Two Derbyshire hospitality businesses have been recognised among the very best in the Midlands after taking home top titles at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026.
Peak Edge Hotel was named Boutique Hotel of the Year, while Cocina Restaurant at Casa Hotel was crowned Steakhouse of the Year, following a standout year for both businesses.
The awards celebrate excellence across the hospitality sector and attracted entries from hotels, restaurants, pubs and hospitality venues throughout the East and West Midlands.
For Peak Edge Hotel, the latest accolade adds to an already impressive year. The luxury four-star hotel, located on the edge of the Peak District, recently won Gold in the Hotel of the Year category at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and Silver at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
The independent hotel also achieved an AA Quality Score of 85 per cent during its latest inspection, placing it firmly within five-star territory for quality and guest experience.
At Casa Hotel, the Steakhouse of the Year title reflects years of investment in provenance, quality and the farm-to-fork philosophy that sits at the heart of Cocina.
The restaurant is the only venue in Derbyshire to feature both a specialist DRY AGER® cabinet and charcoal-fired Josper Grill, allowing carefully selected cuts of beef to be dry aged on site before being cooked over charcoal for maximum flavour.
Much of the beef served in the restaurant comes directly from Walton Lodge Farm Estate, the 360-acre family farm owned by entrepreneur Steve Perez. The estate is home to Belted Galloway and Highland cattle, Dorset sheep, Berkshire pigs, free-range chickens and beehives that supply honey to the kitchens.
The farm is also Steve Perez's family home, with his son working full-time on the estate alongside Farm Manager Craig Ellis.
Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for both teams and recognition of the hard work, care and attention that goes into every aspect of the guest experience.
“Whether someone is staying at Peak Edge or Casa, enjoying dinner at Cocina or The Red Lion at Peak Edge, or simply visiting for a drink, our aim has always been to provide the highest standards of hospitality, food and service.
“To be recognised with Boutique Hotel of the Year and Steakhouse of the Year awards against competition from across the Midlands is something we are incredibly proud of.”
Steve Perez added:
“These awards are a reflection of the people behind the businesses.
“From our chefs, front-of-house teams and housekeeping staff through to the people working on Walton Lodge Farm Estate, everyone contributes to what our guests experience.
“We've always believed that quality matters, whether that's how we look after our animals, the ingredients we serve or the welcome guests receive when they walk through the door. It's wonderful to see that recognised.”
The awards come as both businesses continue to build their reputations as destinations in their own right, attracting visitors from across Derbyshire and beyond.
