This is a 2017 archive; offers, prices and booking details are historical. The former Devonshire Spa in the Dome has since closed. See current Buxton information.

The university’s 2017 Buxton campus refurbishment

In 2017, Explore Buxton reported that £1 million had been invested in the University of Derby’s Buxton campus.

The report described a new restaurant and two cafés at the Devonshire Dome, as well as a new commercial kitchen and the refurbishment of another for hospitality students.

The Balcony Café was in the campus’s former fine-dining restaurant.

Café tables on the floor of the Devonshire Dome
Dome Cafe at the Buxton Dome, photographed by Richard Richards Photography

The Dome Café had moved to the Dome floor, where it served hot food, sandwiches, salads, cakes and coffee.

A chef adding sauce to a plate in a kitchen
A chef at the Dome Restaurant and Kitchen, as pictured in the 2017 feature. Photography by Richard Richards Photography.

The fine-dining restaurant had also moved to the Dome floor. At the time, students from the University of Derby and Buxton & Leek College prepared and served food as part of their training.

The 2017 report said the work formed the first phase of a two-year project for hospitality, tourism and spa management.

Peter Dewhurst, Director of Strategic Projects at the University of Derby with responsibility for Buxton, said: “The investment in specialist facilities at our Buxton Campus will enhance the student experience and offer even better real world learning opportunities for our students.

“While working at the on-site fine dining restaurant and using the specialist kitchen facilities, our students learn how much effort and dedication they’ll need to succeed, knowing that if they do they’ll be among the most highly sought after in the industry.

“This investment reflects our ambition to continue to grow our Buxton Campus and our commitment to offer our students the very best teaching facilities.”

Tables set for a meal inside the Devonshire Dome
Tables at the Dome Restaurant, as pictured in the 2017 feature. Photography by Richard Richards Photography.

The report said the conference facilities had been expanded to create the Devonshire Suite, with rooms for groups of up to 300.

The Devonshire Dome is a Grade II* listed building. It was built as stables in 1785–90 for the fifth Duke of Devonshire; the dome was added in 1880–81. Historic England records that it was once the world’s largest unsupported dome. The former Devonshire Spa won the Luxury Emerging Spa in Northern Europe award at the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards.

For current dining information, see Harpurs Bistro at the Buxton campus.