Grindleford Cafe Owner Passes Away

© UKC News
Phil Eastwood, the eccentric owner of the famous Grindleford Cafe in the Peak, has died after a heart attack he sustained while dancing at a party.

The cafe is well known amongst climbers as a popular pre and post climbing venue and many will have enjoyed his excellent breakfasts over the years while being entertained by the 'interesting' signs that adorned the walls of the cafe.

Phil had run the cafe for over 30 years and during that time he never really adopted the modern 'service' mentality. His notices around the cafe let people know exactly what he thought about noisy children and dogs, dumped plates and people who used the toilets without buying any food. He was out spoken against vegetarians and mushrooms, and even took his forthright views into the political arena when he formed the UK Rural Independent Party in 2001.

Despite this slightly grumpy and no-nonsense demeanour, he will be fondly remembered by most Peak climbers and it is hoped that his passing doesn't mark the end of one of the Peak's great climbing landmarks.

The funeral service is at Hutcliffe Wood Cemetery in Sheffield, on Thursday December 20.

  • News report in the Star

  • This post has been read 20,158 times

    Return to Latest News


    19 Dec, 2007
    Wow that's so sad. That guy was a legend and his Cafe was extraordinary, it was part of a day in the Peak for as long as i can remember. The memory of it will stand as a legacy for a long time to come. RIP indeed. Peace ml
    19 Dec, 2007
    Total and utter legend. Was always really nice to the 'naughty' kids that I took there over the years...although he did have some interesting comments to make! RIP Mat
    19 Dec, 2007
    Sad, a friend of my parents who trained at the gym with him, just phoned my parents, they didn't know. Bit shocked.
    19 Dec, 2007
    Sad news. Dying of a heart attack whilst dancing at a party is no bad way to go though.
    19 Dec, 2007
    'tis indeed the end of an era. He was the cafe equivilent of the surly landlord and a great character.
    More Comments
    Loading Notifications...
    Facebook Twitter Copy Email