The Asia Table's kitchen team(Image: Ian Daisley)

Luxury Asian restaurant with 'high-grade' sushi opens in town on the edge of the Peak District

by · Derbyshire Live

A "bold" new luxury Asian restaurant has opened its doors in a former Barclays bank - promising a luxury and vibrant experience to the heart of rural Derbyshire.

Best known for his successes at The Machine Inn, in Ashbourne, local hospitality operator Howard Thacker has expanded his portfolio in the Derbyshire Dales town to bring The Asia Table to the high street.

Mr Thacker is hoping to bring a fresh concept to the town, adding to Ashbourne's growing reputation as a food destination on the doorstep of the Peak District.

Set on St John’s Street in the former Barclays, diagonally opposite The Machine Inn, The Asia Table introduces a stylish, modern space centred around bold East Asian flavours.

The menu blends the familiar with the unexpected. Guests can expect classic dishes alongside more refined, contemporary takes inspired by Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian cuisines.

The focus is simple, fresh ingredients, balanced cooking, and big, confident flavours.

Each chef will contribute their own influences, creating a menu that feels both authentic and exciting, designed to keep guests coming back to explore more.

Alongside great food, Asia Table offers draft Asian beers, Asian spirits, cocktails, and a wine list created to complement the menu.

But at the weekends, the offering steps up further with freshly prepared, high-grade sushi and sashimi.

Guests looking to make a night of it can also take advantage of accommodation available both above The Asia Table and at its sister venue, The Machine Inn, all bookable via the restaurant’s website.

Mr Thacker will oversee operations across both venues, while continuing his wider work within the Berkeley Inns Group.

He will be assisted by Ratcha Chaiboon, general manager, and Mike Smith, executive chef.

“We wanted to create something different for Ashbourne, somewhere vibrant, relaxed, and full of flavour,” said Mr Thacker.

“It’s about great food, great atmosphere, and giving people a reason to come back again and again.”

The restaurant opened its doors for the first time on Friday (April 10), with the restaurant now taking bookings for the coming weekend and beyond.

Stunning food will be served throughout the week(Image: Ian Daisley)
The restaurant opened its doors on Friday (April 10)(Image: Ian Daisley)
The restaurant is found within the town's former Barclays bank(Image: Ian Daisley)