The Brasserie At Darleys - Derby

Highly recommended, wonderful food and great service, we’ll be back. read more Highly recommended, wonderful food and great service, we’ll be back.

We went for the new music Sundays and had a few small plates. Good location for a sunny day on the deck by the river. Access is a difficult now that the bridge... read more We went for the new music Sundays and had a few small plates. Good location for a sunny day on the deck by the river. Access is a difficult now that the bridge is closed.

I’ve visited Darleys several times over the years and always considered it a reliable choice for great food and a lovely atmosphere. Because of that, we booked... read more I’ve visited Darleys several times over the years and always considered it a reliable choice for great food and a lovely atmosphere. Because of that, we booked for Sunday 05/04/2026 to take the in‑laws out for what was meant to be a relaxed evening of good food and conversation. After telling them how much they’d enjoy it, we were incredibly disappointed. When we arrived, the restaurant felt more like a concert venue than a dining experience. Live music isn’t an issue in itself, but the volume was so loud that we couldn’t hold a conversation. We had to shout our orders to the staff, and even the waitresses agreed it was far too loud and said they would mention it. Unfortunately, nothing changed. It’s a real shame because the food was good and the service was genuinely lovely, but we felt rushed and unable to enjoy any part of the evening. We couldn’t talk about our dishes or chat as a family — we just sat in silence while the music drowned everything out. When your waiter or waitress has to ask four or five times what you’ve said, something is clearly wrong. Food: Good Service: Good Atmosphere: Completely ruined by excessively loud music I came for a meal with family, not a concert. Music should complement the dining experience, not overpower it — especially when paying £70–£80 per person. At those prices, the food and the experience should be the main attraction. We’ve always chosen Darleys for special occasions, but after this visit, I don’t think we’ll be returning. It left a very sour taste, and I’m disappointed to have spent £240 on an evening we couldn’t enjoy.

A once great restaurant ruined. Attended the restaurant on Saturday for my Dad’s birthday, something that has become an annual tradition. All be it, a short tra... read more A once great restaurant ruined. Attended the restaurant on Saturday for my Dad’s birthday, something that has become an annual tradition. All be it, a short tradition given we won’t be returning again! Sadly, the change in direction has seen a once rest restaurant become ordinary and unspectacular. The menu was completely uninspiring and the food was poor. My steak was grey, there was an additional charge for sides and even sauce. I want to reiterate I don’t mind paying for quality but this was overpriced and under quality. The service was poor and lacked attention. On multiple occasions our drinks sat on the side for 5 10 minutes. At one point, I actually pointed out to the waiter staring into space that our drinks were ready. I completely appreciate that times are hard and restaurants need to be busy more days of the week, but this new direction is a massive swing and miss. And i’m sorry to say that the writing for the future of this restaurant is on the wall.

Treated to a meal out here tonight. From the moment we entered to the moment we left we couldn't have been more attended too. The sommelier really knew his stuf... read more Treated to a meal out here tonight. From the moment we entered to the moment we left we couldn't have been more attended too. The sommelier really knew his stuff and the wines he recommended really fit the dishes we ordered perfectly. Every bite of food was like a little taste of heaven, from entrees to dessert. I just wish I had had the opportunity to dine here sooner. Will definitely be revisiting. Xxx