Triple Win for Longbow Venues at the 2025 Westside Bar and Restaurant Awards
- Guild Secretary
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Independent Peak District hospitality group Longbow Venues has celebrated a remarkable night of success at the 2025 Westside & Southside Restaurant & Bar Awards, taking home three major accolades that highlight the group’s continued commitment to quality, local produce, and genuine hospitality.
The Westside & Southside Restaurant & Bar Awards are run by Westside Magazine and celebrate the best restaurants, pubs and bars across Sheffield and North Derbyshire. Winners are selected by an independent panel of industry judges (with a Readers’ Choice category.
The glittering awards evening, which was held at the OEC Sheffield on Monday 27 October 2025, saw Longbow’s venues recognised across several key categories:
Restaurant of the Year - The Peacock at Rowsley (for the second year running)
Best Sunday Lunch - The Ashford Arms, Bakewell (for the second year running)
Best Family Favourite - The Maynard, Grindleford
On top of that, the group’s The Peacock at Owler Bar was a finalist for Best Dining Pub and The George at Hathersage was a finalist for Best Hotel Restaurant.
In a show of appreciation, Longbow Venues founder and managing director Rob Hattersley brought more than 50 team members to the ceremony - colleagues from all venues alongside the marketing, accounts, and recruitment teams - so they could celebrate the achievements together.
Longbow Venues founder and managing director Rob Hattersley said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see three of our venues recognised at this year’s awards. These wins are a huge credit to our amazing teams - from chefs and front-of-house to the people behind the scenes who make every guest experience special. It meant a lot to bring more than 50 of our colleagues with us on the night to say thank you and celebrate what they do every day.
“The Peak District is home to some incredible hospitality businesses, so to be named among the best is an honour. We’re proud to be flying the flag for independent venues that focus on genuine hospitality, local produce, and exceptional food without the faff.”
About the winning venues
The Peacock at Rowsley - One of the Peak District’s most cherished boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants, The Peacock holds four Silver AA Stars and three AA Rosettes. It offers refined yet accessible dining that champions local produce and craftsmanship.
The Ashford Arms, Bakewell - Reopened in 2024 after a full restoration by Longbow Venues, this historic inn with rooms has won Best Sunday Lunch for the second consecutive year, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, seasonal dishes, and focus on modern pub dining done exceptionally well.
The Maynard, Grindleford - Set in the heart of the Hope Valley, The Maynard is an award-winning country hotel, restaurant, and wedding venue that has become a true family favourite. With its beautiful setting, locally inspired menu, and warm, inclusive ethos, it’s a go-to for everything from Sunday roasts to special celebrations.
Longbow Venues operates The Ashford Arms, The Peacock at Rowsley, The Maynard, The George in Hathersage, The Peacock at Owler Bar, and The Charleston, a new 1920s-inspired restaurant and bar opening in Bakewell in 2026.
For more information on Longbow Venues, visit longbowvenues.com.
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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