The Bulls Head

The story

The Bulls Head, Walton: Modern British Cuisine in the Peak District

The Bulls Head

In the Derbyshire village of Holymoorside, The Bulls Head delivers modern British cooking that has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction. The Derbyshire Times called it “heaven on a plate” and noted that “you’ll struggle to find better-value food of such high quality anywhere else in the county.” The restaurant sits in a warm, friendly environment, with a menu shaped by the best fresh, grown, bred and foraged produce from the local area.

Chef Mark Aisthorpe

Patron chef Mark Aisthorpe opened The Bulls Head in 2016 after working in high-end hotels across the country, many with one or two Michelin stars. He chose Holymoorside as the perfect location to put his talents to use. His menus are hyper-seasonal, relying on a supply chain from a limited geographic area. Local foragers and neighbouring farmers provide the produce, and the menu changes daily depending on what is available. Aisthorpe appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu in 2022, reaching the regional final, and has been awarded three AA Rosettes for culinary experience.

The Dining Experience

The Bulls Head offers both an a la carte menu and a tasting menu. The tasting menu is available Thursday to Saturday, with lunchtime and evening sittings, and requires three hours to enjoy fully. A bar menu is served in the bar area, and Sunday lunch is also offered. General manager and wine sommelier Alicia Wright, a WSET Level 3 holder and member of the British Cheese Academy, curates wine flights to complement the food. Head pastry chef Joel Stubbs completes the kitchen team, working with local ingredients.

Sustainability and Local Sourcing

The Bulls Head is Sustainably Run Restaurants certified. Diners can opt to plant a GiftTree in the developing world, added to the bill, to counterbalance the environmental impact of their meal. The restaurant’s “Farm to Folk” strategy aims to reduce the environmental and climate impact of primary production, creating a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. This commitment to local sourcing is central to the restaurant’s identity, making every visit a true taste of the Peak District.