The Peacock At Rowsley Reopens Under New Ownership - A New Era Of Fine Dining & Hospitality
Published On Friday 28 Feb 2025 by Sticky Beak
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The Peacock at Rowsley, one of the Peak District’s most cherished luxury boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants, with four Silver AA Stars and three AA Rosettes to its name, has now reopened for drinks, dining and stays, marking the next exciting chapter for this historic venue. An investment of £500,000 has been made to improve the ground floor areas and dining offering. This involved retraining and recruitment of new chefs, alongside significant upgrades to the kitchen, bar, restaurant, and lounge areas.
An Exquisite Dining Experience
Under the continued leadership of Head Chef Dan Smith, The Peacock at Rowsley presents menus that celebrate seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the nearby Haddon Estate. Dan, who has been at The Peacock for 18 years, trained under Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens and honed his skills at the two-Michelin-starred L’Ortolan in Berkshire.
“I’m incredibly proud to welcome guests back to The Peacock at Rowsley,” said Head Chef Dan Smith. “For me, cooking has always been about bringing people together over exceptional food. Our menus celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients, from locally sourced Haddon Estate venison to foraged wild garlic and the freshest seafood. Each dish is designed to reflect the heritage of The Peacock while delivering a refined and unforgettable dining experience.”
Guests can enjoy:
• Lunch & Afternoon Tea: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Fine Dining Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Tasting Menu Experience: Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Sunday lunch: Starting from Sunday 9th March
Guests are also welcome to visit for coffee or a glass of wine without the obligation to purchase a full meal, making it a relaxed space for socialising or unwinding.
Sample Menu Highlights:
• Handpicked crab with radish, cucumber, and warm citrus sauce
• Goat’s curd mousse with granola, truffle honey, pear, and walnut (v)
• Halibut with heritage carrots, grapes, mussels, and verjus
• Haddon Estate venison with Jerusalem artichoke, kale, pomme dauphine, and chocolate sauce
• Baked Mauritian sugar tart with pear and stem ginger
• Chocolate, prune & blood orange parfait with Pedro Ximenez custardAfternoon Tea enthusiasts can indulge in handcrafted pastries, delicate finger sandwiches, and warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam.
For a more relaxed dining experience, the lunch menu offers selections such as the classic Croque Monsieur, the Peacock B.L.T. with grilled local bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Pommery mustard mayonnaise, and a variety of fresh salads. This menu runs alongside the main à la carte menu, providing guests with flexibility in their dining choices.
Luxury Stays & Exclusive Packages
The Peacock at Rowsley offers 15 beautifully appointed rooms, each blending historic charm with modern comfort. Guests can choose from four-poster suites, deluxe doubles, and cosy single rooms, all featuring marble bathrooms and elegant furnishings.
For those seeking a special getaway, the Tasting Menu, Bed & Breakfast package starts from £300 per room, including:
• A one-night stay in a beautifully appointed room
• A tasting menu experience
• A full English breakfast the following morning
Gift vouchers are now also available via The Peacock at Rowsley’s website, offering launch offers on afternoon tea, dining and overnight stay experiences - perfect for a luxurious treat.
A Historic Venue with a Fresh Perspective
Built in 1652, The Peacock at Rowsley seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary refinement. In January 2025, the custodianship of The Peacock at Rowsley passed from Rutland Hotels Ltd, owned by Lord Edward Manners, to Longbow Venues, a local independent hospitality business.
Recent updates, led by Concorde BGW, a renowned local design firm, have enhanced the interiors while preserving the venue’s historic charm. The stunning riverside garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Arne Maynard, remains a tranquil retreat for guests.
As part of the refurbishment, original features have been uncovered to reveal stunning Victorian stone tiles and flooring, that had been hidden for decades, highlighting the building’s rich history.
“The Peacock at Rowsley has such an important place in the heart of the community,” said Rob Hattersley, Managing Director of Longbow Venues. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that the venue remains just as beautiful and welcoming, while giving it a fresh new feel. Guests will experience a space that is both timeless and inviting, with every detail thoughtfully considered.”
Leading The Peacock’s next chapter is General Manager Róbert Ciulinaru, whose experience includes Michelin-starred Alchemilla in Nottingham and Grantley Hall in Yorkshire.
“I am honored to join The Peacock at Rowsley, a venue with such rich history and character,” said Róbert Ciulinaru. “Our team is dedicated to enhancing every facet of the guest experience, ensuring that each visit is memorable. We eagerly look forward to welcoming both returning and new guests to our beautifully refreshed hotel and restaurant.”
Explore the Peak District and the world of fly fishing
Nestled in the spectacular Peak District National Park, The Peacock at Rowsley is the perfect base for walking, fishing, and exploring nearby country estates. As part of their visit to the hotel, guests have a unique opportunity to purchase fly fishing permits for the River Wye and Derwent, home to some of the UK’s finest wild trout waters. The hotel can also advise on the best walking routes in the local area, allowing guests to explore the stunning landscapes of Chatsworth, Bakewell, and beyond.
Book Your Visit Today
With its warm hospitality, award-winning dining, and luxurious accommodations, The Peacock at Rowsley invites guests to rediscover this Peak District treasure.
Bookings to dine or stay can be made via thepeacockatrowsley.com, by emailing enjoymore@thepeacockatrowsley.com or by calling 01629 733518.
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