The Ashford Arms shortlisted for Best Country Pub in the Great British Pub Awards 2025
- Guild Secretary
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
The only Derbyshire pub shortlisted in the category
The Ashford Arms, a beautifully restored country pub with rooms in Ashford-in-the-Water, has been shortlisted in the Best Country Pub category at the Great British Pub Awards 2025.
It is the only Derbyshire pub to be recognised in this category - a significant milestone just over 12 months after its grand reopening in March 2024, following a £1.6 million refurbishment.
Known as the ‘pub Oscars’, and organised by The Morning Advertiser, the Great British Pub Awards shine a light on the UK’s most exceptional pubs across a range of categories, from Best Pub Garden to Best Sustainable Pub. The Best Country Pub category rewards establishments that deliver outstanding experiences in rural settings - combining food, service, setting and atmosphere to create something truly special.
With its roaring log fires, elegant interiors, and a menu rooted in quality local produce and global flavours, The Ashford Arms has quickly re-established itself as a Peak District gem. Its seven stylish en-suite bedrooms and two suites, generous outdoor space, and scenic setting near the River Wye make it a popular choice for weekend getaways, leisurely lunches, and special occasions alike.
Rob Hattersley, Managing Director of Longbow Venues, said:
“To be recognised in this category is a huge honour - especially as the only Derbyshire pub on the list. The Ashford Arms is a special place, and we’ve worked hard to bring it back to life while respecting its history and charm. We’re proud of the team for creating something truly welcoming and memorable.”
Stephen Atkinson, Operations Director at Longbow Venues, added:
“This shortlisting is a credit to the whole team at The Ashford Arms. From the kitchen to front of house and housekeeping, everyone plays a part in delivering the kind of warm, high-quality experience that our guests remember. We wanted to create a modern country pub that still felt rooted in tradition - and this recognition is proof that we’re on the right path.”
The Ashford Arms is part of the award-winning Longbow Venues collection, which includes The Maynard, The George at Hathersage, The Peacock at Owler Bar, and the renowned fine dining destination The Peacock at Rowsley.
The winners of the Great British Pub Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 24th September at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.
In further recognition of Longbow’s commitment to nurturing talent, two team members have been shortlisted in the 2025 East Midlands Enterprising Women Awards - which celebrate outstanding achievements by women in business across the region.
Victoria Cone has been named a finalist in the Developing Leader category, while Katie Angrave is shortlisted for Female Employee of the Year.
The awards champion female leadership, ambition, and impact - recognising those making a meaningful difference in their organisations and industries. The winners will be announced at an event held at Winstanley House in Leicester on 26th September.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Jennifer Bell, Managing Director, Feather & Fern PR
07955 031 986
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:
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 boutique luxury hotel known for its charm and elegance, offering a 3 AA Rosette 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: 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: The George Hathersage has been shortlisted in the Pub of the Year category, and The Ashford Arms has been shortlisted in the New Tourism Business of the Year category. The Maynard has been shortlisted for the Taste of the Peak District Derbyshire & Derby Award. Winners will be announced on 20th March 2025.
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
Third-party news items that are posted on the Guild website come from press releases and emails received by the Guild. These are posted as they have been received. Their publication on the Guild website is an informational service only and is neither an endorsement of the content, nor its sender, by the Guild. For enquiries, please use the contact details that can be found at the bottom of each post.
Commentaires