WHAT
Tearoom
WHERE
M1, Junction 25; 7 minutes
WHEN
Weds-Mon 9.30am-4pm (until 3pm in winter)
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Disabled access
Vegetarian or vegan options
Gluten-free options
Parking available onsite
Recycling/sustainability practices
Sometimes, you're cruising along a rural country road and come across a hive of activity. Who are these contented looking people? Where have they come from? In this case, The Cowshed Tearoom is the answer.
Food maestros Nicky and Fiona are members of the local Sisson family. The chatty two run and market this buzzing countryside café while their partners build things, dig things, look after cows. This is farm diversification at its best - a team effort that really works.
A former cowshed wrapped in a decked balcony, this brick-built café is family and dog-friendly and attracts cyclists too (who famously know where to find the best caffeine and cake for miles). Take your food out to the sail-shaded terrace, overlooking mini-conifers, scented planters and the mature soft-fruit trees of the sloping gardens. Birds caw, leaves rustle.
Drop by The Hermitage at Dale Abbey after, for a slice of ancient Sherwood Forest history (and some quirky cave selfies).
The Cowshed,
No Man's Lane, Dale Abbey, Ilkeston,
DE7 4PH
Tel - 07504 230690
Email - Send email to The Cowshed
Web - www.facebook.com/thecowshed2
Buy The Extra Mile Guide
The Extra Mile: Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services is your essential glovebox guide to good food on the move. The guidebook is a great gift for motorists and foodies who prefer to avoid motorway services and boring, big-brand food. Find independent cafes, pubs, local coffee and tea shops and lovely farm shops near motorway junctions and main roads. To improve your journey, support small businesses and discover real local flavours, order your copy today (edition 4 published March 2023 and available now).
