Peak Edge Hotel wins Gold at Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards 2026 - as strong year continues for Derbyshire venue
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 21 March 2026
UPDATED: 23 March 2026
Peak Edge Hotel has been awarded Gold for Hotel of the Year at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards 2026, announced on Wednesday (18 March) at a ceremony held at Derby County Football Club.
The four-star, family-owned hotel, located on the edge of the Peak District, was also recognised across two further categories, taking Silver for Taste of the Peak District - Restaurant of the Year for its 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant, and Bronze in the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award.
The wins cap what has already been a standout year for Peak Edge, with the hotel continuing to perform strongly despite well-documented challenges across the UK hospitality sector.
Earlier this year, Peak Edge achieved an AA Quality Score of 85% following its latest inspection - a level typically associated with five-star hotels and placing it among the strongest-performing four-star hotels in the country.
The hotel has also reported growth across rooms, food, beverage and events over the past year, bucking wider industry trends through its focus on experience-led stays, food quality and personal service.
Owned by Steve Perez and set within the Derbyshire countryside, Peak Edge has built a strong reputation for its blend of laid-back luxury, heartfelt hospitality and farm-to-fork dining, with much of its produce sourced directly from Walton Lodge Farm, the owner’s nearby 360-acre estate.
Speaking about the win, Steve Perez, Owner of Peak Edge Hotel, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to have won Gold for Hotel of the Year. This means a huge amount to us as a family-owned business. Everything we do at Peak Edge is about creating a genuine, welcoming experience for our guests, so to be recognised in this way, alongside awards for our restaurant and accessibility, is incredibly special.
“It’s a real credit to our team, who care deeply about what they do every single day.”
The Red Lion Restaurant, which secured Silver in the Taste of the Peak District category, continues to grow its reputation for ingredient-led, seasonal dining. With 2 AA Rosettes and a strong focus on provenance, the restaurant showcases produce from Walton Lodge Farm, offering guests a true taste of Derbyshire.
Over the past year, Peak Edge has continued to invest in its guest experience, including the launch of a first-of-its-kind immersive wine cellar in the Peak District, new experience-led packages including ebike tours and golf packages, additional helicopter landing pads, and an expanded premium alcohol-free drinks offering in response to changing guest preferences.
The Bronze award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism reflects ongoing improvements across the hotel, including step-free access, accessible facilities and a continued commitment to inclusive hospitality.
Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel, added:
“These awards are a reflection of the direction we’ve been working towards over the past few years - focusing on quality, consistency and experience.
“We want Peak Edge to feel relaxed but exceptional, whether someone is joining us for a weekend stay, a celebration meal or a midweek escape. To be recognised across three categories, in what has already been a strong year for the business, is a fantastic moment for the whole team.”
The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards celebrate excellence across the region’s visitor economy, recognising businesses that deliver outstanding experiences, innovation and customer service.
Peak Edge Hotel’s Gold win now sees it progress to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, where it will represent the region on a national stage.
