Stoney Middleton, a quaint village tucked away in the Peak District, has become a hotspot for film and music stars. Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise filmed adrenaline-fuelled scenes for the latest Mission Impossible blockbuster amidst the village's dramatic cliffs and quarries.
While filming, Cruise and his crew were known to pop into local eateries. Adding to Stoney Middleton's star-studded guest list, rock legend Liam Gallagher also made an appearance during his holiday.
The Oasis frontman stopped by the village's fish and chip shop, housed in a former toll house that now boasts Grade II listed status. The village, renowned for its local tale of Lovers Leap, also features an Indian restaurant with a unique twist.
The Curry Cottage offers customers the chance to dine in a cosy cave, providing a truly unique experience unless there's a sudden downpour. Nestled in the Middleton Dale Valley, Stoney Middleton is roughly 13 miles from Buxton and about an hour's drive from Derby, reports Derbyshire Live.
This unique eatery boasts a room carved straight from the stone itself, offering patrons an unparalleled atmosphere for their meal. Restaurant manager Nadeem Khan has taken the dining experience to the next level by introducing dramatic lighting above the cavern walls, transforming the space into a sought-after niche for guests.
Despite its charm, Nadeem warns that wet weather might bring an unexpected sprinkle: "Depending on where you sit and the weather you might get a little bit of spray, but it all adds to the atmosphere."
Nadeem shared with enthusiasm: "Everyone loves to come and look at the cave. There's not many restaurants that have a room like this inside."
The tale of 'The most beautiful girl in Stoney Middleton' still resonates within the community and beyond. Legend tells that village beauty Hannah Baddeley was devastated by her suitor William Barnsley's rejection in 1762.
According to local lore, a heartbroken Hannah ascended the cliffs and leapt from the precipice, only to be miraculously saved when her woollen undergarment acted as a parachute, gently guiding her down to safety. This poignant event inspired the naming of both the nearby crags and the adjacent eatery, now called Curry Cottage.
The quaint Derbyshire village enjoyed an unexpected slice of stardom when none other than Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise arrived in Stoney Middleton during 2021 to film. Stunningly transformed, Dalton Quarry became a makeshift movie set, depicting a precarious train carriage suspended on the cusp of a cliff face.
Tom Cruise certainly made an impression with more than his star quality, as he was seen taking control of a helicopter for a high-octane segment. Nadeem from Curry Cottage revealed Tom treated the film squad to rounds of curry and it's rumoured he might've had a cheeky bite at the local fish and chip shop too.
Encountering a Grade II-listed fish and chip shop is not something you see every day, right?
Look no further than Stoney Middleton where you'll find a rare gem, a Grade II listed chippy called Toll Bar Fish and Chips. Nestled on the main road through the village, this spot has been dishing out Britain's beloved fish and chips since 1926.
Housed in what was the old Toll House dating back to the 19th century, where tolls were taken from weary travellers, this special chippy sports an octagonal shape designed to complement the adjacent church's unique structure.
By 1926, Herbert Ford transformed this one-time toll house into the village's go-to for fish and chips. From 1940, Eleanor Hall became the face of the chippy, running it for nearly three decades before she hung up her frying basket.
Ever since it has remained faithful to its roots as a chip shop; now Dr Peter Grafton and wife Kirsten are at the helm.
The menu boasts traditional favourites like fish, chips, sausages, pudding, pies, alongside their "Yorkshire fishcakes"a hearty mix of potato and fishand a rotation of specials such as halloumi fries, black pudding, and haggis.
Tucked away beside the idyllic Grove Garden, the Toll Bar Fish and Chip shop is a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike, with its tranquil setting next to a babbling brook offering the perfect backdrop for enjoying Britain's iconic dish on a sunny bench.
Upon entering the quaint stone-fronted chippy, visitors are met with an array of accolades proudly displayed, including praise from the Telegraph "Best Eating Guide" which states: "This tiny stone cottage always has queues out of the door as it sells the best fish and chips, not cooked in dripping. The drive to get here is lovely too."
The revered local hotspot opens its doors strictly between 11.30am and 8pm from Wednesday to Saturday, ensuring a dedicated timetable for their devoted customers.
With the local pub scene having seen better days, The Moon Inn stands as the village's sole survivor. Formerly known as The Old Moon Inn and situated opposite its previous premises, the pub now welcomes guests with its contemporary take on tradition and heartwarming menu.
Positioned at the base of High Street, which climbs steeply to the crest of the village and is reputed as the most severe high street incline in the country, The Moon Inn relishes its noteworthy location.
As the street ascends, a regular brigade of ramblers can be routinely spotted attacking the slope, en route to Eyama journey that highlights the area's magnetic draw for those with a love for the great outdoors.
Known as the "Plague Village", Eyam harbours a haunting history of losing 206 residents to the bubonic plague back in 1665. Throughout the village today, plaques and a dedicated visitor centre commemorate the lives lost during that harrowing period.
For adventure-lovers, Eyam's iconic rocky cliffs are a magnet for rock climbing aficionados. This prominent geological feature stands out in the Peak District National Park, attracting climbers from near and far eager to conquer its challenging ascents.
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