The Bluebell - Amber Valley

Popped in on a very quiet Thursday around 12pm. Asked if there was a table for 2. Front entrance and restaurant were completely empty and was almost silent. We asked a lady if there was chance of a table. She went to look at her laptop and then a man (probably a manager) greeted us and then went to look with her. She came back and said there’s “absolutely no tables available” we couldn’t believe it as it was literally empty and we were only two! Then the man joined in “there’s no way we can fit you in, we don’t have the capacity”. We asked if we could sit in the bar, “not today, there’s no room”. Very rude and dismissive two members of staff. As we left, we then overheard the manager say “we have no tables left and absolutely no room for festivities today”. He peered at the door and realised we were still stood there. Very awkward. As someone who used to work for this company, I couldn’t believe the poor service and lack of curtesy.

Was pleasantly surprised how busy this place was on a Monday evening. Nonetheless, this place had been on the list for a while and didn’t disappoint. We both had the charcuterie board to start, followed by the beef pie; the wife had the braised beef. Both cooked perfectly and served promptly. Didn’t visit the bar area but after walking past it, I’m a fan of the blend of keeping the old pub decor as a separate section, along with a modern and chic new dining area. Couldn’t fault the service. Menu left me desiring a visit in the future.

Just to confirm a year after my last review the food and service here is still impeccable. Had the lunch menu and the pork belly was perfect the lamb shawarma is lovely but my new fave is the vietnamese beef and noodles. Everything here is unparallelled (bar sister pubs) service, decor, food, price, parking spaces, location (to Derby) ... cannot go wrong.

Unfortunately the filet steak £33, was as tough as old boots, stringy and not cooked properly. I couldn’t even cut through it properly with a steak knife. I visited a few months ago and the same happened. So my advise is, do not order steak.

Alex met us with a warm welcome. Speedily served us drinks mine an excellent decaf oatmilk cappuccino. He was extremely diligent about my dietary issues and double checked everything I was considering with the chef.Nothing was too much trouble.The service was attentive professional and friendly. The food was very good and arrived quite quickly. We were early!! The surroundings in the orangery are light airy and attractive and comfortable. How lucky we are to have a place like this nearby that still opens on Mondays and Tuesdays!