‘Pub grub’ scores a huge PR coup at the Duncombe Arms, the cosiest of historic Staffordshire inns, close to the Peak District. It lures in locals and bandwagon-jumpers, who want succulent farm-fresh meats, kitchen-garden vegetables and best-of-British cheese, with some finer twists (a grapefruit-spiked hollandaise there, some charred-lemon butter there, a raspberry soufflé with tarragon ice-cream to finish…). It’s an oenophile too, with an in-depth wine list and staff knowledge to match. But even if it’s a little haute under the collar, all countryside charms are there: woodsmoke-scented comfort, local ales on tap, warm greetings, refined-rustic rooms and the sweetest of cottages overlooking birdsong-soundtracked greenery. 

  

The Duncombe Arms is the only pub and restaurant in the petite Staffordshire village of Ellastone (just look for the huge sign painted on its outer wall), close to the Derbyshire border, Peak District National Park and Alton Towers.

Room Types

Deluxe Double - Walnut House

Set in the modern – yet in keeping – annexe next to the pub | Views of the Dove Valley | Rooms on the downstairs floor have a patio with a table and chairs | Each has been lovingly styled by co-owner Laura, with botanical- or geometric-print wallpaper on accent walls, artworks from the Crane Kalman Gallery in Knightsbridge, and Farrow and Ball colours ranging from a soothing seafoam green to warm coral, plus tactile natural fabrics and statement accessories | Armchair and a writing desk | King-size or super-king-size Hypnos bed | Bathroom with a large walk-in shower (some have a bath tub too) | Smart TV, free WiFi, Roberts radio, homemade biscuits Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and teas, bathrobes and slippers, still and sparkling water from Blenheim Palace, and Bamford bath products | Pets can stay in some of these rooms (£25 a night)

from £440

Junior Suite - Walnut House

Set in the modern – yet in keeping – annexe next to the pub | Views of the Dove Valley | Rooms on the downstairs floor have a patio with a table and chairs | Each has been lovingly styled by co-owner Laura, with botanical- or geometric-print wallpaper on accent walls, artworks from the Crane Kalman Gallery in Knightsbridge, and Farrow and Ball colours ranging from a soothing seafoam green to warm coral, plus tactile natural fabrics and statement accessories | Armchair (plus a sofa-bed in the two family rooms for one child under 12 for £30 a night) and a writing desk | King-size super-king-size Hypnos bed | Bathroom with a large walk-in shower (some have a bath tub too) | Smart TV, free WiFi, Roberts radio, homemade biscuits Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and teas, bathrobes and slippers, still and sparkling water from Blenheim Palace, and Bamford bath products | These rooms also fit a foldaway bed for one child under 12 for £30 a night | Pets can stay in some of these rooms (£25 a night)

from £500

The Old Barn

A converted 19th-century barn, once part of the original Calwich Estate | Set by the pub | Private garden with a furnished terrace and barbecue | Private parking | The cottage still has the original wood beams that criss-cross the vaulted ceiling upstairs | Full kitchen with a modern electric range and all you need to cook, plus a Nespresso machine | Dining space with seating for up to six | Living space with a hearth and wood-burner, window nook, bar and ample comfy seating | Writing desk in its own nook | On the lower level are three bedrooms: two with doubles, and one single which can fit a foldaway bed on request | One shared bathroom and one ensuite, both with a shower

from £600

The Garden Cottage

A converted Victorian pump house secluded among mature trees on the grounds of the owners’ Wootton Hall estate | A five-minute drive from the Duncombe Arms (a car is essential) | Private parking | Uninterrupted views of Staffordshire countryside | Private terrace with seating and a barbecue | Sitting room with a log fireplace, TV and DVD player, CD player and radio | Dining room with candelabra and seating for up to six | Full country-style kitchen with everything you need to cook, plus a microwave, dishwasher and ample tableware and utensils | Shared bathroom with a bath tub and handheld shower | Utility room with a fridge, freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer | Powder room | Sleeps up to six in three bedrooms on the first floor: two doubles and one twin (which can be set up as a double on request), some with storage, one with an ensuite shower room | Free WiFi

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Location

Ellastone, Ashbourne, DE6 2GZ, United Kingdom

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