Peak District hotel and fine dining restaurant reopens under new ownership

A luxury hotel and fine dining restaurant in the Peak District which has a history dating back to 1652 has reopened under new ownership. This follows a major investment to improve the historic venue. 

The Peacock at Rowsley, which has four Silver AA Stars and three AA Rosettes to its name, has now reopened. An investment of £500,000 has been made to improve the ground floor areas and dining offering. This involved retraining and recruitment of new chefs, alongside upgrades to the kitchen, bar, restaurant and lounge areas.

Under the continued leadership of head chef Dan Smith, The Peacock at Rowsley presents menus designed to celebrate seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the nearby Haddon Estate. Smith, who has been at The Peacock for 18 years, trained under Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens and honed his skills at the two-Michelin-starred L'Ortolan in Berkshire.

"I'm incredibly proud to welcome guests back to The Peacock at Rowsley," he said. "For me, cooking has always been about bringing people together over exceptional food. 

"Our menus celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients, from locally sourced Haddon Estate venison to foraged wild garlic and the freshest seafood. 

"Each dish is designed to reflect the heritage of The Peacock while delivering a refined and unforgettable dining experience."

In January 2025, the custodianship of The Peacock at Rowsley passed from Rutland Hotels Ltd, owned by Lord Edward Manners, to Longbow Venues, an independent hospitality business. Recent updates were led by design firm Concorde BGW.

Rob Hattersley, managing director of Longbow Venues, said: "The Peacock at Rowsley has such an important place in the heart of the community. 

"We've worked hard to ensure that the venue remains just as beautiful and welcoming, while giving it a fresh new feel. Guests will experience a space that is both timeless and inviting, with every detail thoughtfully considered."

Leading The Peacock's is general manager Róbert Ciulinaru, whose experience includes Michelin-starred Alchemilla in Nottingham and Grantley Hall in Yorkshire."

I am honored to join The Peacock at Rowsley, a venue with such rich history and character," said Ciulinaru. "Our team is dedicated to enhancing every facet of the guest experience, ensuring that each visit is memorable. 

"We eagerly look forward to welcoming both returning and new guests to our beautifully refreshed hotel and restaurant."