Perched on the edge of the Peak District, The Peacock at Owler Bar has always been a striking spot. With rolling countryside views, historic bones and a prime location bridging Sheffield and the Peaks, it’s long had the makings of a destination pub. But until recently, it had slipped into decline. Enter Longbow Venues Group founder Rob Hattersley, who took it on at the end of last year and gave it a fresh lease of life.
“We completed on it in November, and we turned it around in two and a half weeks with a £400,000 investment,” Rob recalls. “We wanted to be open for the December trade, so we’d been working behind the scenes for months. As soon as we completed, we were ready to go.”
The focus was transformation without losing heritage. “It’s the most amazing listed building,” Rob says. “It had become a run-down chain pub, but it deserved better. We wanted it to have a sense of everyday luxury. Somewhere you can come in with walking boots and the dog, but also feel like it’s a step up from a standard pub. We’ve used lovely fabrics, wallpapers, fixed seating, light fittings – we’ve really transformed it into a very beautiful pub.”
At the heart of the Peacock is the food, which elevates classic pub dishes while catering for all diets. “We’ve looked at the staples people expect from a pub, but raised the game,” Rob explains. “Take our pies – the pastry is all handmade, the meat is top quality. Our fish and chips use gluten free batter and gluten free beer. I’m coeliac myself, so I know how hard it is to go out and get a proper meal without being limited to a couple of options. At the Peacock, 95% of the main menu is gluten free.”
There’s imagination woven through the dishes too. “We wanted to do a Scotch egg but make it different. So we’ve done them with pork and chorizo, or Indian-inspired spices. Everything’s cooked fresh, so we can be adaptable to any dietary requirement.”
The drinks list keeps things rooted in Sheffield and the Peaks. “We’ve got local breweries like Thornbridge, Kelham Island and Abbeydale on the pumps, wines from Hattersley Wines in Bakewell, coffee from Sheffield’s Cafeology,” Rob says. “It’s about supporting the local economy and building proper relationships with suppliers.”
With its position just outside the city and at the gateway to the Peaks, The Peacock has fast become a hub for walkers, ramblers and day-trippers. “There are so many incredible walks on the doorstep,” says Rob. “It’s perfect for people to park up, go out for a walk and come back for something to eat. What we didn’t anticipate was how much it’s become a meeting spot – people come from Sheffield, Chesterfield and the Peak District villages to meet in the middle for lunch.”
Heritage is central to Longbow’s ethos, and The Peacock at Owler Bar is no exception. “It’s a listed building built by the Duke of Rutland, originally a traveller’s rest,” Rob explains. “It’s always been an inn or pub, and we wanted to keep that alive. We’d never go into a new build – it’s about keeping the character and history of these places intact.”
So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “People say it feels fresh, modern, different to anywhere else in the area,” Rob says. “Some might notice it’s a little more expensive than before, but we’re using the best local produce and everything is cooked fresh – the quality reflects the price. And we’re conscious about keeping it accessible too, with deals like fish Fridays, kids eat free and our new loyalty scheme.” That loyalty programme runs across the Longbow estate, giving customers points back for every pound spent. “It’s a way of saying thank you and giving something back to the people who support us,” says Rob.
With its mix of history, elevated food, local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for ramblers, families and locals alike, The Peacock is already proving itself as one of Sheffield’s brightest revived pubs. “It’s all about creating somewhere beautiful that people want to come back to,” Rob reflects. “And I think we’ve done that here.”
visit peacockowlerbar.com for more information
