Chesterfield bars

Relocation to Elder Way a recipe for success for Bottle &Thyme

Chesterfield’s award-winning bar and restaurant, Bottle & Thyme, is expanding to bigger premises in the town centre later this year.

The family-owned and run business will relocate from its current premises on Knifesmithgate, where it has been based since 2017, to the flagship corner unit in the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

The owner of Elder Way, Jomast, has agreed a 10-year lease on the 3,153 sq ft unit which also boasts an outdoor courtyard. The lease signing follows hot on the heels of the opening of Hotpod Yoga in Unit 7 of the prominent Elder Way regeneration scheme last month (April).

Bottle & Thyme is expected to relocate to the new site in August which will be triple the size of its current premises directly opposite Elder Way. Additional jobs will also be created at the business following the move.

In addition to the Elder Way unit, Bottle & Thyme owners Gavin and Hannah Grainger will also be retaining the Knifesmithgate premises following the move and have plans to develop it later in the year.

Excited to make the move, Gavin and Hannah said: “The new unit hugely increases the amount of space we currently have and gives us the opportunity to have separate areas for the bar, restaurant, and private functions, as well as outdoor space for dining and drinking.

“Chesterfield town centre does not have the type of venue that we will be creating at Elder Way. It’s a very exciting time. Having been based opposite Elder Way for seven years, we already know the location works well so to be able to move across the road into larger premises is excellent for us. I see what we are creating at Elder Way as a first step in our vision of a new leisure quarter for the town.”

Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director said: “I am delighted that Bottle & Thyme will become part of Elder Way. Hannah and Gavin share our vision to create a premier leisure and hospitality quarter in the heart of Chesterfield. Alongside Hotpod Yoga and Premier Inn our vision is coming to life and we are talking to a number of future potential tenants for this prestigious site.”

Work is now underway to transform both the frontage and interior of the unit as well as festoon light the outdoor courtyard area. Gavin added: “Although much larger, it’s important to us that we keep the feel of a smaller venue at Elder Way. We have many longstanding customers and we’re delighted the additional space means we will now be able to offer them everything we want to, as well as be dog friendly.”

The new private function area, known as The Glass Room, will cater for functions of up to 30 guests, Hannah explained: “Being located a short walk from the town hall, there is high demand for micro weddings. Word has already spread that we will be able to offer event space in the new unit at Elder Way and we have had a number of bookings.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see this family-run business go from strength to strength – building up a great following in the heart of Chesterfield, and now expanding into new, bigger premises on Elder Way, and expanding the size of their team. We wish Gavin and Hannah all the best in their new base – and also with their future plans for their existing building on Knifesmithgate.

“This is the second business to relocate to the redeveloped former Co-op building in recent months, and it’s great to see the momentum now building in this part of town. We look forward to welcoming more businesses to Elder Way in the future.

“It’s a fantastic and attractive town centre location, with the council’s recent investment elevating the space to create as key gateway into the heart of our historic town. This will link through to wider improvements across the town centre which are due to start in the summer, as part of our multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme which will create more welcoming and better connected to spaces in which to shop, socialise and enjoy local events.”

In addition to the transformation of the former Co-op department store into seven street-level units and a Premier Inn by Jomast, the area has been further boosted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s £1 million public realm improvement scheme.

In addition to the public realm improvements, Bottle & Thyme’s location on Knifesmithgate has enabled the business to benefit from the Premier Inn hotel located at Elder Way. Hannah added: “Some guests enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with us, with many returning to Bottle & Thyme every time they stay at the hotel. We’ve got to know many guests well over the years. The opening of Premier Inn on Elder Way in 2019 has and continues to make a positive impact on our business.”

Five units now remain available at Elder Way, with joint agents WSB Property and FHP reporting strong interest from a number of operators.

For enquiries or further information about the units, visit www.elderway.co.uk

For information and menus, visit  www.bottleandthyme.co.uk 

Planning to visit Chesterfield? Make the most of your trip by heading over to our visiting and events pages. 

For more information on locating your business in Chesterfield Town Centre, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Gavin and Hannah Grainger outside Elder Way

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Refurbishment completed at Chesterfield town centre pub

A pub in the heart of Chesterfield, sitting next to the town’s historic market has undergone a refurbishment, with owners saying the venue looks ‘unrecognisable’ from its previous layout.

