The Terrace at Cool River Cafe
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Cool River Café & Patisserie

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A charming riverside cafe in Matlock renowned for its exquisite homemade patisseries, delicious Full English breakfast, and welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Terrace at Cool River Cafe

Cool River Café & Patisserie

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming riverside cafe in Matlock renowned for its exquisite homemade patisseries, delicious Full English breakfast, and welcoming atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Wow!! Went for a trip to Matlock with a friend and came across this little gem."

TIP

Visit Off-Peak

Avoid crowds and get quicker seating by visiting during non-peak hours.

Check for Specials

Look out for special evening menus advertised on their website or social media.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 9:30AM

Cuisine

Cafe

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 1629 580467

Address

Olde Englishe Rd, Matlock, DE4 3SX, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Homemade Patisseries and Cakes

Homemade Patisseries and Cakes

Indulge in an array of delicious homemade cakes and pastries, with unique options like lemon meringue slice and mini Italian treats.

Signature Full English Breakfast

Signature Full English Breakfast

Start your day with a hearty Full English featuring herby sausage, bacon, egg, roast tomatoes, mushrooms, and artisan toast.

Savour incredible coffee and cakes at the award-winning Cool River Café & Pâtisserie in Matlock, Derbyshire -8+ of the Best Restaurants in Derbyshire [2025]
Riverside Ambiance

Riverside Ambiance

Enjoy a bright and airy atmosphere with a charming outdoor terrace by the River Derwent, perfect for relaxing.

Savour incredible coffee and cakes at the award-winning Cool River Café & Pâtisserie in Matlock, Derbyshire -+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is how we prepare for a bank holiday weekend at Cool River Cafe. Come get your Cool River Fix... #fyp #matlock #derbyshire #foodie #cafe #vegan #cake #food #breakfast #lunch #darleydale #augustbankholiday
@coolrivercafe
12 likes • 1.5K views

Visit Off-Peak

Avoid crowds and get quicker seating by visiting during non-peak hours.

Check for Specials

Look out for special evening menus advertised on their website or social media.

Afternoon Tea with a Special Friend. We also stopped by The Lost Cauldron before going to Cool River Cafe. We highly recommend booking in tea if travelling into Matlock. #witchesoftiktok #christmas #matlock #thelostcauldron #tea #afternoontea #foodies #foodtok #england
@eldritchlodgelive
5 likes • 816 views
Afternoon Tea at Cool River Cafe Prior booking required Dietary requirements catered for #fyp #afternoontea #cafe #sweettreats #food #darleydale #derbyshire #matlock #cake #scone
@coolrivercafe
10 likes • 467 views

Dietary Needs

The cafe is accommodating of dietary needs, including vegan options.

Explore Pastries

Don't miss their selection of mini Italian pastries and sweet treats.

We have had a lot of fun creating these spooky treats. Available now, Frankenstein Brownies, Salted Caramel Cob Web Chocolate Tarts, Gruesome Raspberry Ripple Cake and a Striped Chocolate Orange Layer Cake. with so much more including a Pumpkin Soup 🎃 Come get your Trick or Treat! #fyp #trickortreat #coolrivercafe #matlockcafe #halloweentreats🎃 #pumpkinseason #cafe #matlock #derbyshire
@coolrivercafe
8 likes • 858 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit Off-Peak

Avoid crowds and get quicker seating by visiting during non-peak hours.

Check for Specials

Look out for special evening menus advertised on their website or social media.

Dietary Needs

The cafe is accommodating of dietary needs, including vegan options.

Explore Pastries

Don't miss their selection of mini Italian pastries and sweet treats.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cool River Café & Patisserie is praised for its exceptional homemade patisseries, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service, especially noted for accommodating dietary needs. While many rave about the Full English breakfast and cakes, some find the prices a bit high and occasionally mention imbalances in dish flavors or lack of greens.

