The 10 Best Sunday Roasts & Carveries in Derbyshire
From cosy village pubs to countryside restaurants with spectacular views, discover ten wonderful places to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast in Derbyshire.
There's something rather wonderful about a proper Sunday roast. Golden roast potatoes, a Yorkshire pudding big enough to hold its own gravy, plenty of seasonal vegetables and, of course, a delicious centrepiece to bring it all together.
Fortunately, Derbyshire is blessed with some fantastic places to enjoy one.
Whether you're looking for a cosy village pub after a countryside walk, a traditional carvery with all the trimmings or somewhere a little special for a family get-together, there's plenty to choose from in and around Derby.
We've rounded up ten places worth knowing about, from historic country inns to much-loved local favourites. Each offers something a little different, but all share a love of that great British tradition: Sunday lunch.
Our tip: Sunday lunch is a popular affair in Derbyshire, particularly at the better-known country pubs. We'd always recommend booking ahead and checking the latest menus before travelling.
1. The Cock Inn, Mugginton
Bullhurst Lane, Mugginton, Derbyshire DE6 4PJ
Tucked away in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside near Kedleston, The Cock Inn at Mugginton is the sort of place that makes Sunday lunch feel like a proper occasion.
This charming country pub combines old-fashioned character with stylish, contemporary dining spaces. Its traditional Farmer's Bar retains low wooden beams and a cosy atmosphere, while the beautifully landscaped walled gardens offer somewhere lovely to relax with a drink when the weather is behaving itself.
The food is every bit as appealing as the surroundings.
The dedicated Sunday menu features roast sirloin of beef, succulent belly of pork and roast chicken crown, alongside a generous trio of meats for anyone who simply can't decide.
Each roast comes with traditional accompaniments including roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, roast carrots, seasonal greens and gravy. There's also a butternut squash and pine nut Wellington for those looking for a plant-based alternative, plus tempting extras such as cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets.
It's a lovely choice for a relaxed Sunday afternoon, particularly if you fancy escaping the city for a couple of hours without travelling too far.
Why we'd visit: Beautiful countryside surroundings, bags of character and a Sunday menu with plenty of choice. The walled gardens are a real bonus during the warmer months.
2. The Bear Inn, Alderwasley
Alderwasley, near Belper, Derbyshire DE56 2RD
If there's one thing that makes a good Sunday roast even better, it's enjoying it in a traditional country pub surrounded by glorious Derbyshire scenery.
The Bear Inn at Alderwasley certainly ticks that box.
Dating back to 1735, this characterful country inn has been welcoming visitors for generations. Inside, you'll find a warm, rustic atmosphere with traditional features, inviting corners and all the charm you'd hope for from a proper countryside pub.
Outside, the views across the surrounding landscape are simply lovely.
The kitchen takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on bringing the best of Derbyshire produce to the table. Sundays are dedicated entirely to roast dinners, making it a particularly appealing destination for anyone who loves a traditional Sunday lunch.
And if you're feeling energetic beforehand, the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for a good walk to work up an appetite.
It's particularly inviting during autumn and winter, when the idea of settling into a cosy pub for a hearty roast sounds even better than usual.
Why we'd visit: The combination of beautiful countryside views, historic character and locally sourced food makes The Bear feel like a proper Derbyshire escape.
3. The Queens Head, Little Eaton
131 Alfreton Road, Little Eaton, Derby DE21 5DF
Just a short drive north of Derby city centre, the pretty village of Little Eaton is home to The Queens Head, a welcoming local pub that's well worth knowing about if you're looking for somewhere to enjoy Sunday lunch.
Sitting right in the heart of the village, The Queens Head has built a loyal following thanks to its friendly atmosphere, home-cooked food and welcoming approach to families and visitors.
The pub offers a dedicated Sunday menu, with traditional roast dinners among the highlights. Expect the familiar favourites that make Sunday lunch so satisfying, from roast meats to vegetables, potatoes and gravy.
There's also a wider choice of food, making it a useful option when you're dining with people who don't all fancy the same thing.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making this somewhere you can happily settle in for a leisurely lunch and stay for another drink afterwards.
And with Little Eaton sitting so close to Derby, it's an easy choice when you fancy getting out of the city without venturing too far.
Why we'd visit: A proper village pub with a friendly atmosphere, comforting food and a convenient location just outside Derby.
4. The Bulls Head Inn, Foolow
Foolow, near Eyam, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 5QR
If your idea of a perfect Sunday involves a beautiful Peak District village, a cosy country pub and a generous roast dinner, The Bulls Head Inn at Foolow should be on your list.
Nestled in the picturesque limestone village of Foolow, near Eyam, this family-owned inn is packed with traditional countryside charm.
