Last weekend was the UK Small Business Awards in which we were finalist in the BEST CAFE category

It was unfortunate that we were not able to attend the award ceremony due to having a Private Chef booking.

We are so pleased to announce that we received confirmation that, not only were we finalists of TOP 50, we have been awarded THIRD PLACE 🎉🍾

This recognition means so much to us! We really couldn't be more proud of our special cafe, the amazing staff we have working with us and thankful for all the constant support we get! 🥹🥰

#finalistoplightsba2025 #sbafinalist2025 #smallbusinessawards2025 #ThirdPlaceWinners #proudofus #sothankful #derbyshire #derbyshirecafe #matlockcafe #coolplacetobe #independent #supportlocalbusiness #matlock #coolrivercafe

Last night we had a return to the lovely Riber House to cater for a families 80th Birthday celebration 🍾🎉

Riber House is a large holiday home, beautifully decorated, with fantastic views overlooking Matlock. The facilities this place has to offer, makes it the perfect place for big groups; friends and family, to get together!

For this family, they started their night with some canapés served in the living room and then they moved to the dining table to enjoy a 3 course dinner!

This included Smoked Haddock and Spring Onion Fishcakes, with a sweet chilli jam and citrus cucumber to start

Pork Tenderloin, with Dauphinois Potato, Apple Puree, Braised Red Cabbage and a Cider Sauce was the choice of main course

They finished off their meal with a Torched Lemon Meringue Tart, Raspberry Coulis and a Raspberry Tuille

Such a pleasure as always to be involved in these special celebrations and hope the family enjoy the rest of their stay

If you have a special celebration or a getogether and want to experience one of these evenings, give us a call on 01629 580467 or pop in to have a chat.

More information available at www.coolrivercafe.co.uk

#coolrivercafe #coolriverfix #chefchris #matlockcafe #derbyshirecafe #smallbusinessawards2025 #finalistoplightsba2025 #sbafinalist2025 #derbyshirelife #riberhouse #DerbyshireDales #derbyshire #derbyshirecafe #privatecheffing #80thbirthday

Our festive menu is ever popular and Chef Chris has just pulled a freshly baked batch of Cheese and Chive scones out of the oven... served warm with an Apple and Ale Chutney!

If it is a sweet treat you are after, we have our Christmas Tree Nutella Cupcakes 🎄or Rudolph Dulce de leche cupcakes 🤤🤤🤤

Not to mention our traditional Mince Pies

SO MUCH CHOICE!

#finalistoplightsba2025 #sbafinalist2025 #smallbusinessawards2025 #coolriverfix #derbyshirecafe #matlockcafe #derbyshirelife #coolrivercafe #coolriverfix #coolplacetobe #chefchris #sweettooth #cheeseandchivescones

If visiting the Victorian Christmas Market this weekend, come warm up with one of our Cool River breakfasts. AVAILABLE ALL DAY 😉

Dishes from your Full English Breakfast, Eggs Benedict or a toasted Muffin and Scrambled Eggs🤤🤤🤤

On our Specials we also have The Cool River Sausage and Egg Muffin. A herbed sausage pattie topped with melted American cheese and a fried egg. Served in a toasted muffin! 🤤

#coolrivercafe #coolriverfix #coolplacetobe #matlockcafe #breakfastofchampions #fullenglishbreakfast #independent #supportlocalbusiness #matlock #derbyshire #derbyshirecafe #comedinewithus #sbafinalist2025 #smallbusinessawards2025 #finalistoplightsba2025 #derbyshirelife

The first of many Festive Afternoon Teas leaving the Cool River kitchen today!

Mini mince pies, chocolate yule log and turkey and cranberry sandwiches to name a few delicious items made by Chef Chris!

#coolriverfix #coolplacetobe #matlockcafe #independent #supportlocalbusiness #matlock #derbyshire #sbafinalist2025 #smallbusinessawards2025 #finalistoplightsba2025 #matlockfoodie
#afternoontea #festive #minepies #yulelog

The Victorian Christmas Market in Hall Leys Park opens today for the weekend and Cool River is set ready for a busy one!

We have a festive special menu running this weekend, including Hot Turkey sandwiches with a sage and onion homemade stuffing and Bacon and Brie cobs with a red onion jam 😋

Take a look at some of the special sweet treats Chef Chris and his mini helper Elphie have been creating...

Nutella Christmas Tree cupcakes
Dulce de leche Rudolph Cupcakes

Mini Chef Elphie has also been baking up some VEGAN chocolate Biscoff sponges (under Chefs supervision of course 😉)

#finalistoplightsba2025 #sbafinalist2025 #smallbusinessawards2025 #coolrivercafe #coolriverfix #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #derbyshire #matlockcafe #derbyshirecafe #matlockcafe #coolplacetobe #independent #specialsmenu #sweettooth #vegancakes #nutella #biscoff #dulcedelechefilling #MarketWeekend #christmasmarket

We had the lovely Alice transform our windows into two great festive scenes yesterday. We LOVE them. Thank you so much Alice!❄️☃️

#coolrivercafe #coolriverfix #coolplacetobe #matlockcafe #independent #supportlocalbusiness #matlock #derbyshire #derbyshirecafe #sbafinalist2025 #smallbusinessawards2025 #finalistoplightsba2025 #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #Snowman #reindeer #windowartist

Last night saw the last Bistro evening of 2025 here at Cool River Cafe

Bistro Nights will return in 2026, with the continuation of the Bistro Club.

If you aren't part of the Bistro Club, get to it! Make it your new years resolution 😉 Email us at events@coolrivercafe.co.uk to sign up!

#finalistoplightsba2025 #smallbusinessawards2025 #matlockfoodie
#coolriverfix #MatlockEats #derbyshirecafe #matlockcafe #derbyshire #darleydales #BistroClub #bepartoftheclub #comedinewithus

Cool River's very own Chef Chris and Emily had a private chef booking last night for a special birthday (mentioning no numbers 😉)

Kicking off the evening with a selection of different canapés, quickly followed by Chef Chris serving up a 6 course dinner, including a lemon sorbet and Petit fours!

It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this special celebration 🍾🍾🍾 You made us feel very welcome and it was a joy to serve you this meal. Chef Chris thought your wine paring worked perfectly 🍷

If you have a special occasion coming up and want to experience high quality restaurant food in the comfort of your own home or holiday let, without the stress of cooking or cleaning up, check out what Cool River can offer!

Either go to https://coolrivercafe.co.uk/private-chef/

Call us on 01629 580467

Or...

Pop in and have a chat with us about your event or celebration. We'd love to go over the many options we have available!

#coolrivercafe #coolriverfix #foodandwine #matlockfoodie #MatlockEats #smallbusinessawards2025 #finalistoplightsba2025 #PrivateChefExperience #privatechef #chefchris #coolriverfix #coolplacetobe #matlock #matlockcafe #derbyshirecafe #finedining #finediningathome #birthdaymeal #Crich #darleydales #derbyshire