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Hours
Tue
18:00 - 20:30
Wed
12:00 - 13:3018:00 - 20:30
Thu
12:00 - 13:3018:00 - 20:30
Fri
12:00 - 13:3018:00 - 20:30
Sat
12:00 - 13:3018:00 - 20:30
MICHELIN
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£18.00 – £48.00
CUISINES
European, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
Negotiate the steep steps down to this small riverside restaurant and head for the front room with its floor to ceiling windows or the delightful rear ...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideIs this a French restaurant?
Details
About
Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday 6.30-9pm. Lunch - Wednesday to Saturday 12-2pm. Tucked away in the heart of idyllic Matlock, Derbyshire, Stones is a modern, eclectic restaurant with a stylish, welcoming interior and a superb modern British menu. The restaurant, which added a new riverside conservatory in May 2013, is jointly run by Kevin Stone, Head Chef, partner, Jade Himsworth and sister, Katie Temple. Stones' riverside conservatory overlooks the babbling River Derwent. The menus change seasonally to reflect the very best in local produce, and the wine to match the food. Stones' philosophy is to provide a fantastic dining experience in a relaxed setting. The dining room which is popular with couples, locals and visitors, is a perfect place for romantic, family or business meals. Stones has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
PRICE RANGE
£18.00 – £48.00
CUISINES
European, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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5.0
1,183 reviews
Excellent
1,028
Very good
99
Average
40
Poor
12
Terrible
4
Hilary C
Barnsley114 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I liked every aspect of this restaurant from the website to the location and decor through to the food and service. We visited for lunch on a Friday and from their very helpful website, we knew they had no parking BUT suggested where best to park and that the stone steps to the restaurant were steep and could be difficult for some to access. This of course, will be difficult for some but we found it helpful. The restaurant is light and airy and I imagine, beautiful in the summer. We were greeted and offered drinks promptly on arrival whilst we waited for our friends. We didn't feel under any pressure to order (or leave after lunch) and service remained excellent throughout. I had a salmon starter and the cod main - just how fish should be; the salmon was beautifully "just-cooked" and the cod, silky - which I find isn't often achieved. I had the most beautiful lemon curd dessert (from the Gluten Free menu, no problem) and there was a good wine selection. A super restaurant which we would highly recommend. Thank you to the staff who were excellent.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear Hilary,
Thank you so much for such a detailed, kind and complimentary review.
Reviews like yours make the hard work very much worthwhile, thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts.
Best regards,
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones
Written 9 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlotte
Nottingham6 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
I have been to Stones a number of times and have always been really impressed with the food, the service and the setting. The staff are very attentive and friendly and the food is always wonderful and nicely presented. I am vegetarian and always find there to be a good selection of choices. It is ideal for couples or small groups. The set menu is good value for money but the evening tasting menu is even better.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear Charlotte,
Thank you for joining us at Stones. It's particularly pleasing to read that we were able to meet your dietary requirements.
Thank you too for your kind words on our service and value, we appreciate it.
Best regards,
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones
Written 9 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
N D
Lincolnshire1526 contributions
May 2021 • couples
Relaxing lunch taken outside. Although there is a set lunch menu, you can also order off the evening menu so there is plenty of choice.
Reasonably priced, good quality food with polite service.
We were unable to book an evening meal as they are booked up weeks in advance - which says it all really.
Written 3 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear 318nd,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, it’s lovely to read how much you enjoyed your lunch. We do hope you’re able to return (for dinner…).
Regards,
Jade, Owner
Stones Restaurant
Written 10 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
christina851
Derbyshire1 contribution
Jul 2020 • couples
I was very disappointed for the price I had Salmon as my main and it was very bland and the potatoes were overcooked and very greasy and very hard and crunchy.
My husband had the chicken which was flavourless. I'd built my hopes up with the place and for £70 including drinks I was extremely disappointed as we had planned to try the evening menu. We went on Wednesday 29th July. Not worth the money id say.
