Review: Harpur’s Bistro at University of Derby
Harpur’s Bistro feels like one of Buxton’s best kept secrets. Tucked away inside what is arguably Buxton’s most spectacular building, the Devonshire Dome, the bistro is a training ground for Hospitality and Catering students from the University of Derby. Under the watchful eyes of world-class chefs and restaurant professionals, the students cook up and deliver a 3-course meal for an unbelievably reasonable £15 per person. Lots of people have already caught on to what has perhaps become the town’s top lunch deal. We booked in to find out what all the fuss is about.
Off the bat, this isn’t your average lunch experience. The Dome is a busy educational campus and quite rightly, safeguarding the students is their priority. You must book in advance, and sign in upon arrival, wear an identification badge, and you can’t go wandering about. Given the environment, this is perfectly understandable.
Harpurs Bistro is open for lunch Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday lunch times, during term time. Don’t let the admin put you off, making a booking is not only the gateway to a magnificent culinary experience, but you also get a jaw-dropping glimpse of the interior of the largest unsupported dome in Europe. Built as rather majestic stables in the 1700s for the Duke of Devonshire, who owned Buxton, the enormous dome was added later. It was eventually converted into a hydropathic hospital, which closed in the year 2000.
The restaurant’s name pays homage to the history of this long standing institution; reflecting its roots back to its beginnings as High Peak College in Harpur Hill, the original location of the legendary higher education facility in Buxton.
Once shown into the bistro itself, the dining experience becomes a bit more like what you would expect; you are greeted, coats are taken, you are shown to a table, and menus are handed out. The interior of the bistro is grand yet modern, spacious yet intimate. There’s a subtle nod to the rich heritage of the place, huge mirrors reflecting the light from original windows. You get the hint you’re in for something special.
The offering is for a 3-course lunch, which changes from day to day, from week to week which keeps things really interesting. If you go online, you can check the menus, but don’t be too hesitant, the place gets booked out quick. We went on a day when the theme was ‘American Diner’.
It’s worth noting that the food here is prepared by students as part of their professional training – but don’t let that fool you. These are talented chefs-in-the-making, learning to cook and serve to an exceptionally high standard under the guidance of experienced professionals. Many will go on to become the famed chefs of tomorrow. In fact, if nobody mentioned it, you’d likely assume the dishes were coming from a top restaurant kitchen.
We thought the dishes were a cut above many restaurants we’ve been to and this was on a Tuesday, when the students are in the first year (Level 1) of their course! (Level 2 on Wednesdays and Level 3 on Thursdays).
One thing to bear in mind is that the menu is intentionally focused, usually offering two choices for each course. This reflects the teaching environment, as the dishes are designed around what the students are learning to prepare as part of their hospitality and catering training. Tutors are clearly keen for students to learn to cook imaginatively.
While options for vegans, vegetarians or other dietary requirements may be limited on some days, the menu changes regularly throughout the week. It’s worth checking online in advance, as visiting on a different day may offer a selection that suits your preferences even better.
The service matched the quality of the food. Students take turns working both front-of-house and in the kitchen, gaining valuable experience in every part of restaurant life. While some of the waiting staff are understandably a little nervous at first, they were consistently polite, friendly and attentive. Water was brought to the table and promptly refilled without needing to ask, and staff checked in with each course to make sure everything was just right. In fact, the level of care and attentiveness means the service – like the food – often surpasses what you might expect at many restaurants.
Also worth mentioning, in Harpur’s was awarded Highly Commended AA College Rosette 2024/25 and 2025/25, and it’s clear why.
As you may have already gathered, we were very impressed and we’re already wondering when we can go back! If you’ve got a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday lunchtime free and you fancy something different and unique, and your diet isn’t too specific, we can’t recommend Harpur’s Bistro enough. It’s so great, you wouldn’t be amiss to treat someone, especially if they’ve never been in The Dome before. Locals and visitors alike are lucky to have this opportunity in town and we should cherish it…
University of Derby Buxton, Devonshire Road, Buxton, SK17 6RY
Visit Website
Did You Enjoy This?
You might like our regular newsletter. We put all the best events, cultural highlights and offers from Buxton and the Peak District in your inbox every month.
This information will only be used to send you this newsletter. It is stored in Mailchimp.
