After hiking up to Monsal Head on a winter's morn, the Stable Bar is a warm and welcoming place to stop for lunch. Although the ancient flagstone floor is cold and hard, a wood-burning stove pumps out heat and the bar offers real ales, mulled wine and spicy apple concoctions. It can be tough to get one of the inside tables, which are enclosed by high wooden screens, making them cosy, but cramped. If you don't want a big meal, the lamb chorizo and rocket in ciabatta, with chips and a bit of salad, hits the mark. It is salty, but meaty and good value for about £8. For kids, the fish and chips with mushy peas is excellent for £5.50. But you may need to be patient - the Stable Bar is often full of hungry walkers and the food can take half an hour to arrive.
8/10
