Hobbs Cafe | Cafe at Monsal Head with stunning views

Unique Cafe & Luxury Ice-cream Experience at Monsal Head

Hobbs Café at Monsal Head on the Monsal Trail has been lovingly refurbished under new family ownership, bringing a wave of fresh energy and exciting developments! You can enjoy high quality savoury bakes, homemade treats, barista coffees and refreshing teas from their wonderful menu offering a mix of favourite dishes and temping twists. As always, your four-legged friends are more than welcome too! The charming café can’t wait for you to experience their new “Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium” – a magical haven dedicated to indulging your sweet tooth with irresistible artisan ice cream and many more delightful treats. The kids are going to love it as a reward for their efforts on the Monsal Trail! Additionally, a stunning Airbnb apartment is on the horizon, offering 4-6 guests a very unique and luxurious staycation amidst this unbeatable scenery – so be sure to watch this space!

Hobbs Café is one of the Peak District’s finest gems with unbeatable views from its elevated setting at the very popular Monsal Head and is the most wonderful place to embrace the Peak District’s captivating beauty! Arrive early to witness enchanting sunrises with mists hanging over the River Wye, enjoy ever changing panoramic views as the clouds roll throughout the day, and stay to watch the most impressive sunsets over the iconic Headstone Viaduct.

With these exciting additions, Hobbs Café promises a fabulous experience for visitors seeking delicious food, captivating views, and a touch of magic!

Charming Cafe with Eccentric Vibe

Step inside Hobbs Cafe to enjoy a rich tapestry of colour with vintage furniture and global features, creating a mix of unique charm and eccentricity! A welcoming open fire adds warmth, while many personal touches gathered from around the world add intriguing detail and vibrant pops of colour. Cosy nooks and window seats provide the perfect spots to enjoy a bite to eat in front of those stunning views, whilst the larger open space enables groups of up to 34 to meet or gather for a pit stop, perfect for walking clubs and cycling groups. (Booking essential for larger groups.)

On sunnier days, there is no nicer place to be as you unwind on Hobbs Cafe’s outdoor terrace, where these breathtaking Peak District views become the backdrop for your meal. Bask in the warmth of the sun watching the world go by in this popular Peak District destination. Or why not collect takeaway goodies to enjoy on the banks of the River Wye in the picturesque Monsal Dale? (Please keep this place beautiful for the future and take all your litter away with you.)

Family-run and family-friendly! The owners welcome families and of course their four-legged friends both inside and out, so be sure to call in whatever the weather and see the café that everyone is talking about!

Menu for all Appetites

Hobbs Café caters to every appetite, making it ideal for families and walkers alike.

Call in for a barista-crafted coffee, a specialty tea or a refreshing soft drink, coupled with a bite to eat. Enjoy light meals such as freshly made sandwiches, homemade quiches and moreish toasties all served with a salad garnish, or warm yourselves with a steaming bowl of homemade soup in front of the fire. For those after something a little more substantial to refuel, tuck into hearty favourites like jacket potatoes, warming chilli, or comforting lasagne.

For those on the go, Hobbs Café doesn’t disappoint with a mix of savoury and sweet treats. Take away a sausage roll or traditional Cornish pasty, and maybe a slice of homemade cake or a tempting tray bake, all baked in-house or sourced from local artisans. Whether you crave a classic Bakewell tart, an indulgent banoffee cookie, or a trendy Kronut (a croissant doughnut combo), there’s a sweet treat waiting for you! With a selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available, there is always something for everyone to enjoy.

Is there any better setting to enjoy an afternoon tea on a summer’s day? Of course, at Hobbs Café they add a little twist, so be sure to ask about their “brunch teas” too, including sausage sandwiches and of course delicious cake!

View the full menu here

Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium

Step into a magical world of pure indulgence and delight at Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium where you can spoil yourselves with a sweet treat experience like no other!

Enjoy famous Snugbury’s Ice-cream in classic flavours like raspberry pavlova and choc-chip, or lose yourself in the richness of cookie dough, or coconut for a taste of paradise. However, that’s where the magic only just starts! You can of course simply enjoy these delicious ice creams in a cone or tub, but at Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium you can take things to a whole new level with freshly baked cookies topped with a generous scoop of your chosen ice-cream, before personalising your creation with a selection of toppings and maybe a drizzle from the mouthwatering chocolate fountain!

For those with a sweet tooth beyond ice cream, Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium offers a treasure trove of treats. Fill a bag with a “wizardry pick and mix,” go for a classic American-style selection, or indulge in a nostalgic array of old-fashioned sweets. There’s definitely something for everyone!

The enchanting experience extends beyond the sweet treats. Dark ceilings twinkle with star lights, casting a magical light on the large rustic stone fireplace that takes centre stage, with quirky décor, reminding you of the connection with neighbouring Hobbs Cafe. On sunny days, enjoy those unbeatable views from the benches outside, taking in all that this fabulous area of the Peak District National Park has to offer.

Children and adults alike will love Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium, creating memories as sweet as the treats themselves!

New AirBnB Coming Soon!

Coming soon to Hobbs Café, is a unique holiday let offering an unforgettable Peak District escape in this stunning location, with more characterful features! This unique two-bedroom holiday let will comfortably accommodate four guests with a king-sized room and a twin room, with pull-out day beds to create space for up to six.

Upstairs, the living space will make the most of those breathtaking views, while the downstairs will feature a well-equipped kitchen and dining area. There will also be a luxurious bathroom with a large bath and shower, ideal for a relaxing soak after a day exploring the beautiful stunning area of the Peak District.

While you might share the panorama with visitors to Hobbs Café during the day, early mornings and evenings will transform into a private oasis where you can witness the magic of sunrises and sunsets in complete tranquillity.

Please note, well-behaved dogs will be welcome, but due to the layout, dogs will be requested to stay downstairs only.

Good To Know

Open daily – Summer Hours 10.30am to 4.30pm but be sure to keep an eye on Hobbs Cafe’s Website for any seasonal changes.
There is a pay and display car park behind Hobbs Café and another one in front, which also has public benches where you can sit and admire these stunning views, which can also be enjoyed in Hobbs Café’s own outdoor seating.
Very dog friendly.
The Monsal Trail is accessible for all, including wheelchair users. Hobbs Cafe has a small step to overcome but has welcomed wheelchair users on many occasion and of course their helpful staff will be there to lend a hand.

One of the Most Photographed Viewpoints In England

Hobbs Café boasts one of the most photographed viewpoints in England! Gaze out over the picture-perfect Monsal Dale, a tranquil valley surrounded by lush rolling hills. The iconic Headstone Viaduct, a magnificent five-arched railway bridge, adds a touch of heritage to this beautiful vista.

Situated just outside the charming village of Ashford-in-the-Water, Hobbs Café is surrounded by miles of open countryside. The walking opportunities are endless and with the the Monsal Trail on your doorstep, it’s perfect for cyclists and little ones in pushchairs too.

The Monsal Trail is an 8.5 mile traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. This picturesque trail winds through some of the Peak District’s most stunning limestone dales, following the route of the former Midland Railway line between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road near Bakewell.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely afternoon taking in the scenery or a pitstop after exploring the surrounding trails, Hobbs Café and Monsal’s Enchanting Emporium provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable Peak District experience.