Santo's Higham Farm Hotel

The story

Santo's Higham Farm Hotel: Derbyshire International Dining & AA Rosette

Roots in a Century-Old Setting

Santo's Higham Farm Hotel in Shirland grounds its International dining approach in a building that began life as a fifteenth century farm. Stone walls and exposed timber frame the main room while the surrounding countryside sets a quiet pace for evening meals. Guests gather here for relaxed lunches or intimate dinners where conversation flows as easily as the local real ales and curated wine list. The property has kept its rural character intact while upgrading every surface to meet modern hospitality standards.

The In-House Kitchen

The culinary team prepares every dish fresh on site using ingredients sourced directly from Derbyshire farms and regional producers. This commitment to local supply chains earned the kitchen a one Rosette award from the AA for consistent quality and technical precision. Chefs rotate the menu through the seasons so the plates always reflect what is currently growing in nearby fields. The straightforward International cooking avoids heavy sauces and instead lets clean seasoning and proper heat do the work.

Seasonal Plates and Wagyu Steaks

The current menu highlights a partnership with Warrendale Wagyu, a Yorkshire based producer that crosses Japanese genetics with British cattle farming. Their F1 beef arrives at the kitchen already graded for marbling and finishes on the grill to a precise temperature. Other items on the International menu follow the same straightforward logic, pairing roasted root vegetables with herb butter or serving slow cooked pork alongside pickled apples. Even the afternoon tea selection leans toward house baked cakes rather than imported pastries.