Mother’s Day isn’t too far away, and this year it falls on March 22.
It’s approaching the time where people will be finalising their plans for the day, and for most people this will include a meal out.
There’s lots of choice – people will all have their favourites – and it’s often difficult to narrow down to one place to book.
If you’re struggling, then here’s five of the best Sunday lunch restaurants in the Derby and Derbyshire area.
1) The Dragon, Willington
Eight miles down the A38 from the city centre, between Derby and Burton is a village restaurant pub called The Dragon.
The Dragon has 2,400 reviews on TripAdvisor, which average out at 4.5 out of 5 for overall satisfaction, factoring in food, service and value.
It is set against a picturesque backdrop with a beer garden overlooking the canal’s vintage barges. A dish that stands out from its Sunday menu is the Derbyshire mustard glazed beef.
The Dragon provides vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals and if you’re arriving with a large party, the pub has private rooms.
Two courses are £20.95, with another for an extra £5. The Sunday menu is served until 8pm.
Once you’ve polished off your meal, you could treat mum to a drink or two at the bar.
2) The Horseshoes, Ashbourne
Another great place to treat your mother is The Horseshoes in Ashbourne, just south of the Peak District. The Horseshoes has an 80% overall satisfaction from its customers on TripAdvisor.
The restaurant scores highly across the board for food, service, value for money, and atmosphere.
If Sunday roast isn’t your thing, fear not – The Horseshoes has had great reviews of their other dishes, such as risotto, fish and chips and scallops.
Easily accessible, just off Long Lane, The Horseshoes has a variety of gins for mum to sample. As well as this, its menu offers an extensive cheese board, including the locally-produced Sage Derby cheese.
The menu is luxurious, indulgent and good value for money at £16 for one course, plus £4 per extra course.
3) The Palfrey, Derby
Round the corner from Derby Museum and Art Gallery, is the contemporary restaurant The Palfrey.
The Sunday roast you’ll find at The Palfrey – with your choice of beef or chicken breast and all the trimmings – is a traditional feast.
A selection of cheeses is available if you have room, but if you’d like something sweeter, The Palfrey offers the traditional sticky toffee pudding or chocolate brownie with ice cream.
TripAdvisor’s reviewers rate The Palfrey at 5 out of 5 for food and service, and at £22.95 for three courses, rates at 4.5 out of 5 for value.
4) The Exeter Arms, Derby
In the heart of the city centre is the Exeter Arms. This vintage yet modern pub/restaurant is a regular drinking spot and has picked up many awards.
Roast dinners are served on a Sunday from midday to 5pm and the Mother’s Day lunch is £11.99. Mum can tuck into her choice of roast pork, chicken or beef, or she can try the Exeter Arms’ mix of meats, the ‘arf & arf’ for an extra pound.
If Mum doesn’t feel like a roast dinner on the day, the Exeter Arms has a diverse menu, featuring wraps, nachos and burgers.
The pub also has an array of tempting desserts, such as sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie served with a Ferrero Rocher ice cream.
5) Browns, Littleover
Browns is rated 5 out 5 for overall satisfaction on TripAdvisor. It was awarded a certificate of excellence for 2018-19, too.
Browns’ website guarantees you the best Sunday lunch you’ll ever have.
Whether you’re in the mood for Dijon-glazed Derbyshire beef, roasted pork loin, or perhaps some garlic and thyme roasted chicken breast, Browns can assure that you and mum will enjoy yourselves.
All of Browns’ main courses have gluten free and vegetarian options.
Three courses cost £24.95.
The décor is modern, professional and elegant.
