Lunch At The Cupola Visitor Centre And Kitchen, Stoney Middleton
Published On Sunday 22 Dec 2024 by Sticky Beak
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My little brain continued to be over-loaded as we tramped around the Stoney/Eyam area; I mean, just how much History, Geology and Architectural brilliance can you cram into a relatively small area??!!! His Nibs was all “can we just walk?”, but the geek in me simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see the octagonal nave of St. Martin’s church (replicated in the Old Toll House, which an award-winning chippy now occupies!) and the buildings of the Spa baths. Although currently looking less glamourous than their full potential, plans are afoot to restore the Baths to former glory…who knows, I could be dipping my toes in the restorative thermal waters in the future!
If you’re a keen rock climber or caver, then the landscape across the road from our Rock Mill accommodation, at the beginning of the purple route, will be right up your alley; here you’ll find Middleton Dale’s Crags, Carlswark Cavern (also linked to the ‘Murder at The Moon’ [Inn] tale), and Fingal’s Cave. History buffs will more than likely know of the sacrifice made by the Eyam villagers during the plague times; their self-imposed quarantine and seclusion halted the progression of this awful disease through the United Kingdom and saved countless lives, but Stoney Middleton is no less impressive. This village was a booming industrial centre: Limestone Quarrying Lead Works, and Boot Making were all to be found here; in fact, it’s thought that the steel toe-capped work boots were born here.
Our yomping took us up some steep terrain called Jacobs Ladder, and then further on we visited the ‘Riley Graves’ where the Hancock family lie buried. The Hancock family paid the ultimate price for remaining in Eyam in the plague times; six of the seven members were buried by their wife/mother; can you imagine how heart-breaking that must’ve been? The Eyam residents were brought food during the Plague’s rampage by those that lived in Stoney Middleton; the provisions were left at the ‘Boundary Stone’ and coins for payment were placed in holes filled with vinegar to prevent infection being passed on.
Whilst in Eyam, we stopped at the Village Green Cafe for a quick cuppa (Hot Wings given here) -there is also the Tea Rooms, but they are closed on Monday and Tuesday. After slaking our thirsts, we did the final mile-or-so back to Stoney Middleton – defying gravity as we walked down the wickedly steep high street, taking in the Toll House again and Lovers Leap which are just-about vertical cliffs that have their own tale to tell, in front of which is now the rather good [apparently] Curry Cottage; I might just have to revisit the village to sample the curry for myself.
Thankfully, we arrived at Cupola soon after seeing the Curry Cottage and quickly ordered from the special’s menu - my tum was rumbling after the mornings’ exertion! Although I could quite easily have had pizza again for lunch, it wouldn’t make the best reading for you lot, so I went for the Charred Pear and Stilton Salad with Kale, Lentils and a Maple-Mustard Dressing, £14.
During previous conversations with Colin and Alison, His Nibs had noted that the Teriyaki Chicken was raved about, so he went for those minxes: they come with mixed leaves as a side for £8, or with Fries and Salad for £15 as a main – no prizes for guessing which option greedy-guts chose! A couple of Coke Zeros and a carafe of chilled water soon had our keenly dry throats refreshed, and we sipped them gladly whilst we waited for our food.
After walking about 6.5 miles, our appetites were strong and we were very happy to see that Chef is as good a feeder at lunchtime as he had been at breakfast and dinner the previous night. His Nibs’ Chicken strips were more than generous in size and had that irresistible gloss to their outers from the dark, sticky Teriyaki glaze. At the first bite, The Mans’ palate was flooded with smoky, sweet, rich flavours from the Teriyaki and a hint of nuttiness from the Sesame seeds that adorned the strips’ outer. The batter coating was beautifully crunchy, enhanced by the impossibly soft, creamy tasting Chicken breast that it surrounded; a remarkable contrast of tastes and textures to delight the senses. Crisp, non-greasy fries were presented in a separate pot and the plentiful salad provided even more taste and colour to this superb lunchtime dish.
Foodies know that the partnership between Pear and Stilton is a match made in heaven, but when the fruit is sliced and griddled to warm it and concentrate the natural sugars within, it gets transformed into something truly mesmerising. Where the Pear was sweet and grainy, the Stilton was nutty and sublimely creamy with that marvellous punch at the end – just glorious! The bright, grassy notes of the Kale bounced exuberantly in contrast to the other elements, and the Lentils were mellow and satiating, thanks to their fibre content. A warming-yet-sweet dressing provided the final flourish in this dish, as well as a sunny hue which was pleasing to the eyes. I was more than thrilled with my choice of lunchtime meal and, best of all, it didn’t induce a food coma. Again, Hot Wings given for the lunchtime fare.
I think the Cupola Visitor Centre and Kitchen deserves a ruddy big round of applause; Colin has totally put his heart and soul into this project. Chef ensures that diners are wonderfully fed to go out on adventures - or be refuelled after jaunts already taken - and local enterprises are supported and encouraged. The trail maps, information boards dotted around the walks, website and exhibition at The Cupola are all privately funded, so please do go along and support these endeavours.
On the far wall, dedicated to local artisans, Beers, Spirits, and foodstuffs are for sale, in addition to pictures, books and even ceramics. Honestly, this place crams so much in – no wonder I was mind-boggled when we’d first arrived! The Cupola Visitor Centre and Kitchen is open Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm, and Sunday 9am-5pm. For all the latest information, visit www.thecupola.uk or ring the team on 01433 627526 - you can also use this number to reserve a table in the Cupola Café or to order a take-out Pizza (Pizzas available Mon-Thurs only, 5-8pm). If you want to book accommodation at The Rock Mill then visit www.thecupola.uk/sleep/
Massive thanks to Colin and Alison for being ‘Hosts with the Most’, but also huge thank you’s to the front-of-house team: Vicky, Catherine, Alex and Kayleigh for taking such good care of us, and to the Kitchen crew, Jo and Nink, for feeding us so magnificently.
The Cupola will be closed from 24th December 2024 until 2nd January 2025, so please don’t visit then, or you’ll be disappointed!
More articles from our visit
Read about our dinner at The Cupola Visitor Centre And Kitchen
Read about our breakfast at The Cupola Visitor Centre And Kitchen
Read about our stay at The Rock Mill Luxury Holiday Apartments
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