The Duncombe Arms Ltd

The Duncombe Arms Ltd

Overview

The Duncombe Arms Ltd sits in the scenic village of Ellastone on the edge of Staffordshire, offering an inviting country pub and much-lauded dining destination in striking distance of the Peak District. This gastropub with rooms is an excellent choice for couples or food-lovers after a refined yet relaxed gourmet break, with a backdrop of English countryside. Unsurprisingly, The Duncombe Arms has become a destination in its own right for both locals and weekenders from across the Midlands and further afield, drawn by its blend of comfort, atmosphere and culinary flair.

Eat

The Duncombe Arms restaurant marries classic British pub warmth with ambitious, contemporary cooking. Under the creative direction of chef Scott Law, the kitchen champions high-quality regional produce, from local vegetables and rare-breed meats to wild game and dairy sourced from neighbouring farms. The kitchen’s daily menus evolve with the season, balancing proper pub classics—think crispy pork belly, rich game pies, and expertly aged steaks—with delicate starters and colourful vegetarian flavours. Sunday lunches are a particular highlight, renowned for their perfectly cooked roasts and generous sides. A carefully curated wine list and attentive, friendly service round out the experience in the atmospheric dining rooms, where exposed timbers and roaring fires set a convivial mood. The Duncombe Arms continues to earn praise from the likes of Michelin and The Good Food Guide for its accomplished, soul-satisfying food and welcoming spirit.

Sleep

Accommodation at The Duncombe Arms is a real step up from the average country inn, offering sophisticated comfort across individually designed bedrooms located both above the pub and in Walnut House next door. Guest rooms feature crisp linens, elegant bath spaces, artisanal touches and playful nods to their rural setting. Some enjoy garden views or roll-top baths, others have walk-in showers or beams. Thoughtful details—fresh coffee, plush bedding, and artisanal toiletries—make these boutique rooms a charming base after a leisurely dinner. The style will please both traditionalists and lovers of modern British interiors.

Retreat

A stay at The Duncombe Arms makes the most of rural Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Guests can stroll beside the River Dove, explore scenic trails in the southern Peak District (with Dovedale under 6 miles away), or discover the pretty market towns of Ashbourne and Bakewell, both an easy drive. The adventure playgrounds of Alton Towers are just 10 minutes by car, making this a flexible escape for adults and families alike. Ample parking is available, and the location is around 20 minutes from the nearest mainline rail station at Uttoxeter or 25 minutes from Derby. Between the award-winning food, luxurious rooms and comforting pub hospitality, The Duncombe Arms offers that rare mix of culinary adventure and rural retreat, ideal for a one- or two-night break at any time of year.