Where to Eat and Drink in Edale
Edale offers a delicious range of food and drink options in the heart of the Peak District. Enjoy locally brewed ales and classic pub meals at The Nags Head, a historic stop at the start of the Pennine Way, or unwind by the fire at The Rambler Inn, known for its generous portions and friendly atmosphere. For a lighter bite, The Penny Pot Café near Edale Station serves up the best coffee in the valley alongside freshly made cakes and lunches. Over at Newfold Farm, you’ll find a seasonal café, bar and popular wood-fired pizza..
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The Penny Pot
In short? Best coffee, most convenient.
Nula runs The Penny Pot cafe brilliantly with support from a small, energetic and talented team. The Penny Pot cafe offers hot and cold drinks, ice creams and hot and cold snacks. We think the Penny Pot Cafe offers the best coffee in the valley and being situated by the train station it’s the perfect way to start or end your day. On colder days they even have a little fire going and smoke billowing from the chimney on a cold morning is the most welcoming sight as you disembark the train. For a couple of good walk recommendations that include stops at The Penny Pot click here. They also offer a free printed walk guide, available in the cafe that you can take away with you. Not content with helping you up and down the hills they also have a nifty live train timetable inside so you’ll never miss your train ride home.
They’re open from 8am - 5pm Monday to Sunday but opening times can vary depending on the season or forecast - we do get snowed in from time to time - so best to check with the team themselves by giving them a call or checking their instagram for the most recent updates.
Top tip? Busiest within 15 minutes of train arrivals. Least busy on the hour.
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The Old Nags Head
In short?Largest interior and cosiest.
Dorbiere owned, The Old Nags Head offers the best pub atmosphere with lots of dark wood, low ceilings and historical images and artefacts on the walls. It feels like you’re at home, particularly when nestled away in a corner by the fire on a rainy day with a pint of local beer or a cup of tea. We were a little sad when a fruit machine arrived but other entertainment such as pub quizzes, the odd game of football and live music are always well delivered.
Bright lights aside, the menu is broad and full of pub classics - fish and chips, burgers and jacket potatoes - but also fun variations including pick and mix bangers and mash (try the Welsh Dragon with garlic mash) and the Nags Special (beef stew in a Yorkshire pudding). If all the tables are full we like to prop up at the bar with a drink and a bowl of cheesy chips to keep us going.
They’re open from midday to 11pm, 7 days a week and serve food til 8pm every day except Sundays when the kitchen closes at 7:30pm.
They also boast a couple of holiday cottages behind the pub if you’re looking for simple and cost effective accommodation right at the foot of Kinder Scout and in the heart of the village.
Top tip?If you’re going for food during the Summer months be prepared to wait.
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The Rambler Inn
In short? Best garden, best views.
Also Dorbiere owned, The Rambler Inn is a station pub. A great one at that.
Long time landlord Steve recently retired which left a gaping hole, his team offered brilliant service with broad smiles even in their busiest times. And it can get very busy! Boasting a huge front garden with incredible views of The Great Ridge running down to Losehill it really is the perfect spot for your pre and post walk rehabilitation and particularly on a sunny day.
Top tip if you’re heading towards Sheffield or Manchester by train, you can sit in the garden and keep half an eye on the track signals. When they go up (it sounds a bit like one round of an old football clacker) your train has left the station before Edale, so it’s time to sup up and get to the platform (a 30 second walk). It’s fair to say we’ve missed a few trains this way (!) and your phone is definitely more reliable. If you’re able to get service.
Apart from the brilliant garden, the Rambler really stands out because of its accommodation. We’ve had many friends visit and stay with Steve at The Rambler Inn and they almost always comment on how lovely the rooms are. Big, clean, comfortable and with breakfast thrown in.
They’re open from midday to 11pm, 7 days a week and serve food til 8pm every day except Sundays when the kitchen closes at 7:30pm.
Top tip? In the quieter months the bar space by the fire is great for a small group hangout.
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Newfold Farm
In short?Best mid-week and in winter.
Newfold Farm has grown into a bit of a hub in Edale, offering a well-stocked general store run by Alec, café, bar - where you’ll find the owner most evenings - and seasonal wood-fired pizzas (summer only). The site also boasts a large camping area with over 100 pitches, hard standing for camper vans, and luxury bell tents for those after a more comfortable stay.
Originally launched with limited ambition by a self-described “banker with bistro dreams,” the café has seen a few ups and downs as it found its footing. A big step up from its predecessor though, the kitchen owes much to former head chef Chris, who brought real flair to the early menu. He’s since moved on, but coincidentally, another Chef Chris has taken up the reigns. The offering now leans more towards traditional café fare - nothing flashy, but hearty and satisfying enough after a day on the hills.
Behind the scenes, operations have improved since local lad George took on the role of Operations Manager. A city boy turned farmer, he brings some much-needed grounding to the place and as part of the deal, his locally farmed meat continues to feature on the menu and in the shop.
Be aware that during school holidays and bank holiday weekends, the café can get overwhelmed. With 100+ campers on-site and a relatively small team, service can slow to a crawl - so patience and/or an alternative plan are essential during peak times.
The café and bar generally operate from 9am–10pm in the summer months, with shorter hours in winter. Times can vary, so it’s best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Top tip: The wood-fired pizzas are excellent and often sell out fast - preorder early if you want to guarantee a slice.