DINING OUT The Royal Oak at Millthorpe

The eleventh of our regular feature highlighting some of the first rate catering establishments in our area. The Royal Oak, Cordwell Lane, Millthorpe, Dronfield. S18 7WJ Tel: 0114 289 0870 Email: peter@volli.co.uk www.facebook.com/oakmillthorpe

In late November, we enjoyed a Saturday afternoon walk from Dronfield Woodhouse to the Royal Oak at Millthorpe, arriving via Holmesfield. Whilst the pub is undeniably a boon in summer, I do enjoy its rustic, old-fashioned appeal in the winter months. It was always our intention to eat. The extensive cheeseboard, pork pies and pickles remain but over the last few years, the menu has been expanded. Previously, we have been drawn to the ‘triple choice’ platter board which offers three dishes for £9.95. The selections include Halloumi Fries, Breaded

Mozzarella Sticks, Mac n Cheese

Croquettes and Hoisin Duck Spring Rolls plus dips. All are really well presented and great to pick at whilst enjoying your pint. Aside from the platters, the Royal Oak offers a main menu which includes soup and warm bread (£4.95), Garlic Mushrooms (£3.50) and Chip Butty (£4.95) and mains such as Beer Battered Cod Fillet Goujons (£9.95), Artisan Chicken Pie (£9.75), Lancashire Cheese and Potato Puff Lid Pie (£9.75) and Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagne (£9.25).

This time, in keeping with the weather, I chose from the Winter Warmers Specials Menu. Homemade Beef and Guinness Stew (£11.95) sounds just the sort of thing to enjoy on one of these cold afternoons but I plumped for the Traditional Hungarian Goulash (£11.95), made with local beef, peppers and root vegetables and served in a bread boule with sour cream and grated cheese. Perfect fuel for the walk back up Millthorpe Lane. Kids are catered for too and there’s a dessert menu with daily specials and good range of icecream (£2.50) served in 120ml tubs to eat in or take away. Must mention the beer – four real ales are on sale currently; Bradfield Farmers Blonde and Belgian Blue, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Rudgate Battleaxe. All food, which is served between 12-8pm daily can be ordered at the bar and is delivered to your table. Service was friendly and informal the feel of the pub remains very much along traditional lines.

Pat Hancock

Opening hours: 4.00 - 11.00 Mon-Fri. 12.00 - 12.00 Saturday

1.00 - 10.00 Sunday

Frequent bus services from Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield, Eckington, Matlock, etc.

•Featuring eight ever-changing real ales on handpull•

•Excellent range of rare and unusual Belgian beers on tap•

•Craft beers on keg • Full range of bottled craft beer and ciders•