Wildes Inns - Chesterfield

Jennifer S.

Been today 28/6for afternoon tea , a return visit as always had fabulous food and service in previous occasions as this was my daughters birthday decided to book the savoury afternoon tea . So I booked 2 teas X 2for 1 . There were 3 of us going in total . Due to unfortunate circumstances my daughter could not attend . I tried to ring several times no answer to alter the booking before my arrival . I spoke to a member of staff who said he would see what he could do , he did nothing he finished his shift and left ( that came from the next member of staff we spoke to ) I asked if I could have a gift voucher for the tea I did not require , at this point no food had been prepared, I was just told no , but you can take it home . I just wanted to be able to treat my daughter at some other time . Especially in the circumstances I wasn’t asking for my money back . No customer service given at all . We even had to ask for drinks . Extremely disappointed by my experience today . I’ve always said to people go to wildes it’s amazing . Not any more . It was not explained to myself on booking that it was non transferable or refundable,otherwise I wouldn’t have asked .At no point did I ask for a refund , I asked if it was possible to have a voucher .As for taking it away boxed up . I had paid £76 for 2 of us to have afternoon tea , of course I was going to take it away .

Branden

Booked our wedding for next year, so we have been going every so often to look around and try the food. We first went for a Sunday dinner in January, and it was amazing. Everyone enjoyed their food, and we had cornflake tarts and sticky toffee pudding, which were really nice. At the time, we weren't particularly impressed with the drinks service as it was just one man on the bar servicing the restaurant and a little chill out area. However, this had improved drastically when we visited last week, I had seen a reply to a review saying they were looking to improve that aspect. Drinks for 5 people only took a few minutes. The afternoon tea was excellent value for money, and the scones were some of the best I've eaten. We will be back again soon to try the savoury version. Also, the fish and chips as they looked and smelt incredible. Fingers crossed, we get this standard of food on our wedding day 🤞

Lisa L.

Visited Wildes with three friends on Friday 16th May and had a fantastic experience. The venue itself has been designed to a very high standard – stylish, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed evening out.

The food was excellent across the board – beautifully presented, full of flavour, and clearly made with quality ingredients. It definitely felt like high-value dining, ideal for special occasions or a treat.

Service was also great – friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the night.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend Wildes to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.

Chris G.

We had a lovely afternoon tea on the special offer in April. We hadn't been to the hotel before but it is lovely, nice outside space comfortable chairs for eating and restful decoration in the restaurant. Tables were well spaced and the service was excellent. Afternoon tea was a delight, very light and airy, warm scones and interesting small cakes all freshly made. We didn't stay as we live fairly locally but I am sure the rooms match the rest of the hotel.

Sean B.

**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Birthday Celebration at The Van Dyke Hotel!**

From the moment we stepped into **The Van Dyke Hotel**, we knew we were in for something truly special. Celebrating both of my daughters’ birthdays here was an absolute delight, and every single detail exceeded our expectations.

The standout feature? The **electronic waiter—a charming robotic cat** that not only delivered our food with precision but also added a fun, futuristic touch to the whole experience. Watching it glide to our table with our meals was such a hit with the kids (and let’s be honest, with us adults too!).

The **service was impeccable**—every staff member was warm, professional, and went above and beyond to make our celebration memorable. They made sure everything was perfect, and their attention to detail truly shone.

Now, let’s talk about the **food**—because wow, it was incredible! My daughters both had the **swordfish**, which was cooked to perfection, while I indulged in the most **succulent rack of ribs** I’ve ever tasted. My partner’s **chicken dish** was equally delicious, seasoned beautifully and full of flavor.

But the real showstopper? **Dessert!** Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, the robotic cat returned, **singing "Happy Birthday"** as it delivered our sweets. The girls were absolutely thrilled—it was pure magic!

