At Peak Edge, Three Award Nominations Reflect A Broader Ambition
Melissa Emily Photography
Peak Edge Earns Triple Recognition
Peak Edge Hotel is celebrating a triple awards shortlisting, continuing an extraordinary year of national and regional recognition for the family-owned hotel on the edge of the Peak District.
T he four-star hotel has been named a finalist in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award at the 2027 Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards – Derbyshire, while its 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant is shortlisted for Taste of Derbyshire – Restaurant. Peak Edge has also reached the regional finals of The Wedding Industry Awards 2027 in the Venue (Hotel) category, with the regional awards ceremony taking place in November.
The three nominations come just four months after Peak Edge was awarded Silver in the Small Hotel of the Year category at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026, placing it among the finest hotels in England.
That national achievement followed Gold in the Hotel of the Year category and Bronze in Accessible and Inclusive Tourism at the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards. The hotel has also been admitted to the Michelin Guide, achieved an AA Quality Score of 85% and received Bronze accreditation from Green Tourism.
For owner and entrepreneur Steve Perez, the latest recognition reflects the continued investment in a business with deep family roots.
“To receive three nominations across two prestigious awards programmes, especially after everything we’ve achieved over the past year, is absolutely fantastic,” said Steve.
“What’s pleasing is that they recognise three very different aspects of our business. Whether someone is joining us for dinner, staying overnight or trusting us with one of the most important days of their lives, we want them to have the best experience. We’ve invested enormously in Peak Edge, but it’s our people who really make the difference. These nominations are a wonderful reflection of their hard work and dedication.”
The Accessible and Inclusive Tourism nomination reflects Peak Edge’s commitment to ensuring that guests with different needs can enjoy everything the hotel has to offer.
While the modern hotel was designed with accessibility in mind, the adjoining Red Lion Restaurant dates back to 1788, presenting the challenges associated with adapting a historic building. Rather than allowing its heritage to become a barrier, Peak Edge has invested in practical solutions, including accessible bedrooms with spacious layouts and wet rooms, dedicated parking, step-free access throughout the hotel and lifts serving all floors.
A particularly innovative feature is a discreet platform lift connecting the hotel with the historic Red Lion Restaurant, helping guests with mobility requirements move more easily between the two buildings without compromising the character of the original coaching inn.
The hotel’s approach extends beyond physical facilities, with flexible dining arrangements, personalised assistance and detailed accessibility information available online to help guests plan their visits with confidence.
Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Peak Edge Hotel, said:
“Accessibility isn’t simply about ticking boxes or meeting a set of minimum requirements. It’s about understanding that every guest is different and making sure people feel welcome, comfortable and supported. With a historic property like ours, there are inevitably challenges, but we’ve worked hard to find solutions that preserve the character of the building while making it easier for more people to enjoy.
“Having previously received Bronze for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism, we’re so pleased to be shortlisted again. It reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience we offer.”
The Red Lion Restaurant’s nomination for Taste of Derbyshire – Restaurant celebrates a dining experience built around exceptional British food, warm hospitality and a genuine connection between farm and plate. Unlike many restaurants, The Red Lion benefits from its close relationship with Walton Lodge Farm, the Perez family’s 360-acre, Red Tractor-certified working farm just a few minutes away. The estate supplies beef, pork, lamb, free-range eggs, honey and seasonal produce directly to the restaurant, allowing chefs to create menus with provenance while reducing food miles.
The restaurant, which welcomes approximately 38,000 diners annually, has continued to develop its offering with the introduction of a daily brunch menu, expanded afternoon teas, seasonal dining experiences and a bespoke walk-in wine cellar designed by Sorrells, whose previous work includes The Ritz and The Dorchester. Its commitment to quality has already earned two AA Rosettes, admission to the Michelin Guide and Silver in the Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award – Restaurants in 2026.
The latest nomination coincides with a significant milestone in The Red Lion’s history. Steve’s father, Santiago Perez, purchased and restored The Red Lion in 1966, and Steve returned the property to family ownership in 2017.
To mark 60 years since Santiago first reopened the historic coaching inn, Peak Edge is hosting a special anniversary celebration on Saturday 31 October 2026, bringing together guests past and present for an evening of food, music and nostalgia.
The event, entitled Celebrate Six Decades of Exceptional Hospitality, will begin with arrival drinks and canapés, followed by a three-course dinner inspired by classic flavours and live music from The Beat 45’s, performing hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Tickets are priced at £60 per person, with guests encouraged to embrace a touch of 1960s style for the occasion.
Steve added:
The Red Lion has been part of our family story for 60 years, so to see it named among Derbyshire’s best restaurants means a tremendous amount. My father first brought the pub into the family in 1966, and to be celebrating that anniversary alongside this latest achievement makes it all the more meaningful.
“Our farm-to-fork approach is something we’re incredibly passionate about. We know exactly where so much of our produce comes from because we rear and grow it ourselves, just a few minutes down the road. That connection between the farm, the kitchen and the plate is what makes The Red Lion special, and it’s wonderful to see the team’s dedication recognised.”
Peak Edge’s third nomination, in The Wedding Industry Awards’ Venue (Hotel) category, recognises another important part of the hotel’s offering. Set against the backdrop of the Derbyshire countryside, Peak Edge has established itself as a sought-after wedding destination, combining its historic setting, elegant accommodation and award-winning dining with a personalised approach to celebrations.
The regional winners of The Wedding Industry Awards will be announced in November, while the Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards ceremony takes place on 10th March 2027 at Crowne Plaza Nottingham. The tourism awards celebrate outstanding businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, with finalists progressing through further independent judging, including mystery visits. Gold winners in eligible categories will have the opportunity to compete at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Mark concluded:
“It’s been an amazing year for Peak Edge, and these latest nominations are another wonderful boost for the whole team. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, but we’re certainly not standing still. There’s always more we can do, whether that’s improving our facilities, developing our menus or finding new ways to make guests feel welcome.
“For a family-owned Derbyshire hotel to be competing at this level across three very different categories is something we’re all incredibly proud of.”
