The Hardwick Inn is a centuries-old country pub, which can be found just outside the sprawling Hardwick Park estate. This is home to Hardwick Hall – an Elizabethan country house that was built in the 1500s and remains a popular tourist attraction.
The Derbyshire Times was invited to visit and learn more about the history of the pub and an upcoming major milestone – and these photos show what you can expect from the Hardwick Inn.
1. Hardwick Inn
Sarah Allan, pictured here, runs the Hardwick Inn with her husband Stuart Allan. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Family history going back decades
Stuart said: “The Hardwick Inn has been run by my wife’s family since 1928 - and it’s me and my wife that have taken over now. Our heritage is all to do with the five generations that have run the inn.” Photo: Brian Eyre
3. One of Derbyshire’s longest-standing landlords
Sarah’s parents, Peter and Pauline Batty, are very much part of the family legacy at the Hardwick Inn. Stuart said: “Sarah and I took over the business fully just before Covid-19, but Sarah’s father, Peter Batty is very much still involved in the business. I think he wants to get to the centenary event. He’s already one of the area’s longest-serving landlords - Peter took over the inn from his parents at a very early age, and he’s now 70.” Photo: Brian Eyre
4. ‘Field to fork’ ethos
Stuart said: “We’re a fifth generation family-run pub, and we’re very much rooted in the countryside. Everything is field to fork for us, with local produce - that’s definitely our unique selling point and a reason that people love us so much.” Photo: Brian Eyre