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahbchops
35 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
Exceptional, tasting menu was top notch, I’m lucky enough to get to eat at some of London’s best restaurants from time to time and I’m a lover of a tasting menu. The menu at Stones is inventive and the flavours are fab. I’m gluten intolerant and the staff and chef were happy to adapt where needed without making me feel like anything was a problem. The regular gf menu is huge and everything we ate was delicious. Price was very reasonable, staff were great, felt like the tables were all nicely spaced. Just go! Truly delicious.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Sarah,
We’re thrilled you enjoyed our Tasting Menu, and more besides. Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind thoughts.
Regards, Jade
Owner, Stones
Written 13 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard A
Watford211 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Lovely restaurant in Matlock. Great response to COVID with staff constantly sanitising hands and wearing gloves when placing cutlery etc.
Food is very good with some amuse bouche, bread and petit fours served during the meal. Stand outs were the black pudding with poached egg, pancetta and Hollandaise sauce alongside a fillet of pork with probably the best sweetbreads I have ever tasted. Dessert had to be the Bakewell tart which was superb.
Service is super, warm, friendly and efficient without being over bearing. Nice to see they had an English wine on the menu.
Overall great value and would certainly recommend.
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian M
Ashbourne561 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
A superb value small restaurant producing great food, conveniently located across the road from Matlock railway station in a riverside setting. Accessed down fairly steep steps with intimate but safely spaced tables in the restaurant and riverside conservatory. To get a table in the conservatory I would suggest booking well in advance and specify your requirement.
The menu is interesting and seasonal with a good range of choices. In addition complementary hors d'oeuvres, amuse-bouche, and speciality breads and butters are included, plus petit four's if coffee is ordered. The wine list is is balanced if not extensive. Our food was delightful, beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. Food intolerances are very well catered for too with imaginative substitutions.
Service was exemplary, very attentive without being in any way intrusive.
All in all a great experience which we intend to repeat fairly regularly.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear Ian,
Thank you for your detailed and considered review, it’s excellent to read that your experience was so positive. I do hope that you return in the future and continue to enjoy what we’re doing here at Stones.
Best regards
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones Restaurant
Written 14 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
524ANON
85 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
We had booked here whilst holidaying around Peak District and it was without a doubt the best meal we had the whole week. As good as some of the top chef restaurants we have previously been and excellent value for type of food and skill you get. Service and food all excellent if we lived nearby we would be regulars . Thank you
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear 524Anon,
That’s such a lovely review to read, thank you for taking the time to write it. I do hope you’re able to return during future visits to our part of the world.
Best regards
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones Restaurant
Written 14 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mrs_L14
Heanor34 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
From the canapés, homemade bread and butter to the mains; all of the food was excellent.
The goats cheese starter was a highlight, even my husband ate some and he does not usually like goats cheese.
The chef swapped some of the main dishes sides to accommodate my husband .
The waitress was very attentive and polite.
Excellent local gins are available too.
Lovely view of the river.
All of the socially distancing measures made me feel secure without being intrusive.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
piphow
Chesterfield85 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Visited this restaurant on a Saturday evening after waiting a few weeks to be able to get a reservation when we wanted. Stones is well worth the wait.
A small intimate place and I asked to be seated in the conservatory.
We chose the tasting menu and every course was sensational. Nothing more I need to say, other than outstanding.
The service was of a high standard and we felt wanted there.
We will most definitely be back in the near future.
Having eaten all over the world in lots of amazing restaurants, Stones is well up there.
My husband and I loved it.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear Piphow,
What a lovely review to read, it’s wonderful to hear how much you and your husband enjoy dining with us.
We sincerely hope that continues.
Best regards,
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones
Written 9 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen K
16 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Went for my birthday and had the tasting menu.
The food was exquisite as usual although the service was a little slow, however,they were extremely busy and we were extremely hungry and we could see they were up against it .