Inside, you'll find roaring fires, an oak-panelled dining room and a wonderfully characterful stable bar decorated with horse brasses. It's exactly the sort of place you hope to stumble across while exploring the Peak District.
The kitchen focuses on fresh, seasonal food made using locally sourced ingredients, and Sunday lunch is a particular attraction.
Its published Sunday menu includes roast Derbyshire beef and pork, served with an impressive selection of traditional accompaniments such as duck-fat roast potatoes, carrot and swede mash, honey-roasted parsnips, buttered greens, braised red cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
There are vegetarian options too, alongside alternative pub classics for those after something different.
And if you've saved some room for dessert, the menu has featured that most Derbyshire of puddings: a proper Bakewell pudding.
The surrounding countryside is ideal for walking, so why not make a day of it? Explore the lanes and footpaths around Foolow and neighbouring Eyam before rewarding yourself with a hearty lunch.
Why we'd make the journey: A wonderfully traditional Peak District pub in a beautiful village, with locally sourced food and the sort of atmosphere that's made for Sunday afternoons.
5. The Exeter Arms, Derby
Exeter Place, Derby DE1 2EU
Tucked away just across the River Derwent from Derby's Council House, The Exeter Arms is one of the city's most characterful pubs, and a long-standing favourite among local food and real ale enthusiasts.
From the outside, it looks like a traditional street-corner pub. Step through the door, however, and you'll discover a wonderful collection of cosy rooms, old fireplaces and quirky little spaces that give the Exeter its distinctive personality.
It's the kind of place where you can settle in with a pint and easily lose track of the afternoon.
The Exeter has earned an excellent reputation for its food, with an award-winning kitchen that takes traditional pub favourites and gives them an imaginative twist.
Sunday lunch is very much part of the offering, with roast dinners sitting alongside the kitchen's more adventurous dishes.
Previous Sunday menus have featured Derbyshire roast beef, Ashover pork with crackling and garlic-and-thyme roast chicken, accompanied by hearty traditional trimmings.
It's also a fantastic place for a pint, with a selection of ales from Derby's own Dancing Duck Brewery.
The pub's combination of great beer, interesting food and wonderfully traditional surroundings makes it somewhere we'd happily recommend to visitors looking for an authentic Derby experience.
Why we'd visit: Award-winning pub food, excellent local ales and some of the most characterful surroundings you'll find in Derby city centre.
6. The Farmhouse at Mackworth
Ashbourne Road, Mackworth, Derby DE22 4LY
Heading out of Derby along Ashbourne Road, you'll come across The Farmhouse at Mackworth, an attractive country-style pub and restaurant that's particularly well suited to a leisurely Sunday afternoon.
The building itself has plenty of character, with its handsome brick exterior, inviting interiors and relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Inside, traditional rustic features meet contemporary styling, creating a comfortable setting whether you're visiting as a couple, catching up with friends or bringing the whole family.
The Farmhouse celebrates its Sunday roast tradition with what it calls 'Slow Sundays', an invitation to take your time, enjoy good company and indulge in some proper comfort food.
The Sunday offering centres around succulent slow-roasted meats and fresh seasonal vegetables, with all those comforting flavours that make a roast dinner such a firm favourite.
We've always had a soft spot for this place, especially when it comes to the roast vegetables. Sometimes a particularly good roast parsnip is enough to make a Sunday dinner memorable.
And while The Farmhouse has the atmosphere of a countryside escape, it's only a short journey from Derby, making it a convenient choice for a spontaneous Sunday outing.
Why we'd visit: A welcoming, stylish setting with a relaxed countryside feel, without having to travel far from Derby.
Discover The Farmhouse at Mackworth
7. The Harrington Arms, Thulston
4 Grove Close, Thulston, Derby DE72 3EY
If you're after a proper traditional village pub serving a hearty Sunday lunch, The Harrington Arms in Thulston is well worth a visit.
Situated in the peaceful village of Thulston, just east of Derby, this family-run pub has plenty of old-fashioned charm, with cosy interiors, a welcoming atmosphere and a lovely beer garden for warmer days.
It's the sort of place where a Sunday afternoon is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
The kitchen takes particular pride in its Sunday roasts, with a dedicated menu featuring traditional favourites alongside a few more interesting alternatives.
Options include Derbyshire roast ribeye beef, loin of pork and roast chicken breast, all served with classic accompaniments such as roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables.
For those who struggle to pick just one, the Harrington Arms platter combines beef, pork and chicken on one generously filled plate.
Vegetarians aren't forgotten either, with choices including cheese and onion pie and nut roast.
There's also a tempting selection of traditional desserts, from sticky toffee pudding to richer chocolate creations, making this an excellent choice if you fancy the full three-course Sunday lunch experience.
