Longbow Venues Shortlisted in Prestigious 2026 Publican Awards – the Only Derbyshire Business Recognised for Second Year Running
- Guild Secretary
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Derbyshire-based Longbow Venues is proud to announce that it has once again been shortlisted in the 2026 Publican Awards, the UK hospitality industry’s most respected and competitive awards programme.
The independent Peak District operator has secured finalist places in Best Food Offer and Best Pub Employer (Up to 500 Employees) - the same two categories it was shortlisted for last year - making Longbow Venues the only Derbyshire business to reach the national finals for the second year running.
Now in its 35th year, the Publican Awards are widely regarded as the gold standard of recognition for pub and hospitality businesses across the UK. Hundreds of operators enter each year, with finalists selected following a rigorous judging process led by senior industry figures, operators and specialists. Being shortlisted places businesses among the very best in British hospitality.
The 2026 awards are supported by some of the sector’s most influential suppliers and partners, including Heineken UK, Diageo, Molson Coors, Carlsberg Britvic, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Budweiser Brewing Group, Damm UK and Thatchers, underlining the scale, credibility and prestige of the programme.
This year’s shortlist features many of the most recognisable names in UK hospitality across multiple categories, including BrewDog, All Bar One, Be At One, Roxy Leisure and Greene King, highlighting the national calibre of the awards and the standard Longbow Venues is being judged alongside.
For Rob Hattersley, Managing Director of Longbow Venues, the two categories are particularly meaningful.
“These are the two awards that matter most to us,” said Rob. “Best Food Offer goes right to the heart of what we do - serving consistently great food across all our venues - while Best Pub Employer reflects our belief that hospitality businesses should put people first. If you look after your team properly, everything else follows.”
Best Food Offer recognises pub companies where food plays a central role in the business, rewarding operators that deliver quality, consistency and value at scale. Longbow Venues has built its reputation on everyday premium menus, fresh, seasonal ingredients and close relationships with local farmers, producers and suppliers across the Peak District.
Best Pub Employer (Up to 500 Employees) celebrates companies that create outstanding working environments through training, development, wellbeing and clear progression. Longbow’s ‘people over profits’ philosophy underpins its approach, with a strong focus on internal promotion, fair pay, properly staffed shifts and long-term career pathways.
That people-first ethos also extends beyond Longbow’s venues and into the communities they serve. Over the past year, Longbow teams have taken part in charity fundraising initiatives across the Peak District and South Yorkshire, including a 30km challenge that raised more than £6,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, as well as ongoing venue-led fundraising for local and national causes such as Ashgate Hospice. From team walks to menu-led donations, Longbow encourages staff involvement in causes that matter to them, strengthening both team connection and community impact.
“Being shortlisted again in both categories tells us we’re getting the fundamentals right,” Rob added. “To be recognised nationally for both food and employment practices - and to do so two years running - is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Founded by Rob in 2019, Longbow Venues operates a growing collection of award-winning heritage venues across the Peak District, including The Maynard in Grindleford, The George at Hathersage, The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water, The Peacock at Rowsley and The Peacock at Owler Bar, with The Charleston, a new premium bar and restaurant, set to open in Bakewell in 2026.
Each venue combines thoughtful hospitality, quality food and strong design, with a commitment to supporting local suppliers and communities while creating welcoming spaces for guests and staff alike.
The 2026 Publican Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 25 March 2026 at Evolution London, bringing together more than 1,500 senior leaders, operators and decision-makers from across the UK hospitality industry for one of the most anticipated nights in the trade calendar.
“To be standing alongside some of the biggest and best-known names in UK hospitality - and to do so as a proudly independent Derbyshire business - means a huge amount to us,” Rob said. “This recognition belongs to every member of the Longbow team.”
ENDS
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.
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 Charlotte Brontë: thegeorgehathersage.com.
The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water, which opened on 4th 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 2026: 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
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