This place is a real treat and the food is always well thought out and beautifully presented, can’t wait for our next visit, will probably avoid Friday evening though.
Thanks guys x
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear Helen,
Belated Happy Birthday and, sincerely, sorry if the speed of service marred your experience in any way. I do hope you return to Stones in the future and enjoy every moment.
We hope to welcome you back in the future.
Best regards,
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones
Written 9 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keri S
Eastwood69 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
We had the perfect date night meal here this evening. The setting felt intimate and romantic, decor was simple yet elegant. Canopes were were tasty and complemented the selected meals. We started with scallops and Quail which were tasty and delivered within good time. The main courses of Duck breast amd fillet of beef were delicious with perfect portion sizes. The desert of black forest fondant was a fantastic ending to a lovely experience. The social distancing of tsble placement within the restaurant was good, with plenty of opportunities to utlilise sanitiser. The staff were friend helpful and efficient. A truly lovely experience.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear Keri,
Thank for joining us at Stones and for your kind words on our interior, food and service, we’re thrilled you were able to relax and enjoy what we do even with those restrictions.
I do hope you return.
Regards, Jade
Owner, Stones
Written 13 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
smitchell1989
Nottingham232 contributions
Nov 2021 • family
My fiancé, her parents and I went to Stones for a birthday meal at Stones in Matlock, somewhere we have wanted to visit for quite a while and were not disappointed. They have really nice, friendly staff who were all happy to help. Although it is not a large restaurant, the staff do cover a lot of ground with multiple trips to tables for either tasting menus or 3 course meals with side dishes in between (the manager and owner should be very pleased and proud to have a great group of staff).
The food itself was fantastic! From the starters of scallops and salmon to mains of Venison and pork dishes as well as the desserts (cheesecake, chocolate marquise, the tart) were all really nice with some interesting flavour mixes you would not get at many other restaurants.
Pro’s:
+ Staff and service
+ Food
+ Side dishes between meals
+ atmosphere and location in the heart of Matlock
Thank you!
Written 19 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear smitchell,
It’s great to read that we were worth the wait!
Thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts on our food, service, atmosphere and location, we very much appreciate it.
Regards,
Jade,
Owner, Stones
Written 19 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danielle M
Sheffield39 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
We’d never heard of Stones before until we were given a voucher as a wedding present. We booked in for lunch and had a great meal. The restaurant is small but lovely. The staff were friendly and attentive. I’m pregnant and the waitresses were really knowledgeable about what I could/couldn’t eat. We had three courses and the food was amazing! Although the portions are relatively small, we were full up by the end of the meal due to the tasting plates in between. Will definitely be visiting again!
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear W7
Thank you for those kind words and many congratulations on your recent (?) nuptuals. It’s lovely to read you’re already planning a return.
Best regards,
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones.
Written 17 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathryn S
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • couples
Having only learned I needed to follow a gluten free diet just before lock down, I've been long worried my days of adventurous eating were over. Imagine my excitement when the saw Stones had a gluten free menu. We've been once before a few years ago and were impressed by the excellent food and unpretentious, pleasant atmosphere, so were over the moon to get a last minute booking for our tenth anniversary. Stones did not disappoint. The food was adventurous and delicious. The chef was thoughtful about dietary needs and I felt like I had the full experience. The staff were attentive to details even bringing us separate butter dishes and letting us both order from the gf menu for mains so we could taste each others. As before, we came away having experienced an adventure of flavour. I think the watermelon with feta mousse was the most interesting, but the crème brulee with honey ice cream was probably my favourite... but maybe I shouldn't ignore the steak and fish, both cooked just as they should be. Highly recommended, if you can get a table!
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovesfood1
Dear Kathryn
That made us smile. It’s great to read how difficult it was to name your favourite dish.
Thank you for your positive review, we are pleased you found our gluten free offering no less adventurous than our other menus.
Best regards,
Jade Stone
Owner, Stones.
Written 17 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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