffields Crucible and Lyceum
Concerts at Sheffield Arena
A centre for arts, crafts and antiques
Accolades
Over the years the Cavendish has achieved numerous commendations, of which the following are recent examples :
Royal Automobile Club 2004- Three Star Blue Ribbon Award - "Occupying a glorious position overlooking the Chatsworth Estate the Cavendish offers attentive service, critically acclaimed food amidst an atmosphere of art collections and antiques, under 25 years of continuous ownership."
Royal Automobile Club 2005 - Three Star Gold Ribbon Award
British Tourist Authority "Jewels of Britain" : "23 luxury bedrooms, a highly rated restaurant and firelit bar, all boasting uninterrupted views of the cavernous Derbyshire Peak District".
Frommers's 2001 : "One of the most stately country hotels of England...on the Duke of Devonshire's private estate.....beds are sumptuous with elegant fabrics, deluxe mattresses and fine linens...the hotel is lavish, aristocratic and charming."
3 RAC Dining Awards 2004
1 AA Rosette For Food 2004 (AA inspection 28 June 2004)
Good Food Guide 2004 : "every whim is diligently pandered to by helpful and friendly staff who could hardly be more charming..recognising that customers no longer want expensive, complicated food."#
Good Food Guide 2005 :
Its position close to Chatsworth, with direct access to the surrounding parkland, ensures that the Cavendish is a peaceful hotel. Drinks arrive at comfortable chairs in the lounge and there are two dining rooms : the Garden Room offering an all-day menu and the slightly more formal Gallery Restaurant. 'Wonderful bucolic views' and Eric Marsh's collection of paintings momentarily distracted one visitor from Chris Allison's modern menu - but not for long. It takes inspiration from a wide variety of sources, turning out, for example, roast rump of Castlegate lamb with an apricot and lovage polenta cake and a rose petal glaze. Materials are particularly impressive, judging by an inspector's lightly cooked scallops and monkfish and 'sweet and fibrous' English lamb shank. Technique is sound, as is evidenced by a supreme of Cornish cod topped with goats cheese rarebit an pea and mint risotto that had 'positive, refreshing flavours'. For dessert, lemon-curd bread-and-butter pudding is served with meringue ice cream. Service is 'gently paced' and wines, arranged by style, are fairly priced. House wines from France and Chile start at £13.50.
Cooking 3
Good Hotel Guide 2002 - Cesar Award, Traditional Hotel of the Year : "One of our favourite hotels..the staff must be amongst the nicest in the country. They all get on with whatever needs doing...nothing impedes the bucolic views of the gardens....really good homemade marmalade..."
Johansens Recommended 2004 : "Guests have a warm welcome before they are conducted to the luxurious bedrooms, all of which overlook the estate. Harmonious colours, gorgeous fabrics and immense comfort prevail...sit at the kitchen table and watch super food being prepared as you dine."
Karen Brown's Charming Hotels : "frames a panoramic view of the River Derwent meandering through green fields across the estate, comfy sofas and chairs in the adjacent lounge invite you to linger and relax. The bar is a cosy gathering spot for drinks before dinner in the highly commended dining room."
Michelin : "very comfortable with an exceptional view."
Which? Hotel Guide 2004 "the air of a gracious country house...outlook stretches across the seemly expanses of the Chatsworth Estate..excellent bathrooms and classy decor...Liz Marsh's homemade fruitcake - possibly the best in the known universe."
Automobile Association 2004 : 3 Stars 76%. "The quality percentage score for ordinary star classification effectively runs between 50and 80 percent." - The AA Guide.
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