The Crown and Cushion has been revamped and transformed in the space of just six days, with visitors giving rave reviews to the pub for its new look.

After changing the exterior with a new coat of paint and signage last year, work has now taken place to brighten up the interior of the pub too.

The pub has been brightened up with much lighter pastel colours used throughout, complemented by feminine fabrics and patterns and lots of on-trend foliage with graffiti that incorporates features from the magnificent history of the market town.

Managers of the Crown and Cushion, Gill and Diane told us: “It’s such an amazing pub, with so much history and deserves the love that has been put into it with this makeover. We’ve seen lots of new faces at our launch party as well as the regulars returning, and everyone is absolutely loving the pub and what the company have done with it!

Crown and Cushion-bar area

The owners are also looking forward to the year ahead, with further plans to host entertainment and fun for guests.

They added: “We’ve got loads of exciting plans coming for 2024, with some great entertainment. Fun and friendly is our vibe – and that’s what this year is going to be all about.

“Head to the Crown and Cushion to see the transformation, and be sure to say hi!”

To find out more about the pub, head over to the Crown and Cushion Facebook page.

With plenty of unique ways to create a memorable night out, there is something for everyone in Chesterfield – no matter what you enjoy. Check out our visiting page for some great ideas and activities in the town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Crown and Cushion interior

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Enjoy outdoor dining in Chesterfield’s picturesque pubs, bars and restaurants

Summer is a great time to enjoy quality time with loved ones, soaking up the sunshine with outdoor dining in a picturesque pub, bar, or restaurant.

Luckily here in Chesterfield, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying food & drink outdoors. From alfresco dining to brilliant beer gardens and cocktails on the terrace.

Whether you’re looking for delicious food, beautiful scenery, or a nice coffee and cake, our town has the perfect places for you.

To find out more about all the great activities and events in the local area this summer, check out our Summer in Chesterfield page! Meanwhile, remember to share the love on social media by telling us what you’ve been up to, using the hashtags #SummerInChesterfield and #LoveChesterfield!

Peak Edge Hotel

peak edge hotel wood fired pizza

The Peak Edge Hotel offers diners a luxury experience, set in the beautiful North Derbyshire countryside. The venue is sporting a new look, having recently replaced all its outdoor garden furniture.

There is also a new outdoor kitchen at the hotel, with a wood-fired pizza oven giving a true alfresco experience.

Complete with patio heaters and parasols, the hotel’s outdoor terraces can seat up to 60 people. In addition, the terraces overlook the iconic Peak District National Park, where visitors can often spot local wildlife such as deer.

Find out more at: https://www.peakedgehotel.co.uk/

Tickled Trout, Barlow

The Tickled Trout alfresco dining

Another picturesque restaurant set amongst the gorgeous North Derbyshire scenery is The Tickled Trout, Barlow. The restaurant has a small but perfectly-formed terrace, ideal for outdoor dining.

The terrace holds the sun all day, which is ideal for soaking up some rays with a nice cold beer or refreshing gin & tonic. The outdoor terrace benches also have parasols if you prefer the shade.

The full menu is served Tuesday-Saturday. In addition, The Tickled Trout serves its popular roast & pizza menu on Sundays.

Booking is recommended – reserve a table online at: www.tickledtroutbarlow.com

Chatsworth Kitchen

Chatsworth Kitchen

Located just five minutes from Chatsworth, Peak Village is in the charming village of Rowsley.

The restaurant is a relaxed and welcoming place to enjoy delicious seasonal dishes. What’s more, the food is sourced from the farms and gardens at Chatsworth.

Brunch and lunch options are included on the menu. You can also treat yourself to freshly baked cakes, expertly brewed coffee and a selection of cocktails, wines and local ales.

https://www.chatsworthkitchen.co.uk/

Dronfield Hall Barn

This hidden gem coffee shop in Dronfield, is delightful to meet family and friends enjoying outdoor dining in the courtyard or beautifully maintained gardens.

Treat yourself to a wide selection of drinks, with the barn’s famous fresh scones baked daily. Dronfield Hall Barn also offers light lunches, delightful afternoon teas, and tasty treats.

Furthermore, don’t forget to check out Dronfield Hall Barn’s special events, such as their popular Artisan and Makers Market where you can pick up some treats to take home with you too!

