Now in its 35th year, the Publican Awards are widely regarded as the gold standard of recognition for pub and hospitality businesses across the UK. Hundreds of operators enter each year, with finalists selected following a rigorous judging process led by senior industry figures, operators and specialists. Being shortlisted places businesses among the very best in British hospitality.
Rob Hattersley (Founder/MD) and Steve Atkinson (Operations Director) at The Peacock at Rowsley
The 2026 awards are supported by some of the sector’s most influential suppliers and partners, including Heineken UK, Diageo, Molson Coors, Carlsberg Britvic, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Budweiser Brewing Group, Damm UK and Thatchers, underlining the scale, credibility and prestige of the programme.
This year’s shortlist features many of the most recognisable names in UK hospitality across multiple categories, including BrewDog, All Bar One, Be At One, Roxy Leisure and Greene King, highlighting the national calibre of the awards and the standard Longbow Venues is being judged alongside.
For Rob Hattersley, Managing Director of Longbow Venues, the two categories are particularly meaningful.
“These are the two awards that matter most to us,” said Rob. “Best Food Offer goes right to the heart of what we do - serving consistently great food across all our venues - while Best Pub Employer reflects our belief that hospitality businesses should put people first. If you look after your team properly, everything else follows.”
Best Food Offer recognises pub companies where food plays a central role in the business, rewarding operators that deliver quality, consistency and value at scale. Longbow Venues has built its reputation on everyday premium menus, fresh, seasonal ingredients and close relationships with local farmers, producers and suppliers across the Peak District.
Best Pub Employer (Up to 500 Employees) celebrates companies that create outstanding working environments through training, development, wellbeing and clear progression. Longbow’s ‘people over profits’ philosophy underpins its approach, with a strong focus on internal promotion, fair pay, properly staffed shifts and long-term career pathways.
That people-first ethos also extends beyond Longbow’s venues and into the communities they serve. Over the past year, Longbow teams have taken part in charity fundraising initiatives across the Peak District and South Yorkshire, including a 30km challenge that raised more than £6,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, as well as ongoing venue-led fundraising for local and national causes such as Ashgate Hospice. From team walks to menu-led donations, Longbow encourages staff involvement in causes that matter to them, strengthening both team connection and community impact.
“Being shortlisted again in both categories tells us we’re getting the fundamentals right,” Rob added. “To be recognised nationally for both food and employment practices - and to do so two years running - is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Founded by Rob in 2019, Longbow Venues operates a growing collection of award-winning heritage venues across the Peak District, including The Maynard in Grindleford, The George at Hathersage, The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water, The Peacock at Rowsley and The Peacock at Owler Bar, with The Charleston, a new premium bar and restaurant, set to open in Bakewell in 2026.
Each venue combines thoughtful hospitality, quality food and strong design, with a commitment to supporting local suppliers and communities while creating welcoming spaces for guests and staff alike.
The 2026 Publican Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 25 March 2026 at Evolution London, bringing together more than 1,500 senior leaders, operators and decision-makers from across the UK hospitality industry for one of the most anticipated nights in the trade calendar.
“To be standing alongside some of the biggest and best-known names in UK hospitality - and to do so as a proudly independent Derbyshire business - means a huge amount to us,” Rob said. “This recognition belongs to every member of the Longbow team.”
