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Two of Derbyshire’s leading hospitality destinations have been shortlisted for some of the region’s biggest food, drink and hospitality awards following what has already been a landmark year for both businesses.

Peak Edge Hotel and Cocina Restaurant at Casa Hotel, both owned by Derbyshire entrepreneur Steve Perez, have secured four finalist places at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026, which take place in Birmingham on 22^nd June.

Peak Edge Hotel, the luxury four-star hotel on the edge of the Peak District, has been shortlisted for:

• Boutique Hotel of the Year
• Hotel of the Year
• Gastro Pub of the Year for its 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant

Meanwhile, Cocina in Chesterfield has been shortlisted for Steakhouse of the Year.

Adding to the celebrations, both Peak Edge Hotel and Cocina have recently been admitted to the prestigious Michelin Guide, placing them among a select group of Derbyshire hospitality businesses recognised by one of the world’s most respected restaurant and hotel guides.

The recognition continues an exceptional run for Peak Edge Hotel, which will be representing the Peak District at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence after winning Gold in the Hotel of the Year category at the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards earlier this year.

Peak Edge achieved an AA Quality Score of 85% during its latest inspection, placing the independent hotel firmly within five-star territory for quality and guest experience.

Cocina has also enjoyed a standout year, continuing to strengthen its reputation as one of Derbyshire’s leading steak and farm-to-fork dining destinations.

The restaurant recently became the only venue in Derbyshire to feature both a specialist DRY AGER® cabinet and charcoal-fired Josper Grill, allowing chefs to dry age carefully selected cuts of beef on site before cooking them over fire.

The investment has deepened Cocina’s connection to Walton Lodge Farm Estate, Steve Perez’s nearby 360-acre family farm, where Belted Galloway and Highland cattle, Dorset sheep, Berkshire pigs, free-range chickens and bees producing honey for the kitchens are all reared.

Much of the beef served at Cocina comes directly from the estate, which is also Steve Perez’s family home and where his son works full time alongside farm manager Craig Ellis.

The restaurant’s signature steaks have become its best-selling dishes over the past 15 years, with guests travelling from across the region to experience premium dry-aged cuts including ribeye, fillet, sirloin, bavette and sharing steaks cooked over charcoal.

Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel, said:

“These shortlistings are a huge moment for both venues and a real reflection of the incredible work our teams put in every single day.

“We’ve always focused on quality and experience, whether that’s creating memorable stays, exceptional food or warm, genuine hospitality. To see that recognised across multiple categories is incredibly rewarding.

“The food side of the business has been especially exciting this year. We’ve continued investing heavily in provenance, quality ingredients and unique dining experiences. The Dry Ager investment at Cocina is a perfect example of that commitment.

“We’re in a rare position where we know exactly where our beef comes from, the field it grazed in and the people who raised it. That connection between farm and restaurant is something very special.”

Steve Perez added:

“Hospitality is ultimately about people and passion. These awards recognise the hard work happening behind the scenes across both venues, from the kitchen teams and front of house staff through to the people working on the farm.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Peak Edge and Cocina recognised alongside some of the Midlands’ best hospitality businesses.”

Supporters of both venues are now also being encouraged to cast their votes following the shortlist announcement, with public voting officially open as part of the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards judging process. The link to the voting page is here: mfdhawards.co.uk/vote-now.

While winners will ultimately be decided by an independent judging panel based on the strength of applications, testimonials and supporting evidence, public votes will also contribute towards the final results.

Mark added:

“We’re grateful for the support both venues receive from guests throughout the year, so to have the public involved in the awards process as well is really special.

“These awards celebrate hospitality at its best and recognition like this means a huge amount to our teams.”

The Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards celebrate outstanding hospitality businesses and individuals from across the region. This year’s awards feature 223 finalists across 32 categories.