Buxton Crescent Restaurant & Bar
The Crescent Hotel and Wellness Spa promises its guests something special: 21st century pampering in the elegant surroundings of one of England’s finest Georgian buildings.
The Crescent was the centrepiece of William Cavendish, the fifth Duke of Devonshire’s plans to establish a fashionable Georgian spa town in Buxton. He transformed his vision into reality with the creation of Buxton Crescent, a grand retreat for aristocracy and gentry. It was designed and constructed under the guidance of renowned architect of the period, John Carr, at a cost of £39,000 which is the equivalent of £9m today. The Grade I-listed building is one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the country.
The redevelopment and restoration of the magnificent building was completed during the summer of 2020 and opened, under Covid-19 restrictions, on 1st October 2020. Read all about its renovation here.
1789
“Classic British cuisine with an international flair” and a focus on local, seasonal produce is served at the hotel restaurant ‘1789’. It is open for hotel residents and visitors from 6pm each evening.
The name ‘1789’ references the date the building was completed and, over two centuries later, we honour that legacy at 1789, where history meets exceptional dining.
Our carefully curated menu celebrates the finest local ingredients, expertly crafted into dishes that reflect both tradition and innovation. Just as the Crescent was designed to impress, so too is our dining experience—elegant, refined, and truly unforgettable.
Afternoon tea (served 1pm-5pm), Sunday lunch (served 1pm-4pm) and pre-theatre dining (served 5pm-6pm) are available.
Darwin’s
Hotel lounge and bar, ‘Darwin’s’, at the west end of the building, is open to the public until 11pm offering local craft ales and an extensive wine and cocktail menu.
It pays homage to the renowned Darwin-Wedgwood family, whose influence shaped British history. Charles Darwin’s grandfathers, Josiah Wedgwood, the master potter, and Erasmus Darwin, a pioneering scientist, were both leading figures of the Enlightenment era. It is also believed that Charles Darwin himself visited Buxton Crescent, drawn to its healing thermal waters.
Inspired by this legacy of discovery and refinement, Darwin’s Bar blends timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication, offering a truly unique setting to relax and unwind. Adding to its distinctive charm, the beautifully commissioned wallpaper features depictions of animals that are now extinct, alongside artistic interpretations of creatures that may have once existed.
It is themed to incorporate the fashion of the Georgian period for high end gentlemen’s only clubs with the original architectural features of the building. These clubs where famous for being private venues for members from the high class, aristocracy and landed gentry and had a strict entry by secret ballot. Members of these clubs included many famous people of the day included politicians, scientists, industry leaders, socialites. Examples of the most famous clubs are Whites established in 1693 and still in existence, the London Reform Club established in 1836 and The Athenaeum Club, of which Charles Darwin was a member. This is basis for the design of Darwin’s, with the period inspired panelling, Chesterfield sofa and wingback chairs. The commissioned wallpaper is one of the main direct connections with Wedgewood/Darwin connection and pays homage and respect to Charles Darwin legacy.
Another main talking point in Darwin’s bar are the two portraits. These again have a connection with London gentlemen’s club, The Reform Club. The portrait by the fireplace is of Phileas Fogg and the one closer to the bar is of his valet, Jean Passepartout. The pair set off on their fictional adventure by Jules Verne of Around the World in 80 Days, on 2 October 1872!
The Crescent
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6BH
Website: www.ensanahotels.com/buxton/en
Email: buxtonreservations@ensanahotels.com
Phone: 01298 808999
From November 2025, this website is owned and managed by Buxton Civic Association Ltd - Charity No. 258163.
Buxton Civic Association celebrates the natural and human heritage of Buxton including its outstanding buildings and wildlife. We conserve and enhance this heritage and advocate its importance in making Buxton a special place to live or to visit.
