Famous Peak District wedding venue re-opens creating 30 new jobs

The Maynard Arms in Grindleford has had a £70,000 revamp to modernise the ballroom, restaurant, bar and garden.

Work is also underway to convert a disused function room into a new bridal suite and an additional bedroom, bringing the total number to 12. It is expected to be complete in mid-March.

Some 30 staff have been hired, with an additional 10 part-timers expected in summer.

The Maynard, which dates from the 1900s, closed in October when the family who had run it for 60 years retired.

Robert Hattersley took it over.

He said: “I knew I wanted to eventually have my own project in the Peak District. I grew up in the area and my parents owned a restaurant in Bakewell, so I always hoped I’d return some day.

“When the Maynard Arms became available, I decided to use my 15 years’ experience in hospitality to take it over.

“It’s such a beautiful building with so much character and it’s surrounded by amazing walks – the interior only needed modernising. We’re really pleased with the work that’s been done so far, particularly in the restaurant, and we’d like to thank NatWest for its support throughout.”

The funding was managed by NatWest relationship manager, George Foster and BHP LLP Chartered Accountants.

Mr Foster said: “Rob has extensive experience working in the hospitality industry and in the short time he’s managed the Maynard Arms, he’s really up-scaled the venue. I’m looking forward to seeing the hotel fully completed