The Coopers Arms in Weston-on-Trent has been named as the best place for a Sunday roast in Derbyshire – serving a carvery 364 days a year in a 17th-century mansion
A traditional pub restaurant nestled within a village hall has been crowned the best place for a Sunday roast in Derbyshire. The Coopers Arms in Weston-on-Trent emerged victorious after more than 1,000 people cast their votes earlier this month.
With 379 votes, which is over a third of the total, it’s clear that The Coopers Arms has built a strong rapport with locals and those residing south of Derby since its transformation from a mansion to a pub in 1991. The Tiger Inn in Turnditch secured second place with 190 votes, while Nourish at No. 44 clinched the third spot with 168 votes. This Belper eatery had previously won the title of the best full English in Derbyshire back in April.
What sets Coopers apart is its commitment to serving carvery roasts 364 days a year, only taking a break on Christmas to serve a festive menu. It takes pride in preparing everything fresh and to a high standard, a trait not commonly found in certain big-brand carvery joints.
I recall my first visit to Coopers as a child. The concept of enjoying a carvery outside the unnamed big-brand restaurant was novel to me – but the food and the unique setting of the 17th-century mansion were truly remarkable, reports Derbyshire Live.
James Cooper, the proud owner of The Coopers Arms, is over the moon after being hailed as ‘the best’ by Derbyshire’s diners. Having helmed the pub for 16 years, the 39 year old expressed his delight: “It’s great recognition for myself, but none of this would be possible without our staff.”
He continued to heap praise on his team, saying: “We have a brilliant team, and they should get all the credit. We do roasts every day of the year except Christmas Day and our staff members are vital to our success. They work incredibly hard as a team, from the front-of-house staff and those in the kitchen to our cleaners, who work hard throughout the year. This award is for them.”
Cooper also boasted about the pub’s stunning location and offerings: “Not only do we do great food and have a brilliant team behind the scenes, but we also have a brilliant location both inside and out. Weston Hall, which houses The Coopers Arms, was converted by my parents 33 years ago when they turned it into a pub. Since then, we have built a strong reputation, and we like to think our regulars enjoy the atmosphere and the food offerings.”
He added: “We also have a fishing lake to the rear, I think you’ll struggle to find another pub around Derby with a backdrop like ours. In the winter, it’s really cosy and is a great place to stay warm and have some food, and in the summer months, it’s perfect for relaxing outside and enjoying the view.
“Once again, I’d like to thank our staff and customers; without them, none of this would be possible.”
Diners at Coopers can dig into the autumn carvery menu, which boasts a hearty selection including beef rump, pork loin, a combo of beef and pork, succulent chicken breast, nut loaf, honey-glazed ham (Sundays only), and the Sunday evening treat of braised lamb shank. Each carvery comes with a choice of roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, apple sauce, carrots, cheesy leeks, creamed potato, along with numerous other trimmings – it’s impossible not to overload your plate with all the delicious veggies on offer!
If your appetite calls for something different, Coopers has got you covered with an extensive menu offering English favourites alongside creatively curated dishes.
For those enticed by ‘Derbyshire’s best Sunday roast’, you’re in luck. You can check out the full spread on the autumn Sunday carvery menu here, as well as the broader kitchen offerings here, which still include carvery options.
The Coopers Arms is nestled off Weston Road and is open Monday to Friday from 12pm till 2:30pm and 6pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 12pm till 4pm and then 6pm to 9pm, and Sundays when they welcome patrons from 12pm right up to 8:30pm.
