A pie-fect weekend in the Peak District

MARTIN NAYLOR visits Tideswell, in Derbyshire, known for its 'Cathedral of the Peak' and a pub that serves sensational pies

- MARTIN NAYLOR

St John the Baptist Church is known as the Cathedral of the Peak Monk's Dale is described as 'glorious' walk

(GETTY IMAGES)

"LET me talk you through our menus," said the landlord of The Star, pointing at the chalkboards on the wall.

"That's the main menu and that's the pie menu."

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was my introduction to the Cathedral of the Peak - Tideswell, in Derbyshire.

In truth, I had been to the village once before but it was the thick end of 20 years ago when I was sent there on a wild goose chase as a cub reporter at the Derby Telegraph.

On that occasion I can't recall if I got the story or not. But my second visit to this gem of a place certainly left me wanting to write about it.

The moniker of Cathedral of the Peak actually refers to the stunning Grade I listed St John the Baptist Church which dominates the centre of the village but it has become a name synonymous with the place itself, known by locals, I am reliably informed by a former colleague, as "Tidsa".