Longbow Bars takes on shuttered site

Longbow Bars & Restaurants, the Peak District-based business led by Rob Hattersley, has taken the lease of The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water.

The pub didn’t survive the pandemic and has been closed for the past three years. Hattersley has now begun a £1.5m refurbishment with Star Pubs & Bars, with the ground floor, hotel bedrooms, gardens and kitchen undergoing a complete transformation.

Due to open early next year, The Ashford Arms is Longbow's third venue, joining The George in Hathersage and The Maynard in Grindleford, the latter of which Hattersley managed to fund following the sale of his house.

"The Ashford Arms will look strikingly different as it undergoes necessary structural work and a complete redesign of the restaurant, bar and nine hotel bedrooms,” he says. "As with our other two venues, we will be offering a premium pub experience that ticks all of the boxes; whether visiting the Peak District as a tourist, seeking a pint with friends, a romantic date night by the fire or a lively gathering with loved ones."

The restaurant at The Ashford Arms will cater for 107 diners, with Raymond Blanc-trained executive chef Adrian Gagea designing the menu, and Westside and Southside’s Young Chef of the Year Chris Parker stepping up as head chef. Longbow’s Josh Butler, who was awarded the Visit Derbyshire and Peak District Young Tourism Hero Award 2023 will lead the venue as general manager.

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