Tom Lawson and Alistair Myers.Tom Lawson and Alistair Myers.
Tom Lawson and Alistair Myers.

Take a look inside the Peak District’s newest boutique hotel that would be ideal for a summer staycation

Nestled in one of the Peak Districts most picturesque villages is one of the national park’s newest boutique hotels – and the owners are promising “first class food”.

But that is to be expected as the owners are none other than Alistair Myers and Tom Lawson of Sheffield’s Rafters Restaurant.

The duo who took over the Sheffield restaurant in 2013, decided to take on a new project and have renovated The Riverside House Hotel in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, alongside partners John and Alexandra Hill.

Now Rafters at Riverside House it has 14 bedrooms, restaurant and bar, and staff “pride themselves on delivering first class food, service and hospitality.”

Speaking about the soft launch of the hotel which happened just a few days before the second national lockdown Alistair, aged 36, said: “The soft launch was amazing, the people who came loved it.

"Not only is the interior now stunning we really focus on the customer.

“We have owned Rafters for seven years now and it has been great, it is a really solid business.

"We wanted to travel into Derbyshire and this hotel is in a beautiful setting.

“We are providing a similar style of cuisine and service as Rafters at the hotel. We aim to emulate the same style here.”

It took eight weeks to give the hotel a “full refurbishment”, improvements included putting in a cocktail/ wine bar and “lightening up” the restaurant.

Speaking about the second lockdown and its impact on the hotel Alistair added: “It is what it is, we are taking the time to make ourselves even better and perfect the running of the hotel.

"It’s our chance to tidy up any details so that we are ready for December.”

They are also looking forward to hosting weddings “when Covid” allows.

Alistair said: “We want it to be an exclusive wedding venue, the dining room can seat 30 and they can have their wedding breakfast and evening party here.

“We want to give the bride and groom the opportunity to take over the hotel.”

All of the rooms are booked to include dinner, bed and breakfast.

And, you can choose from a three-course dinner menu or our six-course tasting menu for the “full Rafters experience”.

At lunch they are offering a more laid back affair, with two-courses from £30 per person including a “delicious” traditional Sunday Lunch.

You can book a room for when the hotel reopens after the second lockdown ends on December 2 here.

The restaurant is also open to people who are not staying at the hotel.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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