Longbow Venues Will March 29 KM Across the Peak District to Raise Thousands for Sheffield Children’s Hospital
- Guild Secretary
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
On Tuesday 2 September, a dedicated team of 27 staff from Longbow Venues will set off on a 29-kilometre charity walk across the Peak District, raising vital funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
The walk begins at The Peacock at Owler Bar, continues via The George at Hathersage and The Maynard in Grindleford, before finishing at The Ashford Arms in the heart of Ashford-in-the-Water. Each stop along the route represents part of Longbow’s collection of pubs, hotels, and restaurants, making the challenge not just a fundraising effort but also a symbolic journey through the group’s venues and values.
Longbow originally set a fundraising goal of £2,500 but, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of supporters, has now doubled the target to £5,000. Every pound raised will go directly to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, helping the hospital continue to provide specialist care for children and young people from across the UK.
Rob Hattersley, Managing Director of Longbow Venues, said:
“We’re proud to call the Peak District home and it feels only right to give something back to a community and a cause that means so much to so many. Sheffield Children’s Hospital provides world-class care to thousands of families every year and we wanted to do our bit to support that. Walking 29 kilometres together is no small feat, but it’s a challenge our team are taking on with real heart and determination. We know that every step we take will help make a difference.”
In line with its people-first ethos, Longbow is also ensuring that every staff member taking part in the walk will be paid as if it were a standard working day, recognising their time, effort and commitment.
A spokesperson for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity added:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Longbow team for their support. Every step they take and every pound they raise helps us continue to provide the best possible care for children and families who rely on Sheffield Children’s. Fundraising like this makes a real difference, and we’re proud to have them walking for us.”
Sheffield Children’s is one of only three dedicated children’s hospitals in the UK, and charitable donations support life-saving equipment, pioneering research, improved facilities, and child-friendly environments to make treatment as supportive as possible for young patients and their families.
Community support is central to the Longbow Venues ethos. Since opening its first venue, The Maynard, in 2020, the business has grown into a collection of some of the Peak District’s most recognisable pubs, hotels and restaurants. Today it includes The Peacock at Rowsley, The George at Hathersage, The Maynard in Grindleford, The Ashford Arms, and The Peacock at Owler Bar. Its sixth venue, The Charleston, a premium Bakewell restaurant and cocktail bar will be opening in early 2026.
Each venue has its own unique character but shares the same values: a commitment to locally sourced food, warm hospitality, and playing a positive role in the community.
Longbow also runs an ongoing dessert initiative, donating £1 from every dessert sold across its venues to a range of charities including Blythe House Hospice Care, Me & Dee, Edale Mountain Rescue, and the Ruth Strauss Foundation. The upcoming walk is another example of the team’s determination to give back, not just through donations but by rolling up their sleeves and making a tangible difference.
How to support the walk
The Longbow team is calling on friends, family and the wider public to get involved. You don’t have to walk 29 kilometres to make a difference.
Donate to the cause via JustGiving (justgiving.com/team/longbow),
Share the story on social media
Send messages of encouragement to the walkers
Cheer them on along the route on the day.
Every gesture of support, big or small, helps amplify the impact. By backing this walk, supporters aren’t just helping a group of colleagues, they are supporting a hospital that brings hope to countless families and a brighter future to the children it cares for.
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 five venues, with a sixth due to open in early 2026.
The Charleston, a premium Bakewell restaurant and cocktail bar (opening early 2026): the-charleston.com.
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
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 and 2025: 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.
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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