Find out more at: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/coffee-shop/

The Rose and Crown, Brampton

Rose And Crown outdoor

One of the Chesterfield pubs owned by the renowned Brampton Brewery, The Rose and Crown offers a fabulous range of local and guest drinks.

The pub has a spacious outdoor terrace at the front and rear, which also includes sheltered areas.

Find out more on the pub’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/roseandcrownbrampton/

DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park

Doubletree by Hilton Sheffield Park outdoor alfresco dining

Enjoy a relaxed outdoor atmosphere at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park.

The open patio and green space are equipped with comfortable furniture, so you can enjoy a chilled drink in the summer sun.

In the evening, guests can take in the sunset surrounded by twinkle lights and heaters. Order premium drinks and cocktails from the Lounge Bar you can even treat yourself to a delicious sharing platter too!

The Lounge Bar and patio area is open every evening throughout the week. Visit the website: www.doubletreesheffield.com for more information.

Hollingwood Hub at Chesterfield Canal

Hollingwood Hub

Those who have been for a walk or bike ride along Chesterfield Canal will know just what a gorgeous location it is! An ideal stop-off point is the Hollingwood Hub, where you’ll find Katey’s Coffee Shop.

Enjoy a range of fabulous homemade products and gorgeous scenery while out on your stroll. The menu includes drinks, sandwiches, light meals, ice creams and a selection of cakes. Perfect to replenish and refresh after all that exercise.

Find out more at: https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/off-the-water/hollingwood-hub-2/

Junction Bar

junction outdoor alfresco

Junction Bar, located on Chatsworth Road is heading into its 7th year of trading. It underwent an exciting facelift and rebrand in January.

Very much focused on drinks, they offer a light lunch menu during the week. In addition, guests can find pop-up food vendors on Thursday evenings throughout the summer.

Live music is also on show every Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Find out more at: www.junction-bar.co.uk.

Qoozies

Qoozies

Qoozies is all about good mood food in laid-back surroundings, including a seated outdoor dining area in the centre of Chesterfield.

Offering nutritious, yet delicious bites and drinks, their range of mouth-watering choices includes all day breakfasts, unique Qoozies burgers, loaded salad bowls, and sandwiches.

Furthermore, visitors can treat themselves to pancakes and house-baked sweet treats. And to keep you hydrated on a hot summer day, try their vitamin-packed smoothies, juices and milkshakes.

Find out more online at: https://qoozies.com/

Looking for more activities to make the most of your free time this summer? Head over to https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/ for more ideas and information.

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Popular Chesterfield venue reveals new name, look and menu in major revamp

A well-known Chesterfield bar and venue has undergone a major change with an entirely new name, brand and look – following an extensive refurbishment.

Formerly known as The County Music Bar, Gasoline is excited to be welcoming customers old and new to its revamped premises on Saltergate. The bar has now evolved into an American Style venue, offering a great range of food, music, sport and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Owners Phillip and Lauran Deacon have worked with their team for more than a year on the new look and feel for the venue, and hope to have created a friendly hub for people in Chesterfield and further afield to enjoy.

Phillip commented: “We wanted to create a venue that people could enjoy socially with friends. We developed the idea of an ‘American style’ bar which focuses on the social aspect of enjoying the company of friends and strangers, with multiple types of entertainment.

“We still support live music and will be launching a number of targeted events to help promote new and upcoming bands, as well as supporting local favourites with gigs. We have invested in the latest TVs and projection systems to be able to show a huge range of sporting events and films and also music related items.”

The new features don’t end there either, as Phillip confirmed a host of other games and activities to provide customers with fun and entertainment. He added: “We have arcade machines set up for friends to challenge each other, going back to the bygone age of gaming and enjoying the many retro titles we all grew up with.

“More traditionally. we have a pool table in its own dedicated area and also we have ‘smart’ darts which allow you to connect your smart phone to the board and play multiple fun versions of dart-related games.

“The ever-popular Jukebox provides millions of songs for customers to choose and can even be accessed from the comfort of their seat via smartphone. The atmosphere is relaxed, but we will be maintaining a very controlled and grown-up take on entertainment and environment. We are first and foremost and ‘American Bar,’ and our primary objective will always be the comfort and safety of our customers.”

