The Peacock at Rowsley

We visiting the Peacock both to stay and to dine over nearly five decades. Under the ownership of Haddon Hall, and the terrific kitchen and front of house staff, the food was, in the words of the late food critic Michael Winner, Historic! An evcer changing choice menu cooked to better than Michelin star levels and with a great alternative bar menu of much better than average pub grub. Since being taken over, some changes have occurred and, sadly, not all quite for the better. The place has been given a very sympathetic makeover and the loyal staff are as warmly welcoming and wonderful as ever with nothing being too much trouble. In the tastefully redecorated restaurant the ambience is great although the over-music maybe a touch too loud at times. The menu has seen some changes. To start with, the bar choices have completely gone which has ruled out a host of deliciously well priced meals popular with many. The three or six course menu still offers choices with the single concession of a steak replacing the former bar choices. Having dined a few times since the change-over, it would seem that the choices are more fixed now which offers less variety to those choosing to stay for a few nights. One outstanding feature of the Peacock meals in the past has always been the amazing and greatly varied canapes presented free (obviously costed into the whole meal)with our pre-dinner drinks. Stupendous variety, flavour and creativity that merited an outstanding award on their own! Now, one has to choose these at an extra £5.00 each and we are not so sure if the chef's have been told to keep it simpler and probably cheaper. Bread is now a single offering of two slices of treacle or sourdough only per two diners. The wine list is OK. Different to the previous list and some favourite but more unusual wines are no longer available (such as delicious plum Saki so good as a lighter port alternative with after dinner cheese). The once terrific choice of cheese menu is no more and guests are presented with three or four, take it or leave it, cheeses After dinner drinks are also a bit odd. No Irish Whisky or choice of Grappas as in the old days and if you want brandy it's either cheap Spanish stuff or very a dear cognac at £37.00 a shot. Would we go again? Certainly, but maybe less often to stay or dine as a couple of nights stay more or less exhausted our food preferences on this menu which is likely to be in place over a longer period. Dining at the Peacock seems to have become more corporate management instructed than individually and fantastically creative. We know it's difficult times for the industry but surely it is better to reach for the stars than just sink into the average. The Peacock, after all, has a brilliant and unsurpassed plumage!!

A gem of a hotel in the lovely Peak District. Suite fantastic, bathroom fantastic as for the shower very much so!! Stayed overnight on Sunday, dinner was very good, had the sirloin with all the trimmings, perfectly cooked. The wall garden open to residents is such a wonderful peaceful space, very relaxing. Great breakfast too. The service at the Peacock was excellent. A special mention to Lee in the restaurant. Highly recommend this hotel.

Exactly what I wanted, what I have expected hearing from my family who have stayed there previously so it was great to have a relaxing time with great service and food

I stayed at The Peacock in June 2025, it was the final stop on a 2 week European road trip that had taken me to and seen me stop at top class establishments in Koblenz, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg and Lièges. Without question, The Peacock was the top pick. Here’s why… 1. On arrival I drove into a large, out of the way white gravelled car park. Someone had obviously thought about its design. Spacious enough so that people won’t dink their expensive cars because they can park a reasonable distance from each other, yet small enough to feel like an exclusive overnight guest. Nice. 2. After checking in I wasn’t handed my key and given directions, I was instead shown to my room by a member of staff. My room door was opened for me and the room had been pre-prepared for my arrival - a soft light was on, as was a quiet DAB radio providing classical background music. Nice. Forward planning in evidence again. 3. Attention to detail. I was asked if I’d like a morning paper and alarm call. Would I like help carrying my luggage in? Everything was meticulously arranged. Items lined up. There was symmetry. Colours were coordinated. The furniture was expensive and in excellent condition. The temperature was perfect. The smell was pleasing. The staff were charming and in uniform. The dining rooms were beautiful. The plates were heavy. The cutlery was spotless. The wine glasses were delicate. Even the books on the shelves were spot on, hardbacks, and good ones… My point is, to achieve this level of excellence takes a lot of planning, carefully thought out and executed with precision over time. 4. My evening meal was superb. Quality ingredients that complemented each other creating dishes that worked. An excellent wine list too. The place I stayed at in Strasbourg had a Michelin star. The Peacock was better. I could go on, but you get my drift. The Peacock at Rowsley is the perfect example of a place that has got it right.

This is a very special hotel with some of the best service we have ever had. The hotel is beautifully furnished in comfortable country style with attention to the smallest details. The rooms are extremely comfortable. Food in the dining room is excellent, a really good selection and just delicious. And a fantastic breakfast. Combine all of this with just the most beautiful setting in the heart of the Peak District and this place is hard to beat. But it’s the excellent staff who are superbly trained that really makes the experience so good. I can’t recommend enough. Thank you to all at The Peacock for making our stay so very lovely.

A fantastic hotel in Rowsley with really brilliant team of staff who are so friendly, and professional especially as I had to change my booking due to circumstances. Hilary dealt with the situation perfectly. You felt important as a guest and we used the Peacock as a base for a Fly Fishing Course, led by Steve, which was a truly brilliant day. Five minutes from Bakewell and a range of shopping outlets. Food was exceptional, though no longer able to eat in the bar. We will be returning!