Cute and quirky cafe at the bottom of Cromford hill, popular with cyclists and serving all the usual favorites. Offers great value and a great stop to refuel before taking on that next climb "Some might say" it's just round the corner from Cromford train station too, so a real Oasis.
Overview
When it comes to cozy cafés in Matlock, The Tor Cafe stands out as a local favorite. Located on Derby Rd, just a stone's throw from the heart of this charming town, the café provides a warm, inviting atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the friendly staff ensures that you feel right at home.
The café is known for its relaxed ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a morning coffee, a mid-day lunch, or even an afternoon tea. The menu at The Tor Cafe offers a delightful variety of options that cater to all tastes. From hearty breakfasts to light lunches, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional English breakfast or a freshly prepared sandwich, you can count on the café to deliver.
One standout item on the menu is their range of homemade cakes and pastries. Locals often rave about the rich, indulgent chocolate cake, while others prefer the zesty lemon drizzle cake, which is a refreshing choice for those who enjoy a bit of citrus in their desserts. Pair any of these with a cup of their expertly brewed coffee or tea, and you've got a match made in heaven.
If you're looking for something more substantial, the café also offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. The tuna melt is a crowd-pleaser, with its generous filling of tender tuna and melted cheese, all served on perfectly toasted bread. For those seeking a lighter option, the café's fresh salads, bursting with flavor, are a great choice.
The Tor Cafe also prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every dish is as fresh and flavorful as possible. This dedication to quality is evident in every bite, whether you're enjoying a quick snack or sitting down for a leisurely lunch.
Beyond the food, what truly sets The Tor Cafe apart is its exceptional service. The staff is attentive, ensuring that every customer feels welcomed and well-cared for. It’s not uncommon to see regular customers chatting with the baristas, creating a sense of community that makes The Tor Cafe more than just a place to eat-it’s a gathering spot.
The café’s location on Derby Rd means it's easily accessible for anyone visiting the area, whether you're exploring the nearby sights or simply passing through. It’s a perfect stop for those looking for a relaxing break in a warm, friendly environment. The décor adds to the charm, with soft lighting and cozy seating arrangements that invite guests to linger longer than they may have planned.
Reviews from customers frequently highlight both the delicious food and the welcoming atmosphere. Many praise the café’s quaint, cozy interior, which makes it an ideal spot for reading, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a moment of peace. There’s a reason The Tor Cafe has become a beloved part of the Matlock community, and it’s no surprise that it continues to receive glowing reviews from visitors and locals alike.
For anyone planning a visit to Matlock, stopping by The Tor Cafe should definitely be on your list. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a cake lover, or someone simply looking for a welcoming place to relax, this café offers everything you need for a delightful experience.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ HistoricCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 328 reviews
Massive vegan breakfast at a great price! Tiny, cute place so were lucky to get a table. Bit disappointing to have tinned tomatoes but a great place nonetheless.
Such a cosy family, walker & dog friendly tearoom. There are so many vegan options, which are very well priced. A very friendly atmosphere with games available. Always make a visit when in the area!
I loved this place! Loads of vegan options, delicious, unpretentious, well-made classic "caff" food, incredibly good value (I had a HUGE vegan breakfast for £8.50) and really friendly staff. One thing it isn't is remotely fancy: the toilet layout is... idiosyncratic (functional, but unusual: you have to walk out of the main cafe to a funny little outhouse round the back), and the cafe is quite small and a bit dark (understandable, as it's an old building set into a hillside). It's also quite small, so possibly not great for larger groups? It might not be for everyone, but I found it quirky, homely, and a fab place to eat!
Deceptively small on the outside and easy to miss as it is well tucked away at a junction but once you enter the cafe ; it is a warm cosy space with a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu that is served by enthusiastic staff. A regular jaunt for cyclists, it can be very busy during most times ( including winter). The prices are reasonable and the quality of food is very good. Flexibility in options is commendable. The table next to the counter is best avoided as it gets noisy with customers chatting away over your head and collecting orders. Will definitely be back . 30m parking on Mill Road . Free WiFi is a bonus as mobile reception is poor.
Very quirky but nothing fancy, just honest food at very reasonable prices. Highly recommended
American tourist visiting Cromford Mill, Cromford Canal, and High Peak Junction. I visited Cromford on May 10 2025. The weather was great. It was sunny, warm, but not hot. By the end of my visit I was hungry so I stopped at Tor Cafe for something to eat. Tor Cafe is located on the corner of Derby Rd and Mill Rd. Tor Cafe is not a fancy place. But the place is run by locals. The food is good and reasonably priced. The staff is helpful and friendly. I got a little breakfast sandwich (ham, sausage, and egg), a cup of tea, and a shot of espresso. Tor Cafe has seating upstairs, outdoor dining, with tall trees providing shade on a warm day. It is a hole-in-the-wall. But it is a great little-hole-in-the-wall.