Piedaniels is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Bakewell when we visited one evening after our visit to Chatsworth. Owned and operated by a couple since 1994, Piedaniels specialises in traditional French cuisine with an European twist.

We had to book due to the pandemic and were the first customers into the restaurant for the evening. The restaurant looked much classier in the night with the yellow lighting than in the cold light of day.

The restaurant had traditional wooden beams and modern furnishings; with a nature focus in the green wallpaper and floral pictures. Half the room had stone walls painted white and the harsh lighting flooded the room with a bright whiteness.

One of the owners was personally serving customers that night and gave us some focaccia bread to test out a new recipe. It had a strong herbal aroma but aside from the oiliness it didn’t taste of very much. 

I ordered a Gin and Tonic (Master’s London Dry Gin – £5.75) from the extensive Gin menu and a Meagre (stone bass) fillet with sizzled ginger, chilli and spring onion finished with soy sauce (£17.80). My partner chose a Lamb Wellington cooked in puff pastry served with minted gravy sauce (£16.80). Our meal came to a total of £40.35.

The Gin and Tonic was very refreshing and not bad at all, but I’m no gin connoisseur.

I really enjoyed the soft stone bass which was cooked in an asian style that I’m familiar with and enjoy. The aroma of ginger and soy sauce was just lovely.

The Lamb Wellington was piping hot, flavoursome and filling. It also came with a large side of vegetables.

Piedaniels was delicious and I totally understand why it’s so highly reviewed. If you happen to visit Bakewell this is definitely a restaurant that should be on your list.