Country Images dines at a hidden gem in Little Eaton
Sunshine on a Plate at The Little Kitchen
On a grey October afternoon in the picturesque Derbyshire village of Little Eaton, we stumbled upon a true ray of sunshine — The Little Kitchen, a welcoming café with heart, soul, and seriously good food.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a warm smile from Emily, who showed us to our table and handed over the menu — a surprisingly extensive offering for such a cosy spot. From hearty breakfasts and vibrant lunches to indulgent homemade cakes, traybakes, and an impressive children’s menu, there was something for everyone.
My companion chose the Eggs Benedict, served atop thick-cut, toasted granary bread. The plate arrived generously stacked with crisp bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and a rich, velvety hollandaise sauce — a well-executed classic that didn’t disappoint.
I opted for the aptly named “Posh Toast” — toasted granary bread layered with smooth cream cheese, topped with silky smoked salmon and fresh avocado. Beautifully balanced and presented with care, it was my first time trying this dish — and certainly not my last.
Both plates were served warm, straight from the open kitchen, which added to the sense of freshness and attention to detail that The Little Kitchen clearly takes pride in.
Naturally, we couldn’t resist dessert. The impressive display of homemade cakes and traybakes — all baked in-house daily by Donna and Sarah — made it nearly impossible to choose.
My companion selected the Strawberry & Apple Bakewell Tart, served with custard. With a delicate crumb and a generous topping of sweet fruit and almonds, it was a perfect end to the meal. I went for the fruit scone, complete with clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam — and dare I say, it might be the best scone I’ve ever tasted, even rivaling those found in Devon.
The Little Kitchen isn’t just a café — it’s a hub of the local community. Homely, dog-friendly, and full of heart, it reflects the dedication of its owners, Donna and Dave Baxter.
Back in 2014, the couple ran Baxter’s Newsagents. When the COVID pandemic hit, they responded with kindness and creativity: selling out of freshly made sandwich rolls, delivering afternoon teas to vulnerable villagers for free, and even launching homemade pizzas that quickly became local favourites.
At the urging of loyal customers, they extended the building and officially opened The Little Kitchen. Since then, it’s become a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
The personal touch is ever-present. One former staff member, Sue, still visits weekly — and if she misses a visit, Donna checks in on her personally. That kind of care is rare, and deeply felt.
Today, The Little Kitchen is known not only for its daily offerings but also for Fish Fridays, Bistro Nights, and bespoke catering services. Donna also creates grazing tables, platters, and custom birthday cakes for private and corporate events.
With a new website launching soon and exciting plans on the horizon, The Little Kitchen continues to evolve — but never loses the warmth and sincerity that made it so special to begin with.
What began as a grey October day turned into a delightful discovery. We’ll most certainly be back — in fact, our next team meeting is already being planned around a return visit.
Thank you to Donna, Dave, and all the team at The Little Kitchen — a true village treasure.
