Derby offers nine exceptional independent cafes, from award-winning tearooms to rustic farm hideaways.
During my weekend exploring Derbyshire, I discovered family-run establishments serving specialty coffee and homemade cakes, cyclist-friendly spots along the Monsal Trail, and converted historic buildings with stunning Peak District views.
Derby’s coffee quality genuinely surprised me, matching what I’ve found at the best coffee shops in Manchester.
Here’s my personal guide to Derby’s finest independent coffee experiences worth visiting.
Hobbs Café at Monsal Head
Best For: Stunning Peak District valley views
I huffed up the steep steps from Monsal Viaduct and found Hobbs Café waiting with breathtaking limestone valley views.
Owners Nick and Kimberly brought fresh energy to this 80-year-old quirky tearoom when they took over recently.
I ordered their afternoon tea (£18) featuring buttery Victoria sponge and proper Bakewell tart, then couldn’t resist trying their kronut.
The barista coffee was excellent, rivaling some of the best coffee in Liverpool I’ve sampled. Pop into the Enchanted Emporium next door before leaving.
Atmosphere: Quirky tearoom with world-class Monsal Dale views, warm family-owned hospitality, dog-friendly
Menu Highlights:
- Afternoon tea £18 with Victoria sponge
- Bakewell tart
- Kronut specialty
- Barista coffee
- Homemade cakes
Hobbs Café is located at Monsal Head, Derbyshire.
Hassop Station Café
Best For: Monsal Trail cyclists and families
Hassop Station sits perfectly on the Monsal Trail inside a converted railway station.
I visited mid-ride and found covered outdoor seating with heaters, perfect for the chilly morning.
The award-winning cafe operates 362 days yearly with space for 100+ guests.
I tried their Hassop’s Steak Pie (£10.95) made with Monsal Trail Ale, hearty and delicious.
Cycle hire operates on-site, plus there’s a children’s play area. Weekends bring wood-fired pizza. The family-friendly atmosphere reminded me of the student friendly coffee shops in Oxford I’ve visited.
Atmosphere: Converted railway station, spacious family-friendly venue with covered outdoor heating year-round
Menu Highlights:
- Hassop’s Steak Pie £10.95 with Monsal Trail Ale
- Wood-fired pizza on weekends
- Locally sourced menu
- Children’s play area
- Cycle hire available
Hassop Station Café is located at Hassop Rd, Bakewell, DE45 1NW.
The Grasshopper Café (Hope)
Best For: Famous grilled cheese and craft beer
Hope village’s Grasshopper Café welcomed me with reclaimed wood decor and a crackling log burner.
I immediately ordered their famous grilled cheese sandwich, absolutely worth the reputation, alongside specialty coffee.
The menu impressed with stuffed Derbyshire oatcakes and yellow pea soup.
They’re fully licensed with craft beers, plus offer vegan and gluten-free options.
The Hopper snug is bookable for groups. Bike storage available for cyclists exploring nearby Castleton.
Atmosphere: Cozy reclaimed wood interior with log burner, fully licensed, bike storage, vegan-friendly options
Menu Highlights:
- Famous grilled cheese sandwiches
- Stuffed Derbyshire oatcakes
- Yellow pea soup
- Craft beer selection
- Vegan and gluten-free options
The Grasshopper Café is located at 18 Castleton Road, Hope, S33 6RD.
The Little Shed (Allestree)
Best For: Instagrammable decor and waffles
I found The Little Shed on Park Lane adorned with gorgeous dried floral installations that change seasonally, totally instagrammable.
Founded in 2014, this pretty tearoom serves incredible waffles and brioche French toast.
I went for their English breakfast with local butcher sausages.
The adjacent gift shop stocks jewellery and bags.
Note there’s no on-site toilets, but the dog-friendly outdoor seating provides water bowls and treats. They also have an Ashbourne location.
Atmosphere: Pretty tearoom with seasonal dried florals, instagrammable setting, dog-friendly outdoor seating
Menu Highlights:
- Waffles
- Brioche French toast
- English breakfast with local butcher sausages
- Avocado sourdough
- Afternoon tea available
The Little Shed is located at 3a Park Lane, Allestree, Derby, DE22 2DR.
The Village Green Café (Eyam)
Best For: Cyclist perks and award-winning bakes
Sara opened Village Green Café in Eyam’s square back in 2012, and it’s remained family-run ever since.
I loved their award-winning bakes, the Cherry Almond Scones and Elderflower Lemon Drizzle Cake were exceptional.
They serve Darkwoods Deerhill coffee and Welbeck Artisan bread.
Cyclists get free water refills, bike tools, and here’s the best part: show your Strava at Winnats Pass and get free cake with coffee!
