The Ashford Arms Named in the Top 1% of Restaurants Worldwide by Tripadvisor
- Guild Secretary
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Historic country inn with rooms earns global accolade barely a year and a half after reopening its doors
The Ashford Arms - a historic 17th-century country inn with rooms in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell in the Peak District - has been named among the top 1% of restaurants worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Each year, Tripadvisor recognises travellers’ favourite spots around the world based on reviews and ratings collected over 12 months.
The recognition comes barely a year and a half after the inn reopened in March 2024 following a £1.6 million refurbishment led by independent Peak District hospitality group Longbow Venues. The project reimagined dining spaces and gardens and refreshed the accommodation to nine bedrooms including two suites, while preserving the building’s 400-year heritage.
This global accolade follows another recent milestone for the venue: The Ashford Arms was shortlisted for “Best Country Pub” in the Great British Pub Awards 2025, the only Derbyshire pub recognised in the category.
Jemima Prater, General Manager of The Ashford Arms, said:
“We’re thrilled to be ranked among the top 1% of restaurants worldwide. As a historic country inn with rooms, our aim is to blend genuine Peak District warmth with food and service that feel special yet relaxed. This recognition reflects the care that goes into every welcome, every plate and every stay.”
Rob Hattersley, Managing Director of Longbow Venues, added:
“To achieve this level of guest-driven recognition so soon after reopening is phenomenal. Our mission was to protect the character of The Ashford Arms while creating somewhere today’s travellers would love. This award is testament to Jemima and her brilliant team, and to our local suppliers whose seasonal produce underpins what we do.”
Steps from the River Wye at the gateway to one of the Peak District’s prettiest villages, The Ashford Arms pairs roaring log fires and elegant interiors with a seasonal menu rooted in local sourcing, designed by Executive Chef Adrian Gagea and the kitchen team. It welcomes walkers, weekenders and celebratory diners alike.
For menus, rooms and bookings, visit theashfordarms.com.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Jennifer Bell, Managing Director, Feather & Fern PR
07955 031 986
About The Ashford Arms:
First recorded in the 17th century, The Ashford Arms is a historic country inn with rooms in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell. After a £1.6 million refurbishment, it reopened in March 2024 with nine bedrooms including two suites, reimagined dining spaces and landscaped gardens. Today it combines seasonal, locally sourced food with relaxed Peak District hospitality.
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.
Contact: Jen Bell, jen@featherandfernpr.co.uk
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