Gasoline has also begun serving a fresh new menu of classic American dishes, with tacos and wings heading up everything from loaded nachos, loaded fries and even ‘Frickles’ (Fried Pickles). A range of vegan options are also available, including the “Philly Cheese Fake,” which has been a popular choice among guests since the bar’s relaunch.

gasoline bar food

For those brave enough, the bar is home to the “wings of regret” challenge, which requires participants to eat three blisteringly spicy hot wings in an allowed time, and then having to regret it for five minutes afterwards without relief from a drink. Those who complete the task win a gallon of beer for their table and a place on the ‘wall of flame.’

Phillip added that he hopes people in the town and beyond get behind the venture, and support Chesterfield’s independent food, drink and hospitality scene: “We believe it is hugely important that people support their local venues, but we also realised that we had to evolve to create something worth supporting.

“In this current adverse climate, we believe it’s important to give people value for money in terms of a day or night out. We can provide a great, fun environment which means your money feels like it’s going towards an experience. The community deserves exciting new businesses which will help to keep and attract the next generation to our town.

“Chesterfield has so much potential to thrive and grow. With great transport links, we can welcome visitors from outside of the area as well as local communities. We are excited to play our part in welcoming more people to the area.”

Find out more about Gasoline on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye out for the venue’s new website, which will be launching in the near future.

If you’re looking to find out more about visiting Chesterfield, from things to do with the family to great nights out, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

gasoline bar 1

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New bar specialising in craft beer and cocktails opens in Chesterfield town centre

A new bar has added to the bustling food and drink scene in Chesterfield Town Centre, owing its name to an historic bike shop which previously traded there.

Armisteads will provide customers with a ‘chilled and relaxed’ atmosphere, serving a range of cocktails and craft beers.

The bar has been opened by local residents Andy and Luke Waller, who are now fulfilling a long-held ambition to open a new bar in the town centre.

Bar Manager Luke explained: “The name Armisteads was inspired by the history of the venue. The building used to host a renowned bike shop in the early 1960’s called Armisteads and was where the majority of people in the town would get their first bikes, so it holds a lot of memories in the local area.”

The duo also have confidence in their local links with other businesses, which they believe will enable the business to thrive. Luke added: “We have strong personal and professional relationships with the brewers and distillers of the products that we stock on our beer lines and spirit shelves.

“Our colleagues have an outstanding knowledge of our product range including years of experience in shaking up some of the best cocktails in Chesterfield. Our colleagues are a friendly team who are always up for meeting new people whilst welcoming our new regulars.”

Together, Luke and Andy have built many strong friendships and relationships in Chesterfield and have strong links with Chesterfield Football Club. The pair say they are keen to show the people of Chesterfield what they have to offer. They are strong supporters of local businesses and wanted to extend that by introducing a venue of their own.

Luke said: “It’s really important for people who live in Chesterfield to support local businesses, as a town we need to stick together and build a positive reputation so that when people visit us, they see our heritage and the many great family businesses that are based here.

“Working together can only have a positive on the current plan to drive development in Chesterfield.”

Find out more about Armisteads on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

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New bar and coffee shop open in Chesterfield town centre

Chesterfield is welcoming yet another new addition to the historic town centre, with The Empire Bar & Coffee Shop opening up on St Mary’s Gate.

The new business offers a range of draught and bottled beer and cider, wine, fresh cocktails, fresh bean barista coffee and various hot and cold drinks.

It officially opened it’s doors at the beginning of June and is situated over two floors with an additional outside seating area.

All hot drinks can be made with plant based products including almond, soya, oat and coconut milk. The Hot Chocolate is also vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Offers throughout the week, paired with the ever-friendly welcome from owners Simon Chidlow and Carlton Francis make Empire a unique experience. Not only is Empire child and dog friendly until 6pm daily, but the accommodating hosts want everyone to feel welcomed and accepted, offering BSL (British Sign Language) for a number of its already growing customers.

The owners stated: “Whether you’re looking for entertainment for all ages, affordable drinks or a space to host a small gathering or your next corporate event in our comfy upstairs area, you can rest assured that Empire will always try to accommodate.”

Since opening, the pair have welcomed back customers on numerous occasions, which demonstrates the warm and friendly appeal that drew them in on their first visit. With owner Simon growing up in Chesterfield, he says: “After COVID, everyone is eager to get back to normality, and we are excited to provide a space where people feel comfortable to do so!

“Local businesses bring with them a support for developing the local area and ultimately in supporting them, our customers are