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We’ve had lunch and tea quite a few times here and finally I’ve decided to share this little gem with you.  The Old Smithy is a village shop and tearooms, to be honest it is really like a deli.  It is situated in the lovely old village of Beeley, on the Chatsworth estate, about 100 metres from the pub.  You have a choice of seating areas: outside at the front, in the rear garden or inside.  Most helpfully you can reserve a table, I rang just before we left to ensure they had space. (01629 734666) The cafe is open from 10am – 4pm, closed on Wednesdays and the shop is open for an extra hour either side of the cafe.  The food is delicious, they have a regular menu inclucing hot and cold sandwiches, soup, pate and then a specials board with more substantial meals served until 3pm.  Dishes such as beer battered haddock & chunky chips, chicken with a mushroom cream sauce all priced about £7-£9.  The hot sandwiches were our choice, delicious baps cooked in their own bakery filled with vine tomatoes & goats cheese and brie & bacon, garnished with an imaginative side salad.  To finish who could resist one of their home-made cakes and puddings.  I had a scone, big, fresh, moist & warm – delicious.  My parents indulged in plum crumble and icecream and pecan pie with clotted cream.  The cafe is licensed and at the moment they are also offering pimms for the summer.

The Old Smithy, Beeley (01629 734666) 10-4. Closed Wed.