Review: The Pack Horse Hayfield – where muddy boots meet Michelin Guide meals
A contemporary gastropub at the heart of the Peak District national park, The Pack Horse is a favourite with locals and walkers alike.
Muddy boots – and muddy paws – are welcome at this dog-friendly country pub, run by young couple Luke and Emma.
But the food, which is all about using the best seasonal, sustainable, ethically sourced British produce, much of which is local, is far superior to your average pub grub.
So good that The Pack Horse has been named one of the top gastropubs in the country, thanks to an inclusion in the 2022 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list.
Not only that, this Hayfield village pub has even been acknowledged by Michelin inspectors, with a place in the prestigious Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2022.
A true village local
“Real ales and weekly quiz nights help this traditional stone pub to remain a true village local,” says the Michelin Guide.
“Hearty pub dishes come with a refined edge and the Manchester (Scotch) Egg has become something of a signature.
“Characterful open fires mix with warm, contemporary décor, and it’s run by a friendly team.”
Hayfield is situated in one of the finest walking locations in the country, including the famous Kinder Scout loop, and head chef Luke Payne’s menus keep hungry walkers coming back time and time again.
From Tomlinson’s Yorkshire rhubarb to Isle of Wight tomatoes, alongside meat from award-winning High Peak butchers Mettrick’s and North Sea seafood and Scottish day-boat catches, the menu showcases the best British produce all year round.
What’s on the menu?
Starters, from around £6-£15, might include the likes of High Peak lamb kofte spiced with ras el hanout and sheep’s milk labneh, or Loch Fyne diver scallops with Jerusalem artichoke.
Main dishes, priced around £14-£30, feature dishes such as local estate venison loin wellington cooked perfectly pink, Shetland plaice on the bone with potted shrimp butter, or Swaledale mutton rogan josh.
There are inspired vegetarian and vegan options, too – think tagliatelle with wild mushroom cream, fresh autumn truffle and 20 month-aged Padano cheese, or heritage carrots with split pea purée and rose harissa.
But you’ll still find pub favourites such as chips and onion rings on the menu, too, the former triple cooked, fat and golden, the latter beer battered and pickled. Homemade pies are a speciality, too.
Sunday roasts and local ales
Sunday roasts, from around £15, feature Derbyshire beef sirloin or slow cooked High Peak lamb shoulder with all the trimmings – including a glossy rich beef bone gravy worth the trip by itself.
Or push the boat out with 850g Mettrick’s prime rib of beef for two to share – you won’t regret it.
Popular puddings include a superbly silky salted caramel custard tart with pistachio cream, or chocolate and peanut butter delice with malt ice cream and honeycomb.
There’s a dedicated children’s menu with dishes at £5, and if you’re just after a snack, a more casual bar menu includes Lindisfarne rock oysters as well as the famous Manchester egg made with black pudding.
Plus, you’ll also find a decent wine list as well as local ales, including a selection from the excellent Howard Town Brewery based in nearby Old Glossop.
Whether you’re booked in for lunch or dinner, or just a few drinks and bar snacks, you can park in their car park before your walk in the breathtaking local scenery and work up an appetite before a well-deserved feast.
You’re guaranteed the warmest of welcomes at The Pack Horse – muddy boots and all.
The Pack Horse, 3-5 Market St, Hayfield, High Peak, SK22 2EP – thepackhorsehayfield.uk; 01663 749126.
