About Us
Welcome...
In the heart of Matlock Bath and set close to the River Derwent in a stunning gorge stands The Fishpond, a much loved free house both locally and further afield. A warm welcome guaranteed, we think we have something for everyone!
A fantastic reputation for our home cooked food, a huge selection of drinks, a magnificent terraced beer garden, 2 large function rooms, live music and a civil license for wedding ceremonies. The Fishpond is a great place to meet family, friends (new and old) and we hope to see you very soon.
Our History
We believe the pub was built in the mid 18th century and our ballroom was originally a coachman’s block for the Old Bath Hotel, later renamed New Bath Hotel. The room we commonly call the Map Room (the one with the stags head on the wall) was apparently known as the Old Bath Tap.
Running behind the pub is a thermal spring, providing thermal water at a constant temperature of 20 degrees C. It was once claimed that the water was good for your insides if you drank it and good for your skin if you bathed in it. Nowadays we recommend ordering a pint from the bar and leaving any bathing to our Koi Carp!
Our claim to fame is that Matlock Bath was written about in Mary Shelley’s book “Frankenstein”. I am told, by a mutual friend of Mary’s, that she decided to name the book Frankenstein whilst having a pint out the back near the pond. Amazing!
We have had our fair share of visits by the rich and famous too! It is claimed that Princess Victoria, Lord Byron, Sir John Betjeman and Josia Wedgewood all visited Matlock Bath to enjoy its promenade and beautiful scenery. It’s suggested that they may even have been regulars at The Fishpond and who could blame them! A relaxing drink beside a roaring fire, nibbles at the ready, we can’t think of anything better!
Food and Entertainment
Guests of our establishment are not only offered a dynamic place to gather and mingle, but also a place to participate in the entertainment through interactive events, celebrations, and live music. Our Artisan bakery provides our menus with the finest breads, pastries and pizza – all served in our casual dining ambiance. The philosophy of food at the Fishpond is to ethically source seasonal fresh produce to deliver an unrivalled taste experience.
Beer Garden
If you fancy some fresh air then we have just the answer! We have plenty of seating at the front of the pub where you can simply pass away the day enjoying the hustle and bustle of a busy Matlock Bath. If you are looking for something a little quieter, feel free to wander around the back of the pub where you will find a Koi pond, natural spring waterfall and a multi-tiered beer garden offering unrivalled views of Matlock Bath. At the back of the pub you will also find an outside bar. All in all, a perfect spot for dining or just a drink, whatever the weather! Stay around for a while, with live music and beer festivals on the terrace you may never want to leave!
Gallery
Weddings
If you’re looking for an unconventional location that has bags of character, is conveniently located just 20 mins from the M1, has lots for your guests to see and do, is picturesque and bustling then Matlock Bath is for you.