Lovage by Lee Smith

The story

Lovage by Lee Smith in Bakewell | Modern British Dining

The kitchen and its origins

Lovage by Lee Smith sits in Bakewell, delivering modern British food with a laid-back country feel. Chef owner Lee Smith moved closer to his Mansfield roots to realise a long-held ambition. He worked sixteen years from a pot washer to head chef, carrying a previous Michelin star and a Great British Menu final spot into this venture. His cooking honours seasonal ingredients through a contemporary English lens. This grounded approach earned the venue two AA rosettes.

Seasonal plates and tasting menus

The evening offering runs a seven course tasting menu priced at one hundred pounds, designed to unfold over three hours. Diners encounter monkfish paired with sweet potato puree and Thai basil bisque, followed by Yorkshire duck resting with blackberries and baby carrots. A vegetarian path highlights chervil gnocchi with burrata and roast peach, or roasted carrot with cardamom puree. This British kitchen tradition keeps the focus on clear flavours and precise execution rather than heavy sauces.

A relaxed country setting

The dining room embraces a casual vibe that matches the straightforward ethos behind the counter. Guests gather in a comfortable space designed for unhurried conversation and easy movement. Private dining remains available for groups of six to twelve, accommodating both celebrations and quieter dinners. The overall layout prioritises comfort, letting the food take centre stage without rigid formality.