Scarthin Books - Derbyshire Dales

Tried this cafe for the first time. Has a certain charm being quirky. Hubbie had ploughmans which was basically one type of cheese a chunk of bread . Quite expensive simple to make. I had a homity pie which was nicer but we won't be returning. Quite disappointing !

Scarthin Bookshop in Cromford, my home village, is something of a renowned local institution. It’s quant, quirky, quintessentially British and – in this age of online shopping – deservedly successful and well worth a visit. Don’t be fooled by the apparent higgledy-piggledy appearance of the interior – they know what they’re up to. Anyway, enough about the bookshop, let’s talk café. First thing to note is that there’s no meat. It’s a vegetarian cafe. It probably has vegan fare too, but being a confirmed carnivore, I’ve never investigated such esoteric cuisine. As I’m a local, I’ve visited many times. The food has always been good and the service generally, but not always, likewise. They seem to have different staff on duty every time I’ve been. I’m not sure what this says about the cafe, but it’s probably good for local teenage or student part time work opportunities. Sorry, I must stop digressing. My initial judgement of any café has always been the quality of their scones. (NB Scone rhymes with gone, don, bon and Ron; it does not rhyme with bone, moan or groan. Anyway, their scones have always been pretty good – not the best around here, but still good. Their soup of the day with a cheese scone is a very agreeable light lunch, especially on a cold day. Scarthin’s homity Pie is another good option. The cakes, tray bakes and other sweet items are definitely worth the calories. Spacewise, it’s a bit cramped when it gets busy, but there are some outside seats – just keep turning corners and looking, you’ll find them. That reminds me, the whole shop is not wheelchair friendly. It’s not that the owners are unfriendly themselves, far from it, but the whole business is tightly crammed into several floors with lots of stairs and narrow gaps. They even have a bathroom, complete with an old bath. The last time I looked it had books in it.

Best bookshop, best cafe! Everybody is lovely and you won't want to leave! The loveliest environment where you feel very comfortable and welcome. Delicious food. Soup was amazing as were the cheese scones. Coming back soon!

I have been to Scarthin Books before but this was my first time in the cafe. So delighted by the range of GF cakes I have never had so much choice! The lemon and almond cake I chose was very tasty and so filling I didn't need lunch. My pot of camomile tea was excellent too. My companion had a French press with Colombian coffee called something like Five Clouds, he said it was a bit harsh for his taste but he drank it all. He asked for a double sized portion of hot milk on the side and that seemed to be no trouble. The person who served us was kind, efficient, and smiley. I was sorry we weren't there for lunch because the menu looked really good. And the bookshop is superb!

You have to visit this place. Packed to the rafters with books of every genre. Also boasts a vegan cafe.