Standing proudly at the heart of the Peak District village of Hathersage, The George is far more than a place to dine – it is a destination shaped by heritage, hospitality and heart. This iconic building blends centuries of character with contemporary comfort, offering guests an experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
Once owned by the Eyre family of nearby Moorseats Hall in the 19th century – and later by James Morton – The George carries with it rich echoes of the past. It is even said that Charlotte Brontë herself frequented the pub, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and its people while crafting the world of Jane Eyre. Today, those stories remain quietly in the background, adding depth and soul to every visit.
Peak District Warmth and Welcome
Step inside The George and you are greeted by an immediate sense of warmth. Original oak beams, exposed stonework and carefully curated artwork honour the building’s rustic heritage, while elegant modern touches bring comfort, style and subtle luxury. It is the kind of space that invites guests to linger – whether escaping the winter chill with a glass of wine by the fire or settling in for an indulgent seasonal meal.
Seasonal Dishes, Perfectly Balanced
At the heart of The George’s food philosophy is a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and carefully balanced flavours. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Adrian Gagea and Head Chef James Heywood, the menu reflects the changing seasons – embracing winter’s richness while layering brightness, sharpness and sweetness throughout each dish.
To begin with…
The Ham Hock Scotch Egg – a popular starter – was a perfect example of this approach. A masterclass in contrast and complement, the crisp, golden shell gave way to a rich, sweet and juicy interior, where slow-cooked ham hock met the soft, yielding egg at its heart. Alongside it, the celeriac and mustard remoulade brought a bright, acidic lift – cutting through the richness with sharpness and subtle spice – while the roast apple and white wine sauce added gentle sweetness and aromatic warmth. Together, these elements created a beautiful yin and yang of flavour: crunchy and tender, savoury and sweet, bold and balanced, each component enhancing the other in perfect seasonal harmony.
The Slow-Cooked Pork Belly, another delicious starter, was exquisitely tender and delicately melt-in-the-mouth, with the fat rendered to absolute perfection, creating a richness without heaviness. This was a beautifully nostalgic dish, layered with comforting, winter-warming flavours – the gentle smokiness of the pork balanced effortlessly by the natural sweetness and warmth of the white wine apple sauce and horseradish carrot purée. Finished with crisp chorizo crumbs for depth and contrast, it delivered indulgence with elegance, hearty yet surprisingly light on the palate.
The Main Event
For mains, seafood lovers are treated to the beautifully executed Pan–Fried Cod, served alongside roasted sweet potato and fennel bubble and squeak. This dish was the pinnacle in intelligent cooking, delivering a sublime harmony of contrasting flavours and textures. The pan-fried cod was impeccably fresh, delicately flaky and ocean–bright in character, providing a clean, elegant foundation. Sweet roasted sweet potato and gently aromatic fennel brought warmth and richness, beautifully counterbalanced by the vibrant, tart lift of the grapefruit beurre blanc – a stroke of culinary ingenuity that cut through the butteriness with precision and poise. Finished with the crisp bite of grilled tenderstem broccoli, the dish offered freshness, crunch and balance in every mouthful.
For those seeking ultimate cold-weather indulgence, the Sage and Chorizo Stuffed Pork Fillet, wrapped in pancetta and served with buttery mash and sautéed greens, offered unmistakable comfort. The tender, subtly sweet pork brought natural richness, while the smoky warmth of chorizo and aromatic sage added depth and gentle spice. Crisp pancetta introduced a satisfying crunch, cutting through the velvety creaminess of the mash and the indulgent, flavour–packed sauce. Bright notes from the sautéed greens lifted the dish, adding freshness and balance, ensuring each mouthful feels indulgent yet never heavy.
Sweet Endings
Desserts at The George continued the theme of contrast and indulgence.
The timeless Sticky Toffee Pudding delivered everything winter demands – a true comfort classic – a hug in a bowl. This dessert epitomised where contrasts come together in perfect harmony: the gentle lightness of the sponge meeting the deep, indulgent sweetness of warm toffee, while ribbons of rich caramel brought a buttery depth that lingered on the palate. Add to that the cool, creamy softness of double cream vanilla ice cream, melting slowly into the warmth beneath, and you had a dessert that was both nostalgic and indulgent – familiar, soothing, and irresistibly satisfying. Sweet yet balanced, comforting yet luxurious, every spoonful was a moment of pure winter warmth.
The flourless chocolate brownie was a celebration of bold contrast and delicate balance. Rich, velvety chocolate formed the indulgent foundation, softened by the cool, luxurious creaminess of wild berry ice cream and clotted cream. The strawberry, aloe vera and chilli coulis introduced a gentle heat and bright acidity, cutting through the sweetness with finesse, while shards of honeycomb added a golden crunch and caramel sweetness. Each element played its part – smooth against crisp, sweet against sharp, warm spice against cool cream – creating a dessert that felt indulgent yet beautifully balanced.
Flavour with Flair
At The George – another resounding success from Longbow Venues – Adrian and James have created menus that are dynamic, expertly balanced, seasonally inspired, and add just the right edge of adventure.
Whether you’re a local regular, a discerning diner, a visiting tourist, a Peak District walker, or simply stopping by for a perfectly poured pint, you’ll be welcomed here with genuine hospitality.
From the warmth of the greeting to the final farewell, hospitality here feels honest, homely, and heartfelt.
Blending heritage with innovation, comfort with creativity, and tradition with contemporary flair, The George at Hathersage continues to prove that great food, great atmosphere, and great service remain a timeless recipe.
As ever, the proof of the pudding truly is in the eating – and here, every bite tells a story worth savouring.
THE GEORGE
Main Road, Hathersage,
Derbyshire, S32 1BB
T: 01433 650436
E: enjoymore@thegeorgehathersage.com