The Royal Oak Gastro Pub

The Castle Inn

➤ High Street, Derby DE74 2PP, United Kingdom, North West Leicestershire

Cafés • Pizza • Seafood • European

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"Nipped in for a quick bite on a Friday evening. We went up to what looked like the restaurant bar and asked if it was possible to get a table but were directed to the main bar to ask about this. The place was packed- getting served at the internal bar would have been a bit of a fight. Had a similar experience on a visit here before because there's not much space around the bar so you tend to get an impenetrable crowd instead of any sort of line. Eventually managed to get the attention of a member of staff and were told the restaurant was fully booked, however we could sit outside and order food at the bar to our outside table. Would have saved us some time if that was communicated through the team and relayed by the first person we asked instead of sending us to queue elsewhere. We did order to an outside table, and the food was excellent. The small pizzas really are quite small. But if you have a couple of sides they're perfect to not overstuff you. If you want to just eat pizza probably get a large. Also they had really interesting topping selections on the pizzas- I had the spiced aubergine, creme fraiche and honey. It was absolutely delicious. The chips were hot and well seasoned, the greek salad also really nice- I did miss the addition of peppers and would possibly remove the pea shoots and sub in the peppers to improve this and keep it more authentic though. Drinks were nice and the atmosphere inside was quite cosy and outside had a nice vibe with the tasteful lightning and wooden furniture. Would definitely return (but probably make a reservation. It's busy for a reason!"

The Kings Head Pub

➤ Main Street, Sutton Bonington I-LE12 5PE, United Kingdom

Pub • Fish • British • Vegetarian

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"Thanks to everyone at the Kings Head for making our night so special. The food was amazing, especially the jalapeños as for the mixed grill!! Amazing huge portions, with our only regret being that we couldn't manage a pudding. Such wonderful people and our waitress was brilliant I strongly recommend this place to anyone travelling from East Midlands airport as the perfect start to your holiday. thanks again, and we hope to see you all soon"

The Falcon Inn

➤ 64 Main Street, Long Whatton LE12 5DG, United Kingdom, North West Leicestershire

Pizza • Cafés • Seafood • European

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"We stayed for one night prior to a flight at East Midlands Airport and everything was excellent, from the warm, welcoming staff, to the rooms and the simply delicious food (evening and breakfast). Firstly the pub: food, drinks, restaurant… All excellent. The sign of a great pub for ale drinkers is one with knowledgeable staff who are keen to let you sample before deciding on a pint. This was the case here and we worked through all five real ales during the afternoon and evening! Also a great selection of wines, and everything served in the correct glasses I loved the attention to detail. Then the evening meal in the restaurant area of the pub: this was also excellent, with a great menu and top food, in plentiful portions. Really delicious all ‘round. We didn’t manage desserts but starters and mains all great. The pub/restaurant is well presented inside and out, with a lovely beer garden at the back. Secondly, the hotel rooms: we were in rooms 1 2 and both were lovely. They were well presented, comfy beds, nice hospitality tray (with fresh milk in the in room fridge), nice toiletries. The room rate included breakfast, which was all freshly cooked to order and once again, a great selection. I would 100% stay here again, especially if going to/from East Midlands airport which was less than a 10 minute drive. A lovely, traditional country Inn with excellent food and hospitality. Thank you to the full team."

The Red Lion

➤ 24 High Street, North West Leicestershire, United Kingdom

Pizza • Cafés • Kebab • Seafood

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"We visited this restaurant for the first Sunday dinner prepared by the new chef, and we were not disappointed. To start, I had the homemade soup and potato soup served with a thick slice of delicious brown bread and butter (which was surprisingly enjoyable even though I don't usually like brown bread). The soup was perfectly seasoned and I savored every last spoonful. For the main course, I had the Roast Beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and red cabbage. The gravy was delicious and served in a small jug so we could add as much or as little as we liked. Despite feeling quite full, we asked to delay dessert for a few minutes and the staff were very accommodating. When dessert arrived, I had the homemade fruit crumble which was delightful. I will definitely be returning to this restaurant and highly recommend it to others. The attentive waiting staff did a fantastic job and managed the busy restaurant with ease. Well done!"

The Apiary Cafe

➤ 38 Borough Street, DE74 2LA, North West Leicestershire, United Kingdom

Cafés • Pizza • Seafood • Mexican

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"visited the apiary for dinner with a friend, loved the atmosphere here, many small interconnected rooms that felt both intimate and cozy. all the spits tasted fresh and absolutely delicious we both had burger and they were stunning! (also recommend the waffeln!) really loved the drink menu here we were not drinking, so it was great (and unusual to choose a real selection of tea, coffee, chi drinks and other non-alcoholic drinks. the tees were fantastic, we actually had 6 different aromes between us and they were all tasty personally recommend the blue chai! great service, beautiful atmosphere and good prices."