Our 8 top places to eat and drink in beautiful Buxton

Buxton is best known for its thermal springs, Georgian architecture and prime location as the perfect base to explore the Peak District, but it also has a brilliant range of places to eat that cater to both locals and visitors. As the highest market town in England, the food scene focuses more on independent, reliable eateries than flashy chains. One of the best things about dining here is that almost all of our favourites are within a five-minute walk of one another in the historic centre. Whether you’re looking for a traditional tea room, a proper Sunday roast, a decent pint or some indulgent fine dining, this guide highlights our favourite places to grab a bite in Buxton, focusing on the local hot spots that consistently get it right.

Our top Buxton picks for lunch

Arcade Deli

Located inside the stunning Cavendish Arcade (formerly the Victorian baths), this deli is a standout for a high-quality lunch. They focus on fresh, local ingredients with a menu featuring artisan sandwiches, focaccias, and savoury pastries. The colourful interior is a lovely place to sit, but it’s also the perfect spot to pick up a high-end picnic before heading up to Solomon’s Temple.

Pavilion Tea Rooms

For a quintessential Buxton experience, the Pavilion Tea Rooms offer a delicious lunch menu in a bright, airy setting overlooking the Pavilion Gardens. It is the ideal place to refuel with a sandwich or a hot lunch after a walk through the park.

Sweet Treats

No. 6 Tea Room

For a proper, traditional afternoon tea or a sit down cuppa, No. 6 is our first choice. Located opposite beautiful Buxton Opera House in the heart of the town's historic quarter, it’s a lovely, old-fashioned tea room in a pretty Georgian house. We love it for the big slices of homemade cakes and the sunny outdoor seating under the colonnade.

Charlotte’s Chocolatier & Cafe

Another gem in the Cavendish Arcade, Charlotte’s is our go-to for an indulgent treat. Their legendary hot chocolates are made with real Belgian chocolate and are easily the best in town. It’s a great spot to sit with a coffee and a handmade truffle, surrounded by the arcade’s famous Victorian tilework. If you’re passing through, we highly recommend picking up a box of their chocolates - most are made on-site and they make a perfect gift (if they make it home).

Pub Classics & A Pint

Buxton Brewery (The Tap House)

When we’re after a casual evening, we head to the Buxton Brewery Tap House. The craft beers are the main draw for many (we love the Right to Roam bitter), but the food menu is equally good. You’ll find incredibly well-executed pub classics here, from their beef cheek and pancetta pie to local "smash" burgers and battered fish and chips, with ingredients sourced from within 10 miles of the town. It’s a relaxed, social environment that’s popular with locals and hikers alike, and easily one of our favourite spots for an unpretentious dinner.

Sunday Roast

The Old Hall Hotel

Reputedly the oldest hotel in England, The Old Hall is steeped in history; Mary Queen of Scots even stayed here in the 1570s (albeit under house arrest, when she was permitted to "take the waters" for her rheumatism). While the building is full of character, we specifically love it for their Sunday roast. Overlooking the Pavilion Gardens and right beside the Crescent, this is a proper, dependable British roast in a setting that feels appropriately historic.

Drinks & Fine Dining

The Crescent Hotel & Darwin Bar and Lounge

For a more special occasion, the spectacular Buxton Crescent is the most impressive setting in town. The menu at Restaurant 1789 focuses on refined British dishes and is an excellent choice if you are heading to the Buxton Opera House, as they offer a dedicated Pre-Theatre dining menu to ensure you're fed and seated in time for the show. The hotel's Darwin Bar and Lounge is a sophisticated but relaxed spot for a well-made cocktail. Whether you’re visiting for an indulgent multi-course dinner or just a nightcap, it is a great way to experience the town’s most famous landmark from the inside.

Planning a trip?

If you're looking for the best way to spend your time between meals, check out our One Day Buxton Itinerary for a full guide on the top things to see and do in this charming spa town. Enjoy your visit!

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