The Manifold Inn

We stopped off here for a quick meal before our drive back in London.

Food

Maybe because it was a Sunday night, but their normal menu was not available. Instead, we had to choose from a specials board consisting of only a selection of their normal menu. Never mind, after going on the “Red Shanks & Roasties” walk, I could only think of lamb shanks, so I knew I had to order the Braised Lamb Shanks on a Bed of Mash (£9.95). These were as lamb shanks should be. Melt off the bone, but still pink on the inside, with a rich, gravy-consistency sauce and heart-warming mash. We didn’t know that we were going to get vegetables with our meal, so ordered the Leek and Mushroom Bake (£6.95). We really should know better, how good can leek and mushroom bake taste? Leeks themselves serve more as a flavour enhancer than as a dominator, whereas mushrooms need something strong to absorb, so combining the two together, without a power player, meant that the dish was bland. The mound of mash on top only meant that we were eating a lot of potatoes. The free vegetables were Carrots, Red Cabbage and Spinach and weren’t that special but they were generous portions. And at least they didn’t give us more potatoes!!

I was going to have a beer but Slokky decided not to order one for me, and since he had already paid for everything else on the credit card, I really couldn’t be bothered buying one, so I will never know how good the beer was.

Rating - 6

Atmosphere

This is definitely a traditional English pub, from the building to the old style fittings, the open fire, to the Sunday night karaoke that was due to take place which we didn’t have time to enjoy. Even the clientele seem to be local – who bring their whole family, babies included, to enjoy a Sunday night dinner. The staff seems to know the people by name, and the crowd was definitely already rowdy by 7pm, so I guess karaoke should be a big success.

Rating - 1.5

Service

You order at the bar and they deliver to you. It was service country style, so don’t be alarmed if you get called “love”. I didn’t feel they were particularly friendly though.

Rating - 2.5

C-factor

We saw lots of pubs offering very cheap meals, often 2 courses for under £10, so this is not so cheap in comparison. However, the portions were very generous and you will definitely not be hungry.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 11

Info

Hulme End
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 0EX
Phone +44 (0) 12 9884 537
Website