Stoney Middleton’s beloved café, restaurant, and visitor centre, The Cupola, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. Owned by local historian and entrepreneur Colin Hall, The Cupola has quickly become a cornerstone of this hidden gem of a village, offering delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a deep connection to the area’s rich industrial past.
A Year of Heritage, Hospitality, and Flame-Cooked Food
Since opening its doors in February 2024, The Cupola has attracted locals and tourists alike, serving up hearty meals inspired by the village’s industrial history. Situated on the site of the former Lords Cupola smelting mill, which was pivotal to lead production in the 18th century, the restaurant draws on its heritage with a menu that fuses contemporary dining with traditional flame-cooked techniques.
“We wanted to create a place where people could enjoy great food, learn about the area’s fascinating past, and feel at home,” said Colin Hall, who opened The Cupola with his wife, Alison. “Over the past year, we’ve been thrilled by the support of the community and visitors who have embraced our unique blend of history and hospitality.”
Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizzas and Local Delights
One of the restaurant’s standout offerings is its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with the finest ingredients and made to order. The pizzas are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, giving them an irresistible smoky flavour and crisp texture. With a variety of toppings to choose from, including fresh Fior di latte mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and various quality cured meats, these pizzas have quickly become a favourite among regulars and new visitors alike.
The Cupola’s menu also features flame-grilled dishes and seasonal specials. Open from 9am daily, The Cupola serves an iconic griddled breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner.
Exploring Stoney Middleton’s New Heritage Trails
In addition to the restaurant, The Cupola serves as a hub for exploring Stoney Middleton’s rich history. Colin has recently introduced new heritage trails that offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover the village’s fascinating past. With points of interest linked to love, loss, and resilience, the trails guide visitors through key landmarks, dramatic cliffs, and ancient paths that have shaped the area’s history. This includes Lover’s Leap, where in 1762, Hannah Baddeley leapt from the heights after being spurned by her lover. Miraculously, her fall was softened by her petticoats, which acted like a parachute, saving her life.
The trails include:
- The Purple Walk: A 1-hour 15-minute tour through Stoney Middleton’s key landmarks.
- The Green Walk: A 1-hour exploration that also takes in the historic highlights of Eyam.
- The Combined Walk: A 2-hour, 15-minute adventure that blends the best of both routes.
Trail maps, priced at just £3, are available at The Cupola, with all proceeds supporting the trails, website and the village’s ‘Life in a Gorge’ exhibition, which showcases the region’s geological and industrial heritage.
A Year of Achievements
In its first year, The Cupola has earned recognition in the local community and beyond. It was recently shortlisted for Best New Tourism Business in the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards. This nomination highlights the restaurant’s role in boosting
tourism to Stoney Middleton and showcasing the village’s hidden gems. The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony on 20th March 2025.
Looking Ahead: More to Discover in Stoney Middleton
As The Cupola celebrates its one-year anniversary, plans are already underway to expand its offerings. Colin hopes to add to the visitor centre displays, to include more information, insights and interactive elements. The menu is also being continually developed. The plan is to continue offering a blend of traditional and contemporary British cuisine, while expanding The Cupola’s role as a hub for local culture and history.
Colin said, “The past year has been an incredible journey, not only in terms of the food and hospitality we’ve been able to share but also in our role as a gateway to Stoney Middleton’s rich history. It’s been amazing to see how visitors have embraced the heritage trails, and we’re excited to continue offering new ways for people to experience the village’s unique stories and landscapes. Our mission remains the same—bringing people together over great food while sharing the incredible history that makes this place so special.”
Visitors can also enjoy luxury self-catering accommodation at Rock Mill, located next door to The Cupola. These dog-friendly apartments offer the perfect escape for those wishing to stay and explore the Peak District at a relaxed pace.
For more information or to book a table at The Cupola or an apartment at Rock Mill, visit thecupola.uk.
