The Devonshire Arms at Beeley
Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Just a short walk from Chatsworth House lies the babbling brook, mellow stone cottages and narrow leafy lanes of Beeley. The historic Derbyshire village has been part of the Chatsworth Estate since the 18th century and is still populated by Chatsworth employees today. At Easter, its Norman church is reliably abloom with daffodils, drawing flower-lovers as well as spiritual worshipers from far afield.
Beeley’s crowning glory, however, is indisputably The Devonshire Arms. Here, all the charms of a traditional country inn, complete with original wooden beams, inglenook fireplaces, worn flagstone flooring and a sterling selection of regional cask ales, have been perfectly preserved alongside the supreme luxury and comfort of a fine dining experience and boutique hotel. Recognised in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant’s seasonal menu centres around high-quality ingredients from the Chatsworth estate, following head chef Lewis Thornhill’s passion for precision and simplicity, paired with a changing wine selection. Guests have the choice of dining (or simply drinking) al fresco on The Garden Terrace, in the conservatory-style setting of The Brasserie, in the rustic Inn Bar, or, if you’re feeling grand, in The Malt Vault, offering a private dining experience for parties of two to 12.
Awarded five-star inn status, The Devonshire Arms also has 18 individually furnished, very comfortable ensuite bedrooms housed within its four stone walls and located opposite in the old dovecote and neighbouring Brookside House (which is dog friendly).
Whether you’re looking for a memorable meal, somewhere to stay the night, or simply a good pint in a traditional cosy pub setting, this is a solid choice. And with Chatsworth on your doorstep, several lovely walks running through the village, and local landmarks including the Bronze Age barrow Hob’s Hurst House and Hell Bank Plantation waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore nearby.
