Longbow Venues Launches New Santa Index to Reveal Why Their Santa Is ‘The Best in the Peak District'

Plus, Breakfast with Santa arrives at The Peacock at Owler Bar for the first time and Afternoon Tea returns to The Maynard

Families across the Peak District can look forward to another season of festive magic as independent hospitality group, Longbow Venues unveils its Christmas calendar for 2025 - including the first ever Breakfast with Santa at The Peacock at Owler Bar and the return of the hugely popular Afternoon Tea with Santa at The Maynard in Grindleford.

This year also marks the debut of the group’s tongue-in-cheek Longbow Santa Index - a five-star, highly unofficial and very spirited ranking system designed by several of Longbow’s most Christmas-obsessed team members. 

Their identities remain confidential, although one of them bears an uncanny resemblance to founder Rob Hattersley, a man who has previously described the perfect Santa visit as “as important as Christmas gravy”.

After a series of whispered meetings, mulled-wine-fuelled debates and at least one heated discussion about beard quality, the team finally agreed on a five-point index that proves, once and for all, that Longbow’s Santa is “the best Santa in the Peak District”.

The Longbow Santa Index 2025

1. Beard authenticity rating

Scientific method: tugging, stroking, squinting and a surprise inspection by a toddler committee.

Outcome: 100 per cent genuine, luxuriant and completely Labrador-proof.

2. Ho-ho-ho acoustic performance score

Graded on resonance, warmth and audible distance.

Comments from the judging panel include “deep and rich, like a festive baritone”, “could be heard clearly from the car park” and “strong projection with excellent seasonal timbre”.

3. Believability under intense child questioning

Tested using real-life “But how do you…?” scenarios. This Santa can explain time zones, chimneys, why he was also spotted in Meadowhall last week and what happened to last year’s elf - all without breaking character or contradicting established North Pole lore. Cross-examined by multiple under-10s and still standing.

4. Santa-to-child connection ratio

Measured by time spent, eye contact, memory for names and overall charm. Longbow’s Santa never rushes a visit, has an impressive record for getting names right, and once remembered a child’s favourite dinosaur a full year later.

5. Seasonal Spirit Index (SSI)

A closely guarded festive metric based on kindness, twinkle-in-eye frequency, emotional impact on grown-ups and overall yuletide glow. Last year’s SSI score was off the measurable scale, resulting in two teary mums, one emotional grandad and an elf declaring, “This is peak Christmas.”

Breakfast with Santa at The Peacock at Owler Bar

For the first time, Santa will be swapping the sleigh for a cosy countryside setting at The Peacock at Owler Bar on Saturday 13 December and Saturday 20 December, from 8.00 am to 10.00 am. 

Just minutes from Sheffield yet surrounded by the striking moorland of the Peak District, the pub is perfectly placed for families who want a festive outing without travelling too far. Guests will sit down to a generous breakfast prepared by The Peacock’s kitchen team, featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients, including breakfast sausages from The Ginger Butchers in Bakewell and stacks of fluffy pancakes for younger guests who firmly believe syrup is a food group.

Once breakfast is finished, children will join Santa’s elves, Tinsel and Sprout, for festive crafts and activities before being led through to meet Father Christmas himself. Every child will have unhurried time with Santa, a chance to share their Christmas wishes, a photograph to take home and a hand-picked gift. Tickets are £25 per adult and £12.50 per child, including breakfast, activities and a gift.

Afternoon Tea with Santa at The Maynard

Just a short sleigh ride away, The Maynard will once again host its festive Afternoon Tea with Santa on the same dates, with sittings at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm. Guests can enjoy a beautifully presented festive afternoon tea featuring savoury winter sandwiches, pigs in blankets with brie and chutney, smoked salmon and cucumber on soft bloomer, and a selection of sweet treats including mini pavlovas, brownies and cranberry scones with clotted cream. A dedicated children’s menu and vegetarian and gluten free options ensure everyone can join the celebration.

After crafts and activities, Tinsel and Sprout will lead each family through to meet Santa for a warm and personal visit that has become a cherished tradition for many local families. Tickets are £25 per adult and £12.50 per child aged 12 and under.

Rob Hattersley, founder of Longbow Venues, said:

“Christmas is about small moments that become lasting memories - whether it is a child meeting Santa for the very first time or grown-ups rediscovering that sense of wonder. We put a huge amount of love and attention into these events because they genuinely mean a lot to us. The Peacock is the perfect place to start the day with a magical breakfast and The Maynard is made for those nostalgic afternoons. As for the Santa Index, let’s just say we take our festive standards very seriously.”

Santa Claus added:

“Ho ho ho! It fills my heart with joy to return to the Peak District again this Christmas. The children are so kind, the grown-ups so warm, and I hear there is an excellent supply of hot chocolate at both venues. I am very excited for breakfast at The Peacock and tea at The Maynard. I cannot wait to see all the little ones and hear what they are wishing for this year.”

Booking information

The Peacock at Owler Bar - Breakfast with Santa

13 and 20 December, 8.00 am to 10.00 am£25 adults | £12.50 children (12 and under) (including gift from Santa) Bookings via the event page, by emailing enjoymore@peacockowlerbar.com or calling 0114 303 7074.

The Maynard - Afternoon Tea with Santa

13 and 20 December, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm£25 adults | £12.50 children (12 and under) (including gift from Santa)Bookings via the event page, by emailing enjoymore@the-maynard.com or calling 01433 424 110.

Early booking is strongly recommended, as both events are expected to sell out quickly.