A popular, generous-portioned country pub restaurant with excellent steaks, pies, burgers and breakfasts, though busy periods can bring substantial waits and occasional inconsistency.
The Bowling Green Steakhouse earns praise for strong food quality, with steaks, pies and Sunday roasts drawing repeated acclaim and a friendly, professional team. Its traditional interior and countryside setting are pleasant, though busy Sunday waits of 30 to 60 minutes keep it just short of the very top tier.
The Bowling Green feels like a busy, welcoming country pub with a proper dining room: traditional interiors, friendly staff and a local following are recurring themes. The atmosphere can be lively and convivial, though seating near the bar or main door is less relaxing. One diner effectively summed up the appeal as a place worth the uphill walk for a memorable meal. The cooking is generous, comfort-led and broad rather than narrowly steak-focused. Steaks, roast dinners, beef pie, burgers, loaded scoop chips, pizzas and breakfasts all receive enthusiastic mentions, with creative touches such as teriyaki-glazed beef, haggis toppings and cross-cultural pizzas. Most visits sound excellent, but busy services and a handful of inconsistent steaks, sides and breakfasts mean it is not completely foolproof. Families are well catered for: reviewers describe successful meals with children, and the menu offers familiar choices including burgers, Margherita pizza, cottage pie, fish and chips, pancakes, chips, breakfast items and straightforward desserts. Highchairs and a kids menu were reported, although one family noted the absence of baby-changing facilities. It is also particularly practical for dog-owning families using the bar area.
Area vibe: Historic market-town hub known for independent shops, pubs and gateway access to the Peak District.
Safety: Generally safe with good evening lighting in the town centre but quieter streets after midnight.
What's nearby: Near Ashbourne town centre, Market Place, independent shops, pubs, and road links to A52 and rural attractions.
The menu goes well beyond steak, but a few dishes stand out, from a 12oz Rib Eye to a roast beef dinner and loaded chips.
Plan for a friendly but potentially slow pub meal, with limited parking and premium steaks that cost extra before sides and drinks.
Expect a convivial country-pub atmosphere with family-friendly touches, although some seats are noticeably less peaceful than others.