Prejudice

IF you love both quaint English pubs and period films, then a stay at the Pilsley Inn is a must.

Here is everything you need to know about a stay at the pub in Derbyshire.

Where is the Pilsley Inn?

In a sleepy Peak District village, this charming country pub and hotel is on the Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth Estate with its stunning house and 1,000 acres of woods and parkland just a five-minute drive away.

What is the hotel like?

Known as The Devonshire Arms until a year ago, the hotel has been renamed with the addition of five new barn conversion rooms, designed by Lady Burlington.

Staff were warm, friendly and helpful, offering us a selection of nearby walks to make the most of the stunning Derbyshire countryside.

Dogs are welcome in the pub and to stay in the farmhouse and family rooms and there is free on-site parking.

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What are the rooms like?

There are 18 individually designed bedrooms either in the main inn or the converted adjoining barn and farmhouse.

We stayed in one of the farmhouse rooms.

Most of these rustic yet stylish spaces feature high four-poster beds, rich fabrics and plush bathrooms and come with a flatscreen TV, fridge and hot drink facilities and wifi, plus Chatsworth biscuits and toiletries.

Ground floor rooms also have an outside area to sit and soak up the countryside views.

The Chatsworth Experience package, from £124pp, includes overnight stay, dinner and breakfast along with tickets to Chatsworth House.

See chatsworthescapes.co.uk/pilsleyinn.

What is there to eat and drink?

Definitely eat here – the cosy restaurant, with tables around the bar area, serves classic British fare with food locally sourced from the Chatsworth Estate.

Sat near a roaring fire, we enjoyed carrot and coconut soup, duck breast with sweet potato croquettes and cherry sauce and Derbyshire beef and ale pie, all of which was delicious and well presented.

For breakfast, which is served in the restaurant, there are a range of continental or cooked options.

What else is there?

Stunning Chatsworth House, famously used as a location for the 2005 Pride And Prejudice movie, is close by and well worth a visit.

From May to October, The Pilsley Inn offers a Chatsworth Experience package that includes a tour of the house, which was a big highlight of our visit as well as the garden, parkland and farmyard with free parking.

Is it family friendly?

Find designated Family Rooms on the ground floor with bunk beds for 2 children and a children’s menu that even fussy kids will love – definitely ticks the boxes for a family friendly stay.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

There are Farmhouse Rooms located on the ground floor and the Hilltop room has a walk-in shower making it easily accessible.

The Chatsworth Escapes team are also happy to talk through any specific needs. 

The ‘beautiful’ BBC period drama is perfect for fans Jane Austen and is based on a literay classic.

Pride and Prejudice fans have been encouraged to rediscover a “brilliant” overlooked period drama.

The sweet romance on Prime Video, situated in the mid-19th century, has earned acclaim for its “beautiful” landscapes and “heartwarming” narrative.

Originally broadcast on the BBC in 2005, the production boasts a stellar ensemble headed by Miss Austen’s Keeley Hawes. Additional cast members include The Crown’s James Murray, Inside No. 9 actor Steve Pemberton and Lark Rise to Candleford star Ben Miles.

Now that the film has become available to stream, audiences have been revisiting the adaptation based on Thomas Hardy’s celebrated novel of the same name.

Under the Greenwood Tree marks the second published work by the English writer Thomas Hardy, initially released anonymously in 1872, reports the Express.

It chronicles the tale of a romance between schoolmistress Fancy Day (Hawes) and church musician Dick Dewey (Murray).

The official synopsis reads: “In this lighthearted romance from Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy, the beautiful new village school teacher is pursued by three suitors: a working-class man, a landowner, and the vicar.”

Helmed by Nicholas Laughland, the production carries a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb and appears not to have received extensive critical assessment at the time of its release.

Audiences have flocked to IMDb to express their admiration for the overlooked period drama, describing it as ‘brilliant’ and ‘perfect comfort viewing’.

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One viewer wrote: “In the tradition of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, there is the mix of position, miscommunication, and the delightfulness of authenticity of period. A treat to watch. The acting, script, and setting all played well together. If you adore period romances, then this should go on your list to watch.”

Another fan gushed: “Superb. This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice directed by Simon Langton. The sets seemed remarkably authentic, and all the cast were excellent […] I have watched it 3 times in two days.”

A third viewer reflected: “The scenery was stunning, the plot had depth and kept me and my family gripped throughout. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a warm heart, as it certainly warmed mine.”

“Beautiful film in every way, from the classic Thomas Hardy novel,” another viewer said, while a further admirer agreed: “A thing of beauty and wonder.”

However, not everyone was won over by the film, with one critic labelling it a ‘big let down’ and another commenting: “I usually don’t like Hardy’s stuff… I guess that continues.”

Under the Greenwood Tree is streaming now on Prime Video.