The Halfway House

Finally got round to going back and was not disappointed. Service was excellent and the food was sublime. A great example of a compact menu done brilliantly. My other half had the Tunnocks Cheesecake and stated it was the best cheesecake she'd ever had.....and she's had more than her fair share. Great pint of Rev. James as well. Very highly recommended

We were so lucky to have booked! Staff were very helpful and friendly, the food was delicious. The only downside was when we came to leave and the table behind us was occupied, we were that close together we had to move the table after my partner had stood up to get out. That wouldn’t stop us going again though.

Don't know if it was a special Bank Holiday event, or is it a normal thing, but we had some hot dogs in outside bbq and they were delicious. Especially along two pints of shandy. Nice outdoor area too, and great walks around. Dog friendly.

We visited whilst holidaying in the area. Lovely local pub. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Food was lovely and very reasonable prices. We will visit again when next in the area.

If you've reached this point, don't stop because I am so passionate about what I write as my reviews are my personal experiences of where I go. We visit many places and talk to other people about places of interest, especially when it comes to pubs and food, and our visit today was to the Halfway House in Donisthorpe not far from Conkers, Moira Furnace Museum near Swadlincote. Donisthorpe had a working pit, which started in 1871, and the Halfway House pays tribute to this mining village with photos of its history. When you arrive in the village, the pub is on the corner with the adequate car park area at the rear where you'll also find a spacious garden area. When you stand at the front of the pub, it has a decked area with tables and generous heating for outdoor socialising on a cool evening. This is a very dog friendly pub along with Tess with me there were other dogs that, along with their owners, had been walking the many walks around the beautiful countryside, which connect to many other villages nearby. When inside the newly refurbished interior has been desinged to be very welcoming with it beamed celings decored walls that fit this village pub/restaurant. The bar area has two sides, and in the front bar to the left, there is a seating area for dining, and around the bar area, there are areas to relax with a beautiful Chesterfield settee. The rear of the bar area has further dining and drinking tabled areas where our furry friends can also relax with treats in jars and shelves within the pub for them to dine on. It has a very good selection of cask ales, again Bass one of my favourites which was perfect. Three largers, Worthington creamflow and ciders, along with a wine list that will compliment any fine dining experience anywhere. We decided on a traditional Sunday lunch, I've attached the menu, but not on the menu was lamb as a special. I had a starter, which if you like black pudding and Stilton croquet on a tomato relish the tast of the Stilton that ran through the pudding, and the sweetness of the relish was just so delicious. So we ordered the lamb and a beef dinner. They came with the meat on a bed of beautiful mash potato with roasted beetroot, parsnips, and the best roasted potatoes, which had such a beautiful taste inside the crunchy outer. A separate bowl of carrots, broccoli, and new potatoes, along with a bowl of creamy garlic leeks, which again were fresh and sourced locally like the roasts from a local butcher. The beef which I had was cooked to perfection as was the lamb, which I also tried. You could not mistake what you were eating by its taste they were cooked to perfection. We then came to the deserts , and you will not be disappointed and all homemade, and the cheesecake was so delicious. If I had had room, i would have had another. To the waiting staff, wow, they were on point pleasent and very helpful to the point when ordering they asked not just us but otheres that were dining if they had and dietary requirements and the bar staff who also were very helpful describing differnt Gins and the cask ales and worked very hard but to the person behind the scenes Mitch who my hats off to as a young Chef and with Bradley and the team what an absolutely amazing experience you provide well done to you all. This is truly beautiful food that you would find in a well established restaurant in any city, let alone in Donisthorpe, and would be worthy of an accreditation, in my opinion. So don't just take my word for it go on, try it. Honestly, you won't be disappointed at all.

We have had several evening meals and lunches here and every time the food and service has been amazing. The quality of the food and the portion sizes are excellent lovely country pub with a bustling atmosphere highly recommend we haven’t tried Sunday lunch yet but can only imagine this will be a good one . Lovely beer garden too 😊

A fantastic pub for Sunday lunch the best we found in the whole local area. Beautifully cooked food and the friendliness and professionalism of the staff was 5 star