The Duncombe Arms is a delightful country pub situated in the scenic village of Ellastone, close to Ashbourne. It boasts a storied past and is renowned for its exquisite dining and opulent accommodations.
History and Ownership
Tracing its origins to the 1850s, the current proprietors, Johnny and Laura Greenall, discovered this once-abandoned pub in 2012. With their rich experience in hospitality, they were inspired to restore the pub to its former glory as the heart of the village, envisioning it as ‘the local everyone desires to have.’
The project took on a personal significance when Laura’s mother identified the pub’s name, Duncombe, as her maiden name and observed that their family crest adorned the sign outside, further enriching the restoration with sentimental value.
The pub also houses Walnut House, featuring ten cosy bedrooms that offer the relaxed, home-away-from-home comfort typical of a country pub, complemented by the flair and modern design characteristic of a boutique hotel.
Appearance and Decoration
The pub exudes a rustic-chic charm with its eclectic décor. Inside, you’ll find a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, including stone-flagged floors, open fires, and cosy nooks. The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of animal paintings, newspaper obituaries and racing pigeons. The spacious garden offers stunning views across the Dove Valley, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing drink.
Accommodation
Walnut House offers ten luxurious private rooms, each uniquely designed in the style of a barn conversion. The rooms feature thick, heavy curtains, luxury linens, and exceptionally comfortable mattresses that complement the Farrow & Ball paint and Fired Earth tiles. Guests are pampered with Bamford toiletries, reflecting their dedication to high-quality products and a sustainable experience for all visitors.
For families and groups, there is The Old Barn, a self-catered cottage with accommodations for six people in three rooms, and the Garden Cottage, another self-catering option that can host up to six guests. This cottage is situated just two miles away within the breath-taking private grounds of Wootton Hall Estate.
These grounds also feature the exquisitely restored gardens, named after the 18th-century Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau who once resided on the estate. In the springtime, visitors can enjoy lunch at the Duncombe Arms and tour the gardens when they are in full bloom.
Restaurant and Chef
Renowned not just as a family-run pub, with the Greenall’s present most days, but also for its award-winning cuisine and very extensive wine list.
Head Chef Scott Law is renowned for his commitment to local produce. Collaborating with nearby farmers, he utilizes an abundance of seasonal ingredients, including locally foraged items and game sourced from local hunters. His menu showcases traditional British cuisine with an innovative twist.
The pub has maintained a Michelin Bib Gourmand for four years, thanks to a close collaboration with General Manager James Oddy. It has also been ranked in the top 30 by the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs and has been awarded the ‘Pub of the Year’ title for two consecutive years at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards.
Why Stay There?
Nestled on the fringe of the Peak District and just a stone’s throw from the Pennines, the untouched countryside of the Dove Valley, provides outstanding walking paths and picturesque views, free from the throngs found in nearby locales.
A visit to The Duncombe Arms offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and local charm. Its rooms are elegantly decorated, the dining experience is exceptional, and the hospitality is genuine, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation, fine dining, and warm welcomes.