Managing director Rob Hattersley, working for a brewery-owned venue, enjoys the hottest summer for years and record profits. Until a deluge washes out the whole of September. Company bosses ask Rob to make job cuts and then rehire a team in time for Christmas where he can then "Work on building your reputation back up." This is the straw that breaks an overworked camel's back and Rob decides he's out. He just needs to figure out his next move.

Rob confides in fellow colleague and friend Stephen Atkinson that he's ready to escape corporate hospitality and set up something new. Many discussions are had in secret. Originally, The Robin Hood in Baslow was a potential first site so the name 'Longbow' was created. Rob registers Longbow Bars & Restaurants as a company in the summer of 2019 and then sells his house, takes out loans and maximises credit cards ready to take on his first project - The Maynard.

The Maynard opens in February 2020, then 6 weeks later is closed due to the pandemic. A turbulent year almost results in bankruptcy but the team pull together to make takeaways in lockdown, create 2 new bedrooms, refurb existing bedrooms ready for the first staycation boom. In November the Peak District is put into Tier 3 and we're back in lockdown. Rob lobbies local politicians to help the hospitality industry, worrying for the future.

We were locked down for the first quarter so created 9 new bedrooms at The Maynard. We were fully booked on being able to reopen with international travel banned. The opportunity to take on The George Hathersage came up. It was a risk but Rob and Steve decided to go for it, knowing they’d regret it if not. The George reopened in September following a £400,000 refurbishment. It’s busy and bustling 7 nights a week and loved by locals.

2022 is about getting back on our feet after the pandemic. The George enjoys a courtyard refurb and we win a fair few awards.

On Christmas Day, we decide that in the future we aren't working it anymore. Rob wants the whole team to make memories with their families and so another commitment to put people over profits is put in place.

The Maynard gets a restaurant refurbishment and an outdoor dining space is created. The head office team expands to help grow the business and by the summer a new venue is announced. The Ashford Arms runs into a few structural teething issues and work takes longer than expected.

In October 2023 The George is completely flooded. The damage is too extensive and everyone is devastated when it has to close. Everyone keeps their jobs and the teams work harder to make The Maynard a success over the festive period, while also working on the opening plans for The Ashford Arms.

The Ashford Arms opens and is a roaring success! A launch party with the Grumpah Band is a lot of fun and Rob gives away far too many free drinks (but nobody seems to mind!).

The Ashford Arms smashes all company records for sales in its first month and we get the amazing news that work on The George can be finalised and reopen in late spring.

A new, fourth venue is possibly on the horizon...