Environmental Quality Mark certified with craft wool products for sale.
Atmosphere: Family-run village square cafe, cyclist-friendly facilities, Environmental Quality Mark certified
Menu Highlights:
- Cherry Almond Scones
- Elderflower Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Darkwoods Deerhill coffee
- Welbeck Artisan bread
- Free cake with coffee for Strava cyclists
The Village Green Café is located at The Square, Eyam, S32 5RB.
Stable View (near Ilkeston)
Best For: Best Cafe in Derbyshire 2023
Voted Best Cafe in Derbyshire 2023, Stable View sits tucked on Hollies Farm, I followed signs through farmyards to find it.
The rustic outdoor setting features wooden pagodas and picnic benches by the stables.
I ordered their famous Stable Breakfast with Derbyshire Oatcake, plus a Bailey’s Hot chocolate.
Everything’s freshly cooked to order.
Summer brings a Horse Box bar, and they offer a doggy menu. The vegan ploughman’s lunch looked incredible at the next table.
Atmosphere: Rustic farm setting with wooden pagodas, picnic benches by stables, doggy menu available
Menu Highlights:
- Famous Stable Breakfast with Derbyshire Oatcake
- Bailey’s Hot chocolate
- Vegan ploughman’s lunch
- Mediterranean tuna jacket
- Horse Box bar in summer
Stable View is located at Spondon Rd, Hollies Farm, Ilkeston DE7 4PQ.
The Bookcafe (Derby & Belper)
Best For: Best Cafe Derby 2022 and 2024
Winner of Best Cafe in Derby 2022 and 2024, The Bookcafe operates two locations with 738 Tripadvisor reviews backing their reputation.
I visited the Derby venue inside a vintage Banking Hall, books everywhere, quirky and inspiring.
The afternoon tea was beautifully presented, and they offer private hire for celebrations.
Their loyalty club through Square gives regulars rewards.
Belper location provides another option. Both serve freshly made food in stylish, family-friendly settings.
Atmosphere: Vintage Banking Hall with book-filled interior, quirky independent character, private hire available
Menu Highlights:
- Afternoon tea
- Freshly made buffet food
- Private hire for celebrations
- Gift shop and tote bags
- Loyalty club rewards
The Bookcafe is located in Derby & Belper.
Basilia
Best For: Canal-side traditional tearoom with twist
Basilia’s been family-run for over a decade along the canal in Langley Mill, opposite Asda.
I discovered this traditional tearoom with a twist during a 4.8-mile canal walk.
The Millers Breakfast came loaded with bacon, sausage, mushrooms, black pudding, and a Derbyshire Oatcake, perfect fuel.
Their deli counter stocks baby onions in balsamic and olive assortments.
The huge cake stands tempted me with chocolate brownies. Food Hygiene Rating of 5 reflects their quality commitment.
Atmosphere: Family-run canal-side tearoom, traditional with modern twist, deli counter, Food Hygiene Rating 5
Menu Highlights:
- Millers Breakfast with Derbyshire Oatcake
- Eggs Florentine
- Chocolate brownies
- Deli counter with olives and onions
- Light lunches and coffee
Basilia is located at 21 Cromford Road, Langley Mill, NG16 4ED.
Damsons Coffee House (Breadsall)
Best For: Italian coffee and afternoon tea
Damsons sits in Breadsall village heart, named after historic damson orchards monks once tended, trees supplied Derby’s Silk Mill for dyes.
I relaxed on their outdoor patio with Saquella coffee imported from Pescara, Italy.
The afternoon tea (£22, or £27 with Prosecco) was beautifully prepared.
Their full English breakfast and regularly changing menu with daily specials keeps locals returning.
The stylish surroundings and homemade cakes earned them 4.8 stars on Tripadvisor across 85 reviews.
Atmosphere: Stylish village tearoom with outdoor patio, historic damson orchard heritage, 4.8 Tripadvisor rating
Menu Highlights:
- Afternoon tea £22 (£27 with Prosecco)
- Saquella coffee from Pescara, Italy
- Full English breakfast
- Daily specials
- Homemade cakes
Damsons Coffee House is located at 2 Rectory Lane, Breadsall, Derby, DE21 5LL.
Final Thoughts
Derby and Derbyshire’s independent cafe scene thrives through family-run passion and community connection.
From award-winning tearooms in historic villages to rustic farm cafes with Peak District views, these nine establishments offer authentic experiences beyond chain coffee shops.
Whether you’re cycling the Monsal Trail, exploring canal-side walks, or seeking afternoon tea with homemade cakes, Derby’s cafes welcome you with locally sourced menus and genuine warmth worth discovering.
