A welcoming country inn with excellent valley views, broad British comfort-food choices, strong hospitality and generally good value, though a few diners report uneven Sunday-roast execution and one serious concern about inclusivity.
Pack Horse Inn delivers solid food quality anchored by praised lamb, pies, and roasts, paired with notably attentive service that keeps guests returning. Its hilltop setting with valley views and strong destination appeal elevate the experience, though occasional consistency dips in roasts and limited wine expertise prevent a higher grade.
The Pack Horse Inn is a proper hill-country pub stop: cosy, characterful and perched above striking valley scenery, with a garden or patio that earns its keep on a sunny day. Guests repeatedly describe warm, efficient hospitality, generous portions and a setting that makes the slightly tucked-away drive worthwhile; one visitor neatly summed it up as a “little gem” with views worth returning for. The cooking is traditional British pub fare rather than a culinary experiment: lamb Henry, ale pie, fish and chips, burgers, roasts and comforting puddings dominate a broad, accessible menu. The lamb Henry and pie are the clearest crowd-pleasers, while reviews suggest generally dependable execution with a few dissenting reports around Sunday roasts, frozen chips and an overly salty fish dish. It suits walkers, families, celebrations and overnight guests who want hearty food in a scenic inn, not diners seeking tasting-menu theatrics. Families are well catered for in practical terms. The current menu includes sausages, fish fingers, breaded chicken, children's pizza and tomato pasta at £5.95-6.95, plus a child's roast, and reviews mention accommodating a child’s requested swap and a pram-friendly visit. One contrary review alleges an unwelcoming experience involving a family and campervan; this is an isolated but serious concern worth clarifying directly if inclusivity or vehicle arrangements are important.
Area vibe: Small-town, outdoor-recreation gateway with hillwalking and heritage appeal.
Safety: Generally safe, quiet streets with modest evening footfall; straightforward to walk to nearby pubs.
What's nearby: Near New Mills town centre, close to rail links (New Mills Central/Bridge), River Goyt, and access to Peak District trails.
Start with the lamb Henry or ale pie, then leave room for a £5.95 pudding, but approach the Sunday roast with slightly lower expectations.
Plan for a scenic but slightly awkward drive after dark, book ahead for busy periods, and keep the mixed reports about Sunday service and inclusivity in mind.
Vegetarians have a useful range of mains, including a vegan balti and a vegetarian Sunday roast, while broader dietary coverage is less clear.