While exploring the beautiful villages of Brailsford and Ednaston, we had heard good things about The Hut at Birch House Lakes, which opened earlier this year, so we decided to see what all the fuss was about.
As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the beautiful countryside setting. With free parking for customers, The Hut is perfectly positioned beside the brook, with a choice of seating inside the cosy restaurant area, beneath the large covered awning or outside beside the water. We opted for the awning, which was wonderfully cosy and made a lovely spot to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.
The menu is just as welcoming, with plenty to choose from to start your day. There are full English breakfasts, breakfast cobs, morning bakes and treats, as well as paninis, toasties and chips. Everything is available to eat in or take away, making it an ideal stop whether you’re meeting friends, grabbing a quick bite or heading off on a countryside adventure.
A haven for dog lovers
One of the things that really stood out to us was just how dog friendly The Hut is. Water bowls, treats and even dog mats are provided, and our four-legged friends have their very own menu featuring treats and “Pup Cups”.
But the dog-friendly experience doesn’t stop there.
Located right on site is Fetch 52, a safe and fully enclosed space where dogs can enjoy some off-lead exercise without owners having to worry about them running off. With jumps for those energetic pups, shelter and picnic benches, owners can even take food and drinks from The Hut into the area and enjoy them while their dogs burn off some energy.
There is even a concrete trough where you can give your dog a wash if they get a little too enthusiastic – a very thoughtful touch!
Breakfast at The Hut
Back to our own breakfast, and I opted for poached egg on toast with a portion of mushrooms, while my friend chose the Classic Breakfast, without the black pudding. I ordered a latte, while my friend went for coffee with oat milk.
The Hut serves Arden Coffee, with a selection of flavoured syrups available for those who like to add a little something extra to their drink.
When the breakfasts arrived, my poached egg was beautifully cooked, served with buttery toast and a generous portion of mushrooms, which were delicious. My friend’s Classic Breakfast certainly didn’t disappoint either – bacon, sausage, hash brown, fried egg, tomatoes, mushrooms and toast. Her verdict? “Gorgeous!” And having seen the plate, I could certainly understand why The Hut is building such a good reputation.
During our visit, the atmosphere was lovely and relaxed. There were people sitting outside enjoying a Pup Cup with their dogs, while others were making use of the takeaway service. We even spotted a few bikers stopping for a coffee.
And that’s perhaps what makes The Hut so appealing – it really is for everyone.
Whether you’re a dog owner, a countryside walker, a cyclist, meeting friends for breakfast, grabbing something to take away or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy a good coffee, there is a warm and welcoming feel to the place.
There is also Wi-Fi, making it a useful spot for those who work remotely or fancy an informal meeting away from the office.
A real community hub
The Hut is very much at the heart of what is happening at Birch House Lakes and has a lovely community feel. With further developments taking place, including newly refurbished toilets and baby-changing facilities, it is clear that this is a destination with plenty more to come.
Run by a local farming family with a simple ethos of keeping things straightforward and trying to do well, they certainly seem to be achieving just that.
We left already planning our next visit – and next time I’ll definitely be bringing my friends and our dogs!
Just remember, if you want to let your dog enjoy Fetch 52, you need to book online in advance.
The Hut at Birch House Lakes is definitely one to keep an eye on – a lovely countryside destination, a great place for fresh food and coffee, and somewhere that genuinely welcomes everyone, including our four-legged friends.
The Hut – Birch House Lakes, Brailsford, Derbyshire DE6 3AB
07494 789 333
Fetch 52
