The custodianship of The Peacock at Rowsley, one of Derbyshire’s most cherished historic hotels and restaurants, has passed from Rutland Hotels Ltd owned by Lord Edward Manners, to local independent hospitality business, Longbow Venues, effective Friday 31 January 2025.
Rob Hattersley and Lord Edward Manners
by Tom Hodgson Photography
Nestled in the picturesque village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, The Peacock at Rowsley has been a beacon of hospitality for over 400 years. Originally a manor house built in 1652, the luxury hotel and fine dining destination has long been synonymous with warmth, elegance, and excellence in service.
Under Longbow Venues’ stewardship, The Peacock at Rowsley will continue to uphold its award-winning four Silver AA stars and three AA rosettes, making it one of Derbyshire’s finest accommodation and dining experiences. The hotel boasts fifteen beautifully appointed bedrooms, a cosy bar offering premium wines, local ales, and locally inspired dishes, and a stunning riverfront garden designed by Arne Maynard.
All existing staff will remain, ensuring the same dedicated team continues to deliver the high standards of service and warm hospitality that guests have come to expect from The Peacock at Rowsley.
Lord Edward Manners says:
“Having owned The Peacock at Rowsley for the last 22 years, I am delighted to now pass it on to Rob and the team at Longbow Venues; a superb local company who are doing a brilliant job with all their venues nearby. I am very proud of what the Peacock and all my wonderful team have achieved over the years, and am very excited to watch it flourish with Longbow. I know it is in a safe pair of hands. I wish Longbow and the Peacock the very best of luck and a prosperous future."
A New Era with Thoughtful Enhancements
Longbow Venues plans to honour the legacy of The Peacock at Rowsley whilst making it more inclusive and welcoming to both locals and visitors alike.
Planned future enhancements include:
• Reintroducing Sunday lunches and an inviting afternoon tea experience.
• Refreshing the interiors to create a comfortable, light, and airy ambiance while preserving the building’s historic charm.
• Strengthening ties with local suppliers and continuing to use produce from the Haddon Estate.
“The Peacock at Rowsley holds a special place in my heart, my family’s, and the wider community,” says Rob Hattersley, Longbow Venues’ Managing Director. “While we are committed to maintaining the hotel’s exceptional standards of food and service, we want to open our doors even wider—whether it’s for a coffee, a relaxed drink, or an unforgettable dining experience.”
A Team With a Background in Fine Dining Excellence
Joining The Peacock as General Manager is Róbert Ciulinaru, bringing a wealth of experience from some of the UK’s most prestigious establishments, including Alchemilla—a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Nottingham, and Grantley Hall—a five-star luxury country house hotel in the heart of Yorkshire, which was named Best Hotel Spa in the UK in by the prestigious 2024 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence across the UK, and also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall.
At the helm of the restaurant is Head Chef Dan Smith, who has been at The Peacock at Rowsley for an incredible 18 years. Michelin-trained under Tom Aikens, Dan is known for his seasonal, high-quality approach to fine dining. His deep understanding of the restaurant’s history and guests’ expectations will ensure a seamless transition.
Dan’s vision for the restaurant will be further refined and executed with the support of Longbow Venues' new Area Chef, Tom Marr, ensuring that the outstanding culinary standards that have long defined The Peacock at Rowsley continue to flourish.
In support of Dan Smith’s ambitious culinary vision, Longbow Venues will remodel the kitchen to provide an even stronger platform for exceptional food.
Behind the scenes, Longbow Venues brings an experienced leadership team with a deep understanding of both fine dining and high-end hospitality. Operations Director Stephen Atkinson and Group Executive Chef Adrian Gagea both have fine-dining backgrounds, with Adrian having trained under the legendary Raymond Blanc.
Founder, Rob Hattersley, whilst known for his portfolio of cosy, premium inns and boutique hotels, also has extensive fine dining experience, with experience as a classically trained chef. He once worked at the renowned fine-dining restaurant Fischer’s in Baslow, where he honed his skills in precision and culinary excellence.
With this exceptional pedigree in fine dining, Longbow Venues is committed to preserving The Peacock at Rowsley’s legacy while enhancing its offering, ensuring the restaurant continues to evolve and thrive at the highest level.
Exciting Times Ahead
The freehold of The Peacock at Rowsley is being acquired by Coverland UK, which will lease the property to Longbow Venues. Longbow has a strong working relationship with Coverland, which owns three of its other properties, ensuring a seamless transition and continued investment in the hotel's future.
From Monday, 3 February, The Peacock at Rowsley will undergo a refresh with leading design firm Concorde BGW. While maintaining its heritage and refined atmosphere, subtle enhancements will bring even more warmth and comfort to the interiors.
The Peacock at Rowsley will reopen in March 2025.
With a vision of preserving tradition while embracing new opportunities, Longbow Venues is excited to begin this new chapter for The Peacock at Rowsley—continuing its legacy of excellence while welcoming more guests to experience its magic.
