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The 3 Stags Heads - Derbyshire


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Following all the talk of the Old Vicarage and Riverside House, has anyone been to the 3 Stags Heads located in the same part of the world? Having only been on a Sunday lunchtime, I would be especially interested to hear what it’s like at night time. It’s location is certainly the only thing it does have in common with the aforementioned, refined establishments. The 3 Stags Heads is rustic by almost any standards you care to mention – some have said downright dirty…oh and don’t go if you don’t like dogs…big dogs…lots of big dogs.

Anyway, most importantly, of course, the food it terrific. Expect a choice of 3 or so main courses on the blackboard (for around £10 each) and a desert if you’re lucky – rice pudding on the day I went. They specialise in game and so, with the glorious 12th just days away, if you fancy this sort of traditional fare at its best, now could be just the right time to go. If you are in any way upset by the phrase the “glorious 12th” (because it’s no so glorious for the grouse etc), stay away – you can literally barely move for the hunting paraphernalia…and the dogs…

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Used to go there sometimes a few years ago when I was living in Sheffield and walking in the Peak.

We had one great lunchtime/afternoon when we popped in for a drink, and decided to eat: lamb curry of some sort, and goujons of (again, some sort of) fish. It was nothing earth-shattering, but perfect pub food, and clearly freshly-prepared. There was then an ?impromptu folk-music session with most of the pub joining in.

The place may be a bit *too* authentic/rustic for some. I have seen people laughed at for ordering lager, and shouted at for not shutting the door.

Did you eat in the bar area Pranian Man? I seem to recall that, to the left as you enter, there was a restaurant area. We thought occasionally of driving out for an evening, but it really is out in the sticks.

Absolutely fantastic walking country though.

Edited by bainesy (log)

Sheffield, where I changed,

And ate an awful pie

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Oh there. This place caught my eye when I called in for petrol in the station opposite (see, it's not that out of the way). A crowd of Morris dancers were using the petrol station forecourt to Morris about on, and the pub opposite for pop.

I've never been in, but now I know that lager drinkers are laughed at, I'll definitely give it a go. Give me a few weeks. It certainly looks the part.

Stephen

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I wonder whether the chef or management may have changed? I may be wrong but the idea of lamb curry and goujons on the menu sounds perhaps a little too new fangled. Also, the food is very different from any pub food that I have ever had before and is more like a sort of rigidly traditional English farmhouse style.

We ate in the "restaurant" area (to the right as you enter the pub), and is only worthy of the term by virtue of not having a bar. It apparently can be reserved for larger parties. I would love to know what goes on there at night as apparently the landlord always has a bad hangover at a lunchtime. Maybe this is when the lager drinkers get shouted at?

Another eccentric feature that may appeal to some and appall others is that anyone caught with a mobile phone ringing must put £1 in the collection box for the countryside alliance. At least it doesn't go to a dogs home. This is probably because there isn't one in the area - there doesn't need to be as the 3 Stags Heads appears to perform this role.

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Now I think about it...I may have imagined a restaurant room to the left...ahem...

I don't think though that there's been a change in owner/manager (the chap in the picture on the page I linked to is the landlord I remember). The lamb curry was a high quality, but very 'rustic' anglicised version, and the goujons were just served in a big bowl for everyone to help themselves to.

Anyway, maybe some of the north-based eGullet crowd should do a recce? and those that need the exercise could take advantage of the walking opportunities...

Sheffield, where I changed,

And ate an awful pie

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