Hotel and restaurant on the edge of the Peak District are named among the best in England after winning prestigious national awards
A restaurant and a hotel on the edge of the Peak District have been named among the best across the country after scooping prestigious industry awards.
Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout were among the tourism businesses from Derbyshire to be named among the best across the country – after achieving success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held at Aerospace Bristol on Wednesday, June 3, have celebrated the very best of England’s tourism industry for more than 35 years.
They recognise excellence across accommodation, attractions, accessibility, food and drink, visitor experiences and customer service.
Representing the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby on the national stage, local finalists achieved the following results:
Small Hotel of the Year – Silver – Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
Pub of the Year – Silver – The Tickled Trout, Barlow
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award – Gold – Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
Unsung Hero Award – Silver – Viv Smith, National Stone Centre
All four national finalists secured their place in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence after winning Gold at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards earlier this year.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “To achieve four national awards, including a Gold and three Silvers, is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the outstanding quality, innovation and customer service across the Peak District and Derbyshire.These results demonstrate the strength and diversity of our visitor economy.”
Steve Perez, owner of Peak Edge Hotel, said: “We are enormously proud of what the team has achieved. Hospitality is ultimately about people, and this award reflects the dedication, warmth and professionalism our team shows every day. As an independent Derbyshire business, it is particularly special to be representing the Peak District on a national stage and demonstrating the quality of hospitality experiences available here.”
Mark Thurman, managing director of Peak Edge Hotel, added: “This award recognises years of hard work and continual investment in the guest experience. We’ve focused on creating something that feels relaxed, welcoming and authentic, while still delivering exceptional quality. To achieve Silver at a national level is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 brought together finalists from 21 regional and local tourism competitions, with more than 1,800 tourism businesses entering local awards programmes across the country.
Tourism continues to play a vital role in the regional economy, contributing £2.58 billion annually to the Peak District and Derbyshire and supporting thousands of jobs across the area.
To discover more award-winning places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/2026/05/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/