The Cupola in the Peak District Wins Central England Prestige Award for Self-Catering Accommodation
Published On Friday 31 Oct 2025 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
The Cupola Kitchen and Rooms in Stoney Middleton has been named Self Catering Accommodation of the Year – Derbyshire in the 2025/26 Central England Prestige Awards.
This latest accolade marks another milestone for the independently owned, family-run venue, which since opening in early 2024 has rapidly become one of the Peak District’s most talked-about destinations.
Housed on the historic site of the Lords Cupola smelting mill, The Cupola combines flame-cooked food, a visitor centre, luxury self-catering apartments, and new heritage walking trails that uncover the rich history of the village. The Rock Mill apartments, which are dog-friendly and finished to a high standard, have been especially praised by guests for offering a comfortable and characterful base from which to explore the National Park.
Food is at the heart of The Cupola’s appeal. The kitchen is known for its flame-grilled smash burgers stacked high and oozing with flavour, crispy chicken strips that have fast become a family favourite, hearty griddled breakfasts served from 9am, and authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. The menu blends relaxed crowd-pleasers with seasonal specials, making it a place where locals and visitors alike can eat well at any time of day.
The Cupola also shines a spotlight on Stoney Middleton, one of the Peak District’s most intriguing limestone villages. Tucked within a dramatic gorge, the village is steeped in legends and history - from Lover’s Leap, the cliff where a young woman miraculously survived a desperate fall in the 18th century, to the Roman Baths still fed by natural thermal springs, and the eerie tale of the “Murder at the Moon” inn. With its mix of industrial heritage, geological wonders, and folklore, Stoney Middleton has long been considered a hidden gem for curious visitors seeking something different from the usual Peak District tourist trail.
The Central England Prestige Awards recognise businesses that demonstrate innovation, service excellence, and a strong connection to their local community. Judges drew on nominations, customer feedback, and independent research when selecting The Cupola as this year’s Derbyshire winner.
Colin Hall, founder and owner of The Cupola, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It’s wonderful recognition for everything we set out to achieve - creating a place that not only serves great food and hospitality, but also celebrates the history, stories and landscapes of Stoney Middleton.
“The self-catering apartments have become a really important part of what we offer, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the Peak District at their own pace. We’re so grateful for the support of our community and the many guests who have stayed and dined with us so far.”
This is not the first time The Cupola has received industry recognition. The venue was recently awarded Silver in the Best New Business category at the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards, as well as other regional hospitality accolades.
With its flame-cooked favourites, locally inspired heritage trails, and the ‘Life in a Gorge’ visitor exhibition, The Cupola continues to establish itself as a hub where history, hospitality, and community meet.
For more information, or to book a table or accommodation, visit www.thecupola.uk
| The Peak District's Best Last-Minute Festive Dining at The Red Lion Restaurant, Peak Edge Hotel With Christmas fast approaching, diners looking for last-minute seasonal celebrations in the Peak District will find one of the region's most Read The Article | |
| Derby's Cathedral Quarter Hotel welcomes award-winning chef to growing team He was just five years old when he started cooking with his mother and creating the tastiest food in their family kitchen. Now, chef Buddhika Dayananda Read The Article | |
| Cubana turns 25 with a true night to remember Leopold Square was left with a hangover to savour as Cubana marked its 25th anniversary. Hundreds of people that have all played their own unique role in the success story were Read The Article | |
| Derby restaurant offers the chance to win a year's worth of free food in three clicks An award-winning Derby restaurant is celebrating the launch of its new menu with what could be the biggest ever restaurant giveaway Read The Article | |
| A Taste of England At The Cavendish Hotel - Celebratory Dining Event On January 22nd The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow invites you to an exclusive dining event on the evening of Thursday, 22nd January, celebrating the best Read The Article | |
| Palm’s VIP launch brings a taste of the tropics to Kelham Island Sheffield’s first Caribbean Garden Bar opened to a full house last week with a packed VIP launch that drew a roll-call of sporting, media and business names. Read The Article | |
| Complimentary alcohol-free pints for designated drivers at Casa and Peak Edge This Christmas Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel have partnered with award-winning alcohol-free brewer Athletic Brewing to reward guests who choose Read The Article | |
| New scone of the month set to bring seasonal flavour to Derbyshire A Derbyshire bakery with over 100 years of family heritage is kicking off a new monthly tradition with the launch of its Maple & Walnut Scone. Stacey’s Bakery, which has Read The Article | |
| The Maynard Becomes The Only Peak District Hotel And Restaurant With Coeliac UK Accreditation Believed to be the Peak District's only hotel and restaurant with this status, the Hope Valley venue doubles down on inclusive Read The Article | |
| BEAR's Festive Menu Has Landed With All the Best Bits of Christmas Dinner, with a Twist BEAR is flipping the traditional Christmas dinner on its head with a brand-new festive Small Plates menu that lets you ditch the boring bits Read The Article | |