Peak Edge Hotel is inviting guests to step back into the 1960s this October as it celebrates 60 years since the historic Red Lion was refurbished and reopened by the father of its current owner, Steve Perez.
Mr & Mrs Perez Outside The Walton Suite
The family-owned hotel, on the edge of the Peak District, will mark the anniversary on Saturday 31st October 2026 with a special dinner featuring retro favourites including prawn cocktail, Steak Diane, coq au vin and Black Forest gateau, alongside live music from The Beat 45s and a touch of classic ’60s glamour.
The celebration comes as Peak Edge approaches another significant milestone: almost ten years since Steve Perez bought back the Red Lion and Peak Edge Hotel in 2017, returning the property to family ownership.
The Red Lion’s history stretches back to 1788, and the inn has long been a place where local people have gathered, celebrated and made memories. In 1965, Steve’s father, Santiago Garcia Perez, purchased and restored the pub, helping establish its reputation for food and hospitality.
A new chapter followed in 2010, when a boutique hotel was built alongside the historic inn, before Steve brought the property back into the family in 2017.
Steve Perez, Owner of Peak Edge Hotel - along with Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel and successful independent drinks company, Global Brands, said:
“Peak Edge has always been much more than a hotel to me. I grew up helping my father at the Red Lion, so this place holds a huge amount of personal history for our family.
“Dad put so much into the pub, and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate 60 years since he brought it back to life. When I bought Peak Edge back in 2017, I wanted to build on that legacy and create something that would make him proud, while keeping the warmth and character that people have always loved about the Red Lion.
“The anniversary dinner is a chance to celebrate that history with our guests, enjoy some fantastic food and music, and have a bit of fun with the ’60s theme. We’re really looking forward to it.”
The Red Lion has also played a part in generations of local family celebrations. Among those with fond memories of the inn is Janet Hallam (née Navin) from Chesterfield, who held her wedding reception there in 1980. Her two sisters also chose the Red Lion for their wedding receptions, making it a place that holds many happy memories for the family.
Before and After
Janet said:
“Both my sisters and I had our wedding receptions at the Red Lion, and growing up we all spent summers working behind the bar as well! So, it’s always been a special place for our family.
“One of the things I remember most is the groom’s cake coming out of the kitchen. It was a chocolate cake, and the server slipped and the whole thing went splat on the floor! Everyone thought it was hilarious. It’s one of those little moments that you never forget.
“I’m really looking forward to going back for the 60th anniversary celebration. It will be lovely to see the Red Lion still going strong and to think of all the other families who have celebrated there over the years.”
The hotel has recently introduced new heritage displays throughout the property, sharing the story of the Red Lion from its eighteenth-century origins through to its return to the Perez family. The displays celebrate the building’s rich history and are designed to give guests a stronger sense of place and a deeper connection to the destination.
Red Lion Staff
Today, the Red Lion remains at the heart of Peak Edge, combining its original stonework and oak beams with contemporary countryside hospitality. Its 2 AA Rosette, multiple award-winning restaurant has become known for seasonal, farm-to-fork dining, with much of its produce sourced from Steve Perez’s nearby Red Tractor certified Walton Lodge Farm Estate.
For the anniversary dinner, the restaurant will take inspiration from the era with a three-course menu featuring dishes such as rabbit and wild duck terrine, cock-a-leekie soup and classic prawn cocktail to start; Steak Diane, coq au vin and king prawn Mornay for mains; and Crêpe Suzette, Black Forest gateau and crème caramel for dessert.
Guests will be welcomed with an arrival drink and canapés from 7pm, followed by dinner at 7.45pm. Smart evening wear with a nod to ’60s style is encouraged.
The 60 Years of the Red Lion anniversary dinner takes place on Saturday 31 October 2026, priced at £60 per person. To book, email events@peakedgehotel.co.uk or call 01246 566142.