Why we'd visit: A welcoming village pub with a proper Sunday lunch menu, locally sourced meat and plenty of choice for families and groups.
8. The Coopers Arms, Weston-on-Trent
Weston Hall, The Green, Weston-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE72 2BJ
For a Sunday carvery with a rather special setting, The Coopers Arms at Weston-on-Trent is difficult to overlook.
Housed within the historic Weston Hall, a magnificent 17th-century building surrounded by beautiful countryside, this popular pub and restaurant has been welcoming diners for decades.
But it's the setting that really makes it stand out.
The Coopers Arms sits beside its own picturesque fishing lake, with lakeside seating and conservatories providing wonderful views across the water and surrounding greenery.
On a sunny afternoon, it's a particularly lovely place to enjoy a drink before or after your meal.
The pub has long been known for its traditional carvery, and Sundays are dedicated to exactly that.
Rather than choosing from the usual restaurant menu, diners can enjoy the dedicated Sunday carvery, featuring roast meats and a selection of freshly prepared seasonal accompaniments.
It's the sort of place where you can enjoy all the familiar Sunday favourites, from roast potatoes and vegetables to Yorkshire puddings and gravy, without anyone having to spend the morning cooking.
The historic building adds plenty of atmosphere, while the lakeside grounds make it an attractive destination for a family gathering or a relaxed Sunday out.
Why we'd visit: A traditional carvery in a beautiful historic building, with some of the loveliest lakeside surroundings of any pub near Derby.
9. Roosters Bar & Restaurant, Morley Hayes
Morley Hayes, Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire DE7 6QA
Set among the beautifully maintained grounds of Morley Hayes, between Derby and Ilkeston, Roosters Bar & Restaurant offers a wonderfully relaxed setting for a Sunday lunch.
Surrounded by sweeping parkland golf courses and countryside views, the restaurant feels pleasantly removed from everyday life, despite being an easy drive from Derby.
Inside, you'll find a comfortable and welcoming restaurant, while outside the courtyard provides a lovely spot to enjoy a drink when the sun makes an appearance.
Roosters specialises in traditional, home-cooked food, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and familiar favourites.
Its dedicated Sunday menu includes roast dinners, with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding among the traditional options, alongside a wider selection of hearty pub dishes.
This makes it a particularly good choice when you're dining with a group and not everyone fancies a roast.
Morley Hayes also has some interesting local food connections, including its own herd of Dexter cattle and beehives producing honey on the estate.
It's a lovely place to enjoy lunch before taking a little time to appreciate the surrounding countryside, and there's even accommodation available if you're making a weekend of it.
Why we'd visit: Peaceful countryside surroundings, traditional home-cooked food and a relaxed atmosphere that suits everything from family lunches to catching up with friends.
Discover Roosters at Morley Hayes
10. The White Swan, Littleover
Shepherd Street, Littleover, Derby DE23 6GA
Sometimes, all you really want on a Sunday is a good old-fashioned carvery. No complicated menus or unusual ingredients, just a generous plate of roast meat, plenty of vegetables and more gravy than you probably need.
And that's exactly the sort of Sunday lunch The White Swan in Littleover is known for.
Situated in the heart of Littleover village, this friendly traditional pub has built a reputation for its Sunday carvery and welcoming atmosphere.
There's plenty of choice when it comes to the main event, with locally sourced roast pork, topside of beef and turkey crown among the meats on offer.
But as any carvery enthusiast will tell you, the trimmings are just as important.
The White Swan serves a choice of six vegetables alongside roast potatoes, new potatoes, mash, homemade stuffing, Yorkshire puddings and traditional homemade gravy.
It's the sort of straightforward, satisfying Sunday meal that doesn't need fancy presentation to win people over.
With its black-and-white timbered exterior, hanging flower baskets and village-pub charm, The White Swan also has plenty of character.
The carvery is served on Sunday afternoons and can be particularly popular, so booking ahead is definitely advisable.
Why we'd visit: A proper traditional village carvery, with generous helpings of the Sunday favourites and a friendly local atmosphere.
Where's your favourite Sunday roast in Derbyshire?
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect Sunday dinner.
Some swear by a traditional carvery where they can pile their plates high with roast potatoes and vegetables, while others prefer a cosy countryside restaurant with beautifully cooked meat and all the homemade trimmings.
Luckily, Derbyshire has plenty of places to choose from, whether you're staying close to Derby or heading further into the countryside for a proper Sunday outing.
And with so many fantastic country pubs and restaurants tucked away in our villages and towns, there's always somewhere new to discover.
Have we missed your favourite?
We'd love to hear where you think serves the best Sunday roast in Derbyshire.
Whether it's a hidden village pub, a family-run restaurant or somewhere you've been going for years, let us know in the comments below.
After all, there's always room for another good Sunday lunch recommendation!