Derbyshire-based Longbow Venues has been honoured with two shortlisting nods at the prestigious The Publican Awards 2025, the only Derbyshire business to be shortlisted this year.
Rob Hatterely (right) and Stephen Atkinson (left)
Photo by Tom Hodgson
The Publican Awards are widely regarded as the pinnacle of recognition for pub companies in the UK. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Claudia Winkleman on 26th March this year, highlighting outstanding achievements in areas such as food, service, design, and employer practices, and recognising businesses that excel in these key areas. This year’s finalists include renowned names such as All Bar One, BrewDog, Be At One, and Roxy Leisure, showcasing the industry’s leaders and innovators.
Longbow Venues is proud to be named one of the four finalists for the Best Food Offer award and one of only two finalists in the Best Pub Employer (Up to 500 Employees) category. These nominations recognise the company's commitment to high standards in both food and employee care, cementing its position as a leader in the UK hospitality industry.
Best Food Offer celebrates pub companies that provide a mainstream food offer with food playing a crucial role in their total sales. Longbow Venues has gained widespread recognition for its commitment to everyday premium food and drink, showcasing the best local ingredients. From locally sourced produce to seasonal menu rotations, Longbow's focus on quality and sustainability has been central to their ethos since their inception.
The Best Pub Employer award highlights those pub companies that create an outstanding working environment. This includes offering comprehensive training, robust career development pathways, staff motivation, and employee benefits. For Longbow Venues, the heart of their operations has always been their team. Founder Rob Hattersley explains:
“We’re incredibly proud to be shortlisted for both of these awards, especially the Best Pub Employer category. It's a real testament to our philosophy that putting people first is the right approach. We believe in ensuring our teams are happy, feel supported, and have genuine opportunities to progress within the company. We offer above-average salaries, exceptional training, and clear career pathways, and we ensure every shift is properly staffed so our teams can deliver the exceptional, attentive service we've become known for. A happy, well-supported team is the cornerstone of our success, and we know that happy staff lead to happy customers.”
Stephen Atkinson, Operations Director at Longbow Venues, also expressed pride in the company’s achievements:
"Being recognised for our food offering and commitment to our team means a great deal to us. We’ve always believed in a hands-on approach, ensuring that the quality of service is matched by the quality of food. The morale of our team is incredibly important to us, and we strive to make sure our team members feel supported and valued. Our entire team plays a crucial role in maintaining the high standards that Longbow Venues is known for. From the front-of-house to the kitchen, we invest in every part of our operation."
Longbow Venues has built a reputation for combining traditional pub values with exceptional hospitality. Since its founding, the company has been committed to supporting the local economy by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, artisan producers, and heritage brewers, ensuring that their menu reflects the best of what the Peak District has to offer. The company is also dedicated to its "people over profits" philosophy, ensuring every guest experiences exceptional service and a memorable visit.
"Hospitality is a rewarding, exciting career," Rob continues, "and we have always believed that if you look after your team, the profits take care of themselves. Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in promoting from within, offering on-the-job training and mentoring to ensure career progression. This approach not only benefits our staff but also enhances the guest experience, allowing us to maintain the high standards our customers expect."
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, including The Ashford Arms, The George Hathersage, The Maynard and The Peacock at Owler Bar, each offering premium food, drink, and accommodations that showcase the best of the region.
In line with its ongoing growth and commitment to excellence, Longbow Venues also recently acquired The Peacock at Rowsley, an iconic three AA Rosette fine dining restaurant and four Silver AA Star luxury hotel in the Peak District. This acquisition demonstrates Longbow’s interest in and expertise in fine dining, complementing its broader portfolio with a venue that elevates their offerings to an even higher standard.
