Following some exciting changes, The Peacock at Rowsley is heading into summer with Saturday tasting menus, live music in the gardens and a growing reputation as one of the Peaks’ standout dining spots…
Set within a striking historic building dating back to 1652, The Peacock at Rowsley has long been regarded as one of the Peak’s most elegant countryside escapes. Now, with some key new members on board and a renewed focus on relaxed fine dining, the venue has an exciting summer offering lined up.
At the centre of that evolution is Head Chef Simon Harrison, who joined the kitchen six months ago and has already shaped a menu that celebrates the changing seasons and the abundance of produce found across the UK’s first national park.
“This is one of my favourite times of year in the kitchen,” says Simon. “The change in season brings such an exciting variety of produce and it really inspires the way we create each dish. One ingredient I always look forward to is wild garlic – we’re lucky enough to have it growing in our own gardens and its freshness and vibrancy make it a real highlight across the menu.
“There’s also something very special about the desserts at the moment. They feel lighter, more expressive and full of flavour. You will have to come in and see for yourself.
“For me, this season is all about celebrating what’s growing around us and letting those ingredients really shine.”
That connection to the landscape surrounding The Peacock runs throughout the dining experience. Guests can expect thoughtfully prepared dishes that place seasonal ingredients front and centre, whether dining from the evening menu during the week or settling in for the venue’s increasingly popular Saturday evening tasting menu.
Alongside the kitchen’s growing reputation, the wider venue has also undergone a noticeable shift over the past year. A new General Manager, Catherine Koch, joined nine months ago, helping build a close-knit and energised team reflected in the profusion of five-star reviews posted online.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the menus, especially the Saturday evening tasting menus and updated wine pairing,” Catherine told Exposed. “The menu showcases both creativity and harmony in every pairing – a true reflection of what we strive for here. It’s the perfect time of year for a visit too. Our gardens are looking exceptionally beautiful, making them the ideal setting to enjoy the snacks and a glass of Henners in the sunshine.”
Versatility is a major part of the venue’s appeal. Alongside tasting menus, guests can also enjoy lunch and sandwich options, afternoon tea and private dining spaces for a range of gatherings.
This summer, however, it is the gardens that are expected to become the real centrepiece.
From 21 June, The Peacock will once again host live music sessions outdoors following the success of last year’s events. Running on Sunday afternoons from 2pm until 4pm, the sessions are designed to offer visitors a laidback way to enjoy the summer sun with food, drinks and live entertainment.
The events first launched last August and proved popular enough for the team to expand them into a bigger summer programme for 2026. Inspired originally by English Wine Week celebrations, the sessions are intended to make the most of The Peacock’s picturesque outdoor setting and encourage guests to linger a little longer over lunch or drinks in the garden.
For Sheffielders looking to escape the city for an afternoon, it is an easy proposition to get behind: beautiful scenery, live music drifting across the lawns and one of the region’s most ambitious kitchens serving seasonal food – all just a short drive away from the city centre.
In fact, we may have just discovered the ultimate summer Peak District hangout.
