We discovered the 'Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn' whilst searching the web for somewhere to stay in the Peak District. It was to be our first holiday away as a couple for 19 years! Finally leaving two teenagers behind (more than happy not to be dragged away on a walking holiday). The photograph on the website more than matched up to the real thing. Very friendly staff - efficient and obliging. There are 10 rooms of varying sizes. We had a 'standard double' - admittedly small but very clean and with an ensuite shower room.
Breakfast each morning was from 8.30 - 9.30. As keen walkers, we would have preferred breakfast a little earlier. However, breakfast was excellent - the 'full English' for hearty appetites or any combination of lighter meals if required. The staff were more than happy to accommodate you. It must be said though that the price for breakfast (included in stay) was not reduced depending on how little you chose to eat in the morning.
Our first meal (on a Saturday night) was excellent. There is a large menu (maybe a little too large) with a variety of foods for all tastes. Our Sunday roast (eaten in the evening) was slightly disappointing - overcooked. The food is not inexpensive (certainly not 'pub grub' prices) with the average meal being around £9.00 and desserts at an eye watering £4.95. Needless to say we only ate dessert once! We had decided to eat our final meal (we stayed for 3 nights) in the pub again as we had been out all day and didn't want to travel far. Unfortunately we were to regret this as it was a very disappointing meal. Considering it was a Monday night and the pub was extremely quiet, we waited a long time to be served (first time this had happened) and when it arrived it was overcooked and served with poor quality vegetables. The price for the pie, chips and veg we had was £9.95. It really wasn't worth that.
To sum up, I would DEFINITELY recommend a stay in this comfortable, friendly and atmospheric Inn. I would certainly eat in the restaurant but not every night. It's perfect for couples, or groups of adults, especially walkers. Not great for children but those that were there were welcomed. Would I go there again - definitely. They just need to cut down on the vast menu and produce a few dinners that cost a bit less. If we had had our two teenagers with us, we probably wouldn't have eaten there more than once. There are lots of other pubs in Castleton, plus a fish and chip shop which closes very early in the evening.