Prominent restaurant in heart of popular Derbyshire town named among Top 100 in UK

A well-known restaurant in one of Derbyshire's popular towns has been recognised nationally for its high-quality food and intimate atmosphere after being named among the Top 100 eateries in the UK. Accolades like these are no stranger to Stones Restaurant in Matlock, which has a five-star Tripadvisor rating and is featured in the Michelin Guide.

Open Table has praised it highly in its recent Top 100 list, joining some of the UK's most established restaurants, as voted for by diners. A spokesperson for Open Table says: "Tucked away in the heart of former spa town Matlock, Stones is a cosy restaurant serving modern British cuisine.

"The restaurant’s interior is smart and intimate while the kitchen marries British produce with recipes inspired by international cuisine. Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of the seasonal lunch and dinner menus; every dish demonstrates the culinary imagination, technique and flair of the vibrant kitchen team led by head chef Kevin Stone."

It has a traditional tasting menu offering eight courses at dinner, which partners well with the carefully selected optional flight of wine. It caters for all sorts of requirements with its vegetarian and gluten-free menu, all of which can be enjoyed while overlooking the River Derwent.

The restaurants aim is to provide a "fantastic dining experience in a relaxed setting". At lunch, the restaurant serves a three-course menu or a five-course tasting menu, with regularly changing ingredients set to reflect the very best of seasonal and local produce.

One of the 1,000+ five-star reviews on Tripadvisor said the restaurant "never disappoints". User Julian F added: "The food was awesome as usual on the recent winter menu. In addition to the courses listed on the menu, the canapés, amuse bouche, homemade breads and petit fours are included.

"The staff are great - friendly and professional. Definitely a fine dining restaurant but not uncomfortable for those not used to such establishments. We will be back." Another user, Sam, added: "Once again, amazing food and atmosphere. We again went for the taster menu, it gives you the opportunity to experience so many fantastic dishes wish phenomenal flavours. The standard of food is suburb.

"I'm happy to wait for good quality food. Toby Carvery this is not! The staff are all so friendly And nothing is too much trouble. The scenery is fantastic, overlooking the river, watching the world go by." With Claire0812 adding: "A great place for fantastic food and a relaxed atmosphere. Cannot recommend highly enough. Superb choice of food with amazing service."

With the thousands of positive reviews and countless accolades in recent years, Stones certainly seems to be a hit among Derbyshire's diners. If you want to pay a visit, the restaurant is open from 6pm to 8.30pm on Tuesdays and 12.30pm to 1.30pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday, closing all day on Sundays and Mondays.