Yesterday, I met friends for lunch in Byways Tearooms in Bakewell. Inspired by Jane B’s ‘Well and truly replete’ post, I thought I would report back on the experience. I have been before, otherwise Byways is easy to miss, off the main street in Water Lane, and then up what seems quite a steep stairway. All the staff are efficient and friendly, and the couple who own it are local; Mr Swindell was brought up in Friden and has a brother and sister living in Parwich. The tearooms at the front retain their original Georgian panelling and character, but, with their mixture of different chairs and tables, they have not been over prettified. There is a newer larger room at the back as well.
The menu is straightforward, but the food excellent. Main meals range from All day Breakfasts, which I had to jacket potatoes and salads. Then there are sandwiches, cream teas and a good range of cakes. When talking later to Jane B about it, she said “Yes that is the place with the great tea, don’t they get a special blend from somewhere.”
Well, I was hungry and enjoyed my good Derbyshire breakfast, and, though it is not haut cuisine nor would they claim such, it is excellent food in relaxing and pleasant surroundings.
PARWICH.ORG 
This is a great forum for reviews of all things local isn’t it! If people would post their experiences of all things local (and maybe even not so local), hopefully it will help us all to frequent the best, and act as an incentive to drive up service and supply. Now, let’s talk beer……….
We went to Byways yesterday for lunch the first time in two years and under the “new” owners it has be repainted, new curtains and is really charming & quaint. There are a choice of 3 or 4 rooms to choose from and this all adds to its charm. We didn’t want too large a lunch as we were indulging later in another teashop favourite. However our toasted sandwiches (cheese & pineapple) were delicious, the soup was proper celery soup and there was a pile of wonderfully buttery mushrooms on toast. So if you are going to Bakewell and fancy anything to eat during the day, do call in at Byways, it is upstairs in the little lane just beyond The Bakewell Pudding Shop (which is definitely worth a miss).
Looking forward to our next visit very soon.