If you’re looking for **exceptional food, innovative service, and an unforgettable dining experience**, The Van Dyke Hotel is the place to be. We left with full hearts (and full stomachs!), already planning our next visit. **Thank you for making our double birthday celebration so extraordinary!**

Katie M.

Ever since I first drove past Wildes and saw pictures of the Sherwood suite online I knew that was the place I wanted to get married.
When I finally had a ring on my finger, I booked an appointment with the wedding team.
On looking round the inside of the hotel, myself, my now husband and mother in law fell in love with the ballroom as it’s so light and airy and the garden is to die for.
So… we booked our special day with just nine months to plan it due to limited dates being available for 2025 despite it only being July 2024 when we booked.
Everything in the hotel ouse’s elegance from the floral wall in reception, the luxurious smell, the decor in the restaurant and the rooms are simply stunning with free standing baths and balconies. The pink tiles are every girls dream bathroom!
Myself and the bridal party stayed the night before the wedding where we enjoyed lovely meals and drinks in the outdoor area.
We had adjoining rooms so we could all stay together and get ready together the following morning which was great.
They also accommodated my canine bridesmaid which was the icing on the cake being able to have her there with us for the whole weekend.
The weather was amazing for April so we got married outside which was fabulous and we enjoyed our drinks reception outside too.
Being outside also lead to some magical photo opportunities.
The whole day ran perfectly from beginning to end thanks to Paige our wedding coordinator.
Everyone commented on how relaxed the day was which is credit to Paige as she handled everything on the day so I could just be in the moment.
She absolutely nailed it and we cannot thank her enough.
The whole wedding team was very responsive when I had queries and the regular meetings ensured we were on track with planning which was an absolute breeze from beginning to end.
The food on the day was second to none. All the guests enjoyed their main meals and the evening buffet.
Designs by Daykin did a fantastic job of the room decor which turned out exactly as I had imagined it.
Genuinely I couldn’t have asked for a better day, I was on cloud nine the whole day. So much so I’m ready to do it all again tomorrow ha ha.
Every woman dreams of feeling like a princess on her wedding day and Wildes definitely made it happen.
From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank you all enough.
To anyone considering booking a wedding at Wildes, do it! You won’t regret it.

Samantha C.

We got married at Wildes on 15/03/25 and had the best day possible! My bridal party stayed the night before and the rooms were amazing! The hotel is just stunning. Every single staff member was friendly and approachable . Our day was a dream - everything we wanted. The wedding suite and breakfast was amazing.
Jack was our wedding coordinator and was super attentive and a smile never left his face - you really made this for us Jack and we are grateful for you going the extra mile (the graham masks may haunt me forever!) Andrea deserves a mention too - wonderful lady. Your staff are an absolute credit to your hotel.
We intend to be back regularly for food, drinks and the odd overnight stay. Wildes will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Xxx

Andrew P.

My wife and I attended a wedding here. Everything was beautifully decorated and the room was clean and and warm on arrival. The hotel is separated into a new bit and old bit to allow 2 functions to take place simultaneously.
The food and service for the wedding breakfast was amazing and the walled garden where the ceremony took place was wonderful.
The hotel is very close to a very busy road and our room faced the road, I couldn't have the window open as the traffic noise was constant day and night. Bar service was painfully slow in the main bar for drinks before the ceremony but good in the function suite. Room prices were fair but food and drink were extremely expensive. £20 for fish and chips £34 for an 8oz sirloin and £19 for a burger ( when you consider a burger is £26 and fish and chips is £24 at Gleneagles, considered one of the best hotels in the world.) All of the premium gins were £8 for a single (That's £280 profit a bottle) or £12 for a double (£200 profit a bottle) and £12 for 250ml of wine. Overall a good experience but will avoid this hotel when visiting family locally just because of the food and drink prices. Beautiful hotel, fair room prices, great facilities, ideal central location with good road links, very attentive staff during the ceremony and wedding breakfast but the food and drink prices left a bitter taste I'm afraid.