"I recently had my baby shower at the Cool River Cafe, and I can’t stop raving about the experience! The setting was absolutely charming, with lovely cozy atmosphere that made everyone feel at ease. We enjoyed afternoon tea that was perfectly curated, featuring a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and a variety of delicate pastries. The service was top-notch - attentive and friendly!
It was the perfect relaxed spot for my special occasion. I would highly recommend the Cool river café for anyone looking for a wonderful venue to host a special occasion!"

Heather Hill

"Lovely place, the waiter went above and beyond, helping us by moving tables and being kind and patient the whole time with fussy eaters ordering specific orders, so thank you to him. Great quality tasty food, drinks and pastries too. Brilliant people."

T

"Great tasting flat white and even better bacon sandwich, definitely recommend this. I appreciate that the sauce is provided separately in a small bowl!

More on the expensive side price-wise but high quality ingredients, friendly staff and nice location, so can't complain."

Kelly

What People Like

Homemade cakes and patisseries
Friendly and attentive service
Hearty Full English breakfast

What People Dislike

Can be pricey
Occasional flavor imbalances
Limited salad with some dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Many visitors highly recommend the homemade patisseries, cakes, and the signature Full English breakfast.

Savour incredible coffee and cakes at the award-winning Cool River Café & Pâtisserie in Matlock, Derbyshire -Google Review

Yes, the cafe is known for catering to dietary needs, including providing vegan options.

TikTok+1

Yes, afternoon tea is available, but prior booking is required. Dietary requirements can be accommodated.

TikTok+1

To avoid crowds and ensure quicker seating, it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours.

The cafe occasionally offers special evening menus, which are usually advertised on their website or social media.

All the Best Places to Eat and Drink in Matlock, Derbyshire

Yes, the cafe offers full table service.

Mentioned in

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Savour incredible coffee and cakes at the award-winning Cool River Café & Pâtisserie in Matlock, Derbyshire -

From the moment you step through the doors to the Cool River Café & Pâtisserie, you’ll immediately be charmed by the venue’s light and airy interior and tempted by the heavenly sights and smells of the many homemade cakes and patisserie on offer. Situated close to the banks of the River Derwent in Matlock and surrounded by impressive views, there’s no finer way to begin a beautiful summer’s morning. Sit within the walls of this café and restaurant or soak up the sun on the outdoor terrace while you sip a Flat White and dig into delights such as their signature Full English with herby sausage, bacon, egg, roast vine tomatoes, potatoes, Portobello mushrooms, black pudding, white pudding, and artisan toast.

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Five-star hotel The Lowry underwent a swanky new makeover in late 2019, including a new look for the two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar. Their luxurious dining & drinking terrace is the perfect place to relax out of reach of the bustle of the city centre. With a sunny view of the River Irwell and hospitality to beat, this is a luxury to be experienced in Manchester.

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8+ of the Best Restaurants in Derbyshire [2025]

With local fresh ingredients, the full English breakfast at the Cool River Cafe in Matlock makes for a great start to the day, especially if you’ve got a day full of walking or exploring Derbyshire ahead of you. Situated on Matlock’s Dale Road, it’s surrounded by quirky vintage shops and just next to the park so it’s also a good stop off for lunch.

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Situated close to the banks of the river Derwent in Matlock, this delightful spot is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. For anyone visiting, it won’t be hard to see why this venue was named East Midlands’ Café/Bistro of the Year in the Food Awards England and was shortlisted for the 2018 awards.

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My favourite spot for brunch, Cool River Cafe does a great selection of brunch treats, alongside some tasty baked goods. They do some lovely looking pastries, like their daily quiche too. They occasionally have special evening menus, so keep an eye on their website or social media.

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Cool River Cafe, Olde Englishe Road, Matlock, DE4 3SX. Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 364 Google Reviews). "Lovely brunch of eggs Benedict and a stack of pancakes for my wife. Service was quick and friendly." Photo: -

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A hidden gem in the southern Peak District, an independent café & patisserie serving up exceptional homemade patisseries and cakes, with great coffee too.

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TOP 10 BEST Restaurants in United Kingdom - Updated October 2024

we visited again after two years, I ordered cool river full english, the black and white puddings were a bit in too small portion that's why I marked...

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