'A great joy to see the Greyhound back at the centre of Cromford life' - district councillor
New operators and villagers are overjoyed that a transformed Derbyshire Dales pub and boutique hotel is back in business after being closed for nearly a year.
Prominent landmark property the Greyhound has relaunched in Cromford following a £700,000+ joint investment between owners Admiral Tavern and incoming operators Greg and Sarah Dufton.
Sarah said that they were overwhelmed by both the attendance and support since the Greyhound reopened on Thursday, October 15. “We’ve had lots of people already visiting us every day since opening,” she said. “We have had so much wonderful feedback on all elements – the refurb, the rooms, the food, the drinks, the prices, the service, the friendly team, and some really heartwarming comments about us personally.
"Locals who knew the Greyhound are pleasantly surprised and relieved. So many have said they didn’t think they would ever see the Greyhound buzzing like this again and were unsure if the refurb would be extensive enough to give the uplift it needed. They are delighted to see that is.
"Those visiting for the first time are largely from surrounding areas that seem to be very happy they have somewhere of this standard now on their radar. We are almost fully booked for rooms this coming weekend, so it will be really nice to get feedback from those that have travelled to stay with us.”
A full menu will be offered from Wednesday, October 21. Sarah said: “Our head chef, Steven Baker, brings a wealth of experience to Greyhound Cromford. A significant catalyst of Steve’s early career was coming runner-up in a Booker Young Chef of the Year competition aged just 17, which landed him a stint at Pétrus restaurant in London, working under Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, and he has since worked all over the world. We’re delighted to have someone with his background – and unflappable attitude! – leading our kitchen, and we can’t wait to introduce the full food offering he has developed for the Greyhound.”
Villagers feared for the future of the 18th century coaching inn when Admiral Taverns closed the premises down in December 2025 after its operating tenant left, leaving guests with confirmed bookings facing locked doors without prior notice.
Campaigners launched a Save the Greyhound group, councillors and the MP John Whitby raised concerns with the pub ownership company.
Cllr Steve Hassall, the Conservative leader on Derby City Council, posted: “I was proud to play a small part in that campaign, challenging Admiral Taverns, keeping pressure on, making representations and supporting those locally who simply refused to accept that such as important building should be allowed to drift away.
"That persistence mattered.
“The building has undergone a substantial top-to-bottom refurbishment, with work throughout the pub, restaurant and its nine guest bedrooms.
“The building looks absolutely superb, warm, welcoming and sympathetic to its history without feeling stuck in the past. The transformation of this wonderful old building is fantastic.
"It was genuinely great to pop into the Greyhound Cromford for its opening night after around ten months of closure. The place was packed, buzzing and full of life, exactly what everyone who fought for its future wanted to see.
"I was really encouraged speaking with Sarah and Greg. They seem to have exactly the right attitude and outlook: recognising that The Greyhound needs to work both as a proper village pub for local people and as a destination capable of attracting visitors from further afield.”
Cllr Nick Whitehead, who represents Cromford and Matlock Bath on Derbyshire Dales District Council, said: “The comment I would make would be in line with how most of the community feel which is a great joy to see the Greyhound back at the centre of Cromford life. It’s been a long journey to get here but thanks to the support and pressure of the local community, the commitment of Admiral Taverns to invest, the support of John Whitby, our local MP, the future looks bright.”
Cllr Whitehead, who is recovering from foot surgery, said: “I can’t wait to get down there and to see it first hand. I hope to be in for a pint and to meet the new landlords very soon, really looking forward to it.”