The Orangery has a fascinating history dating back more than 250 years. Long before it became a café, it was part of a wealthy Georgian country estate belonging to the Mundy family. 

The Mundy family developed the estate into an impressive country residence, with landscaped gardens, parkland and agricultural buildings. During the 1770s, the estate underwent significant changes, during which the Orangery and stable buildings were constructed as part of wider estate improvements. The orangery was designed to house citrus trees and other exotic plants, protecting them from the cold British winters while also providing an attractive garden feature, which was a fashionable feature of wealthy country estates.

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In the early-mid 1900s, the estate gradually passed into public ownership, and Markeaton Park officially opened as a public park in 1931. Markeaton Hall was eventually demolished in the 60s, leaving the orangery as one of the most important surviving historic buildings in the park, granting it Grade II listed status.

Fuel your adventures with our freshly made food, from a thoughtfully constructed menu that offers something for everyone. Feast on a Full English Breakfast or savour a sausage sandwich in the morning. Heading into the afternoon, choose from a wide range of cooked-to-order delights where you can experience our Signature Brioche Burgers, Ultimate Toasties, Loaded Baked Potatoes and more! Why not indulge in our range of homemade cakes and bakes too?

Just popping in for a post-walk brew? Then we’ve got you. Warm up with a Barista-crafted coffee made using our unique ‘Life Café Blend’, roasted in partnership with Clifton Coffee Roasters, who pride themselves on their environmental, sustainable and ethical approach to sourcing their beans from around the world. Or if you need a thirst-quencher after a day of adventure, you can cool down with an Ice Cream Milkshake or Infused Lemonade.

Experience our ever-changing limited edition specials, which are updated throughout the year.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Our cafe, service style, ambience, and offering have been designed to be a comfortable, inviting space where friends, families and local groups can gather and relax to share meaningful moments and create long-lasting memories together while enjoying good food and great coffee.  

Our Café is open daily (Monday - Sunday). The opening hours will extend in the Spring and Summer months. Our current opening hours can be found below.