“Budget 2025: Another Blow to Hospitality” – Longbow Venues’ Rob Hattersley Says Rate Hikes Are “Unsustainable for UK Pubs, Restaurants & Hotels”

Hospitality leader Rob Hattersley, founder and managing director of Longbow Venues, has warned that the 2025 Budget delivers “yet another attack on pubs, restaurants and hospitality businesses already at breaking point”, after discovering that the rateable value on one of his Peak District pubs has surged from £49,000 to £205,000 - a 318 per cent increase.

Rob, who has appeared on Times Radio and BBC Breakfast this week to discuss the growing financial pressures on hospitality, said the sharp rise directly contradicts the Government’s repeated promises to support British businesses and reform the business rates system.

“I thought the Government were helping hospitality out on business rates,” Rob said in a post on X. “A 318 per cent increase is nothing short of another attack on businesses that simply cannot absorb these costs.”

Rob added that many hospitality operators feel trapped between escalating overheads and customers who are already struggling with the cost of living. With disposable income down, venues cannot simply increase menu prices to offset additional taxation and charges.

“We cannot just pass these costs on to guests,” he said. “People are already watching their spending, and we are doing everything we can to keep prices fair and accessible. Businesses like ours are being squeezed from every direction.”

He noted that the Budget does not reflect the reality operators have faced for years. Hospitality has absorbed a 43 per cent rise in the National Living Wage over five years, NIC threshold changes, last year’s business rates uplift, persistently high energy prices, alcohol duty increases, and a sustained drop in spend per head.

Across the UK, an average of eight pubs a week are closing, and Rob fears the rate of closures will rise sharply if the Government does not intervene.

“Hospitality has been absorbing hit after hit - rising wages, rising energy, rising duty, rising tax - all while guests are spending less,” he said. “This Budget feels like a stab in the back for an industry that employs millions and keeps local communities alive.”

The Chancellor has stated her intention to support entrepreneurs, SMEs and business investment. Rob argues that the policies announced this week deliver the opposite effect, making it harder - not easier -  for independent operators to survive.

“The Chancellor said she wished to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Right now, what we are seeing is the opposite. Independent pubs and restaurants are being priced out of existence.”

Longbow Venues currently operates six hospitality sites in the Peak District, including The Maynard in Grindleford, The George in Hathersage, The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water, The Peacock at Rowsley, The Peacock at Owler Bar, and The Charleston in Bakewell, which will open in early 2026. Rob warns that rural destinations, which rely heavily on small, independent businesses, will be hit hardest.

“Places like the Peak District rely on independent hotels, pubs and restaurants to provide jobs, bring in visitors, and support local producers. If these businesses cannot survive the next wave of cost increases, it will hit entire communities.”

Rob is calling for immediate action, including a fair and transparent business rates system, targeted support for rural and seasonal operators, duty and tax reductions for sectors that support local economies, and policies that genuinely enable SMEs to invest and grow.

“Hospitality does not want handouts. We want a fair playing field. Without immediate action, the closures already happening across the country will only accelerate.”

ENDS

About Rob Hattersley:

Rob is an award-winning hospitality leader and founder of Longbow Venues, an independent collection of boutique hotels, pubs and restaurants in the Peak District. After selling his house to fund The Maynard just before the Covid-19 lockdowns, Rob rebuilt the business from the brink of bankruptcy and has since expanded Longbow into one of the region’s most respected hospitality groups. His ethos focuses on high-quality, accessible dining, strong community values, and championing local suppliers.

About Longbow Venues:

Founded in 2019 by Managing Director Rob Hattersley, Longbow Venues is an independent hospitality business based in the Peak District. The company operates a collection of award-winning heritage venues, each offering premium food, drink, and accommodations that showcase the best of the region. Longbow Venues is committed to a "people over profits" philosophy, ensuring exceptional service and memorable experiences for all guests.

longbowvenues.com

Longbow currently operates six venues:

• The Maynard, an award-winning wedding venue, bar, restaurant and hotel in Grindleford: the-maynard.com

• The George Hathersage an iconic and historic bar, restaurant and boutique hotel, which was once frequented by Emily Brontë: thegeorgehathersage.com.   

• The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water, which opened on 4 March 2024 following an estimated £1.6m refurbishment in collaboration with Heineken: theashfordarms.com

• The Peacock at Owler Bar, near Sheffield, which was refurbished and reopened in December 2024: peacockowlerbar.com

• The Peacock at Rowsley, a historic luxury hotel and restaurant known for its charm and elegance, offering a fine dining experience that blends tradition with modern culinary artistry: thepeacockatrowsley.com

• The Charleston, a dazzling restaurant, cocktail, wine bar and live jazz music venue in the heart of Bakewell (opening early 2026): the-charleston.com

Awards and Recognitions

Longbow Venues has received multiple accolades, reflecting its dedication to excellence in hospitality:

• The Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards 2024: Recognised for outstanding workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

• Generation Next Awards 2024: Operations Director Stephen Atkinson was honoured as Entrepreneur of the Year, and Longbow Venues received the Investing in Young Talent Award for its commitment to developing young professionals.

• Visit Peak District Tourism Awards 2024: The George Hathersage, one of Longbow's esteemed venues, won the Team of the Year Award, highlighting the exceptional collaboration and service provided by its staff. Executive Chef, Adrian Gagea, won a Bronze award in the Unsung Hero category, and Emma West, won a Bronze in Tourism Young Achiever.

• Visit Peak District Tourism Awards 2025: Has been shortlisted in Hotel of the Year (The Peacock at Rowsley) and Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award - Restaurants (The Peacock at Rowsley).

• The Publican Awards 2025: Longbow Venues was shortlisted in the Best Pub Employer (Up to 500 Employees) and Best Food Offer categories.

These recognitions underscore Longbow Venues' dedication to fostering a positive work environment and delivering high-quality experiences to guests.

Commitment to Local Produce and Suppliers

Longbow Venues is dedicated to supporting the local economy by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, heritage brewers, and artisan producers. This commitment ensures that menus feature the freshest seasonal produce, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the Peak District.

Media Enquiries:

Jennifer Bell, Managing Director, Feather & Fern PR

07955 031 986

jen@featherandfernpr.co.uk

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