On the edge of the Peak District, and about 25 minutes by car from Sheffield, lies The Schoolrooms Cafe & Kitchen, a charming and traditional spot for breakfast or a light (or indeed, not so light) lunch.
As the name might suggest, The Schoolrooms is located in a former school, Low Bradfield School to be precise, which closed in 1985. Some of this history has been baked into the ethos of the cafe, which aims to ‘give school dinners a good name’. There’s even a dedicated section of the menu for this, which serves dishes along the lines of steak and ale pie and beer battered fish and chips, as well as the aptly named Headmaster’s Burger.
Elsewhere on the menu, there are some lighter options, such as soups and quiches of the day, a variety of bloomer sandwiches and flatbreads, and salads (choose from chicken Caesar, Greek, or falafel). There’s also an extensive breakfast and brunch menu, which includes a classic Full English (as well as hearty vegan and vegetarian alternatives), a pancake stack with a varied choice of toppings, and toast with smashed avo or creamy mushrooms. Look out for their regular themed bottomless brunches - recent themes have included 'Western' - if you're up for more of a celebratory feel.
The wheel has not been reinvented here, but that’s not really the point. As their initial focus on school dinners might suggest, The Schoolrooms is committed to serving warm, comforting, nostalgic food with ingredients sourced from local farmers, and it doesn’t hurt to be doing so in one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
Moreover, comfort food done well will surely come as welcome relief to any walkers, runners, or bikers passing through mid-adventure in the Peaks, and with an ample front garden and children’s play area, it’s also the perfect choice for a family day out.