Sometimes, life’s unforeseen circumstances force us to change direction. Recently, we explored Ashbourne in Derby and, as usual, picked a restaurant in advance for lunch. Unfamiliar with local parking options, we struggled to find a spot near the chosen eatery. After circling the area, we finally parked on the street in pouring English winter rain. As my partner checked his phone for our proximity to the restaurant and whether we could walk without getting soaked, he noticed we had parked in front of The Little Shed. An internet search returned promising reviews, and its proximity convinced us to try it. What a fortunate coincidence.
The café’s interior was especially bright and airy, painted and upholstered in subtle pastels, with tasteful pre-Valentine’s décor adding a calm, cozy feel. A historic stone marker incorporated into the décor added a whimsical touch. The café was busy. As we walked up a gentle slope to the host stand, a friendly lady greeted us, showed us to a table, and explained the ordering process. She pointed out the specials and let us know that blueberry pancakes were unavailable because breakfast service had ended. I assumed we had chosen a typical British café teashop—the decor and pastry display supported this. But the menu surprised me, challenging expectations.
Yes, there were middle-aged and elderly couples enjoying pots of tea and specialty coffee drinks. Some had large, hot, buttered, toasted teacakes in front of them. As I settled in, I began observing my fellow patrons and the three ladies who made up the front-of-house staff. We quickly realized The Little Shed was something different. The clientele was diverse. Young people chatted among themselves and didn’t focus on their electronic devices. Mums were there with well-behaved infants and toddlers. Stylishly adorned women and business-attired gentlemen sat nearby. There were also single folks reading real hardcover books.
The lunch menu included classic UK café dishes, along with some creative options and distinct ingredient use.
We made our selections: My partner chose the Goat Cheese Salad, while I picked the Croque Madame. I placed the order at the counter, where I again observed the efficient teamwork between the front and back of house—a detail that made the environment feel unique, though I couldn’t quite identify why. When I requested water, the staff directed me to a self-service station at the host stand. There, I discovered three water options: lemon and cucumber, raspberries and blueberries, and plain—another pleasant surprise that added to the experience.
Until our meals arrive, we do what we always do: scan what others are eating and how it’s presented. Unfortunately, the nearby tables were occupied by folks who had already eaten, were visiting with each other, chilling, or waiting for food. Then it finally dawned on us that we had arrived between breakfast and lunch, so there was a lull as morning patrons left and the lunch crowd arrived.
Soon our food arrived and wow were we (to coin a very British phrase), “Gobbed Smacked” and in the best possible way. The plates put before us were stunning. The goat cheese salad was an artistic creation of color, precision, and flair. It was a visual masterpiece to look at, and a pleasant surprise was that the goat cheese was warm. My Croque Madame was elegant in an understated yet delightful way; the plate’s color palette, topped with the fried egg, evoked a summer’s day, made even more real by the garnish of vivid green pea tendrils. Soon, other diners around us began to receive their orders, and the colorful feast for the eyes began to brighten up adjoining tables.
Each meal matched its visual promise. My partner commented that the goat cheese salad was among the best he’d had anywhere recently. My Croque Madame was a generous, well-balanced classic: layers of shaved ham between delicious bread, melting gruyere, warm Mornay sauce, and a perfectly runny fried egg. As more diners received their food, we noticed their enthusiasm and delight mirrored ours, confirming the quality was consistent across the room.
When a young woman at a neighboring table ordered hot chocolate, it arrived topped with an extravagant array of toppings that I’d ever seen—even after years in America. I commented aloud, impressed by the decadent presentation. The café regularly surprised us: for example, teacakes were served with individual butter in the form of wrapped sweets, and teas arrived in elegant, modern English ceramics. These touches continually elevated our experience.
By the time we left, it was clear why The Little Shed was such a popular local establishment. We learned that it is owned and operated by the daughter of one of the waitresses; she has two locations, and her mother is obviously proud of her. Even though the staff was busy, they all took the time to check on everyone, answer our questions, and took genuine delight in sharing their story with two first-time customers. By the time we left, we also felt like valued locals and couldn’t wait to return.
We returned a few weeks later for breakfast. Again, we were greeted warmly, seated, and given the menu. The day’s specials were on the chalkboard, with quiche as the breakfast special. The breakfast choices are modest but suit every preference. They ranged from traditional English to savory, sweet, and European-influenced options, as well as the occasional North American dish. I chose a local favorite: Derbyshire Oatcake. For this dish, you select three toppings from the five options. I picked cheddar cheese, sausage, and fried egg. Several counties in Northern England make their own versions of oatcake, each fiercely claiming theirs is best. I have often had the Staffordshire ones, so I couldn’t pass up trying Derbyshire oatcake. Oatcakes look like thin pancakes or thick crepes. They are served warm as a side or filled with a combination that can include baked beans, bacon, sausage, cheese, mushrooms, and eggs. At The Little Shed, they are simply topped. Mine arrived artfully and visually appealing, as before. I won’t debate which county’s oatcake is best, but Derby’s is slightly thicker, darker, and smaller than Staffordshire’s. It was delicious.
My partner chose Eggs Benedict with a twist, served in a large, buttery croissant. This, like the previously mentioned Goat Cheese Salad, was among the best he’s had recently. The hollandaise was smooth and velvety, with just the right touch of lemon. The ham was generous, and the eggs were perfectly poached with rich, golden yolks. Last time, we shared a lemon bar. Today, we took home a Bakewell Blackcurrant tart. Once again, the pastries didn’t disappoint. As before, the ambiance was mellow. Service was efficient but unobtrusive. Most customers were recognized and warmly greeted by staff and each other.
Chefs strive to please diners’ senses, using familiar ingredients creatively. The chef at The Little Shed succeeds in also elevating classic dishes into colorful, edible art.
The Little Shed has transformed the familiar British café into something unique. As for our original intended restaurant, we now know where to park next time.
The Little Shed
1 King Edward Street
Ashbourne DE6 1BW
Overall Score 4.6
LovingTheUK.com 
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