Longbow Bars and Restaurants Ltd is a hospitality company which runs three historic pub hotels in the Derbyshire Dales. A Business Development Grant of £23,070 from Derbyshire Dales District Council enabled the purchase of kitchen equipment for the Ashford Arms at Ashford in the Water prior to its reopening in March 2024.
The independently owned company, founded by local Rob Hattersley, took on the lease of the historic 17th century Ashford Arms in 2023. The property had sat empty for 4 years and following a £1.6m refurbishment the doors have now reopened to offer bars, a restaurant and nine boutique hotel bedrooms – with riverside gardens and eating out areas. The pub is once again an integral part of the community and attracts local residents and visitors to enjoy its hospitality.
The Business Development Grant enabled the company to invest in specialised kitchen equipment essential for handling high volumes of customers efficiently. With the grant, they were able to enhance the kitchen's capabilities to prepare and serve premium quality, fresh meals sourced from local suppliers.
Robert Hattersley (Founder/Managing Director) says:
The kitchen grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council has truly transformed our operations at The Ashford Arms. It has provided us with the essential resources and specialist equipment needed to cope with the high demand of customers that the venue has seen. This support has allowed us to consistently deliver high-quality, fresh dishes sourced from our wonderful suppliers, enriching the experience for both our team and our patrons.
| Total Project Cost | Grant Received | Outputs |
| £46,141 | £23,070 | Increased Turnover, 6 New Jobs, Improved Productivity |
This grant was awarded by Derbyshire Dales District Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
