A welcoming, dog-friendly Peak District village pub with standout homemade pies, hearty portions and unusually strong value, though booking is wise and one isolated visit reported cramped seating and abrupt service.
The Star Inn delivers strong food quality anchored by praised pies, roasts, and puddings, paired with notably attentive service that keeps diners returning. Consistency across visits and good value reinforce its appeal, though the traditional village-pub setting, while welcoming, lacks the distinctive character that would elevate it further.
The Star Inn is the kind of Peak District village pub that wins people over from the first pint: cosy inside, lively without usually becoming overwhelming, and notably warm to walkers, families and dogs. Guests describe being welcomed even when arriving without a booking, while the Tideswell setting and outdoor area add genuine holiday-stop appeal. One detailed review captured the exception—a cramped, overbooked visit with an abrupt exchange—but it sits against a much larger pattern of attentive hospitality. The cooking is proudly traditional rather than experimental: big homemade pies, Sunday roasts, sausages, lamb shank, fish, lasagne and familiar pub favourites. The pies are the headline act, especially steak and Stilton, with roast dinners and sticky toffee pudding close behind. Portions are generous, current mains mostly sit around £13-£20, and the £15.95 roast is particularly compelling value. This is comfort-food territory for people who want a proper plate, not a tasting-menu adventure. Families are well served: the menu includes cheeseburgers, sausages, lasagne, pies, chips and several straightforward vegetarian choices, and reviews specifically say children ate happily. Dogs are welcomed enthusiastically too. Picky eaters should have workable choices, although the vegetarian burger drew one specific complaint about dryness and lack of toppings; choosing a pie, roast, lasagne or sausages is the safer bet.
Area vibe: Traditional stone-built village in the Peak District with scenic, rural charm.
Safety: Very safe, quiet streets with low crime and easy evening walking though limited late-night services.
What's nearby: Village High Street near church, pubs, local shops and car parking; close to Tideswell Cavern and walking trails.
The homemade Steak and Stilton Pie is the safest bet, but the £15.95 Sunday roasts and sticky toffee pudding are also strong choices.
It is a popular, dog-friendly village pub with generous traditional food, but booking ahead matters because busy periods can feel cramped.
Expect a cosy Tideswell village pub that welcomes walkers, families and dogs, with outdoor seating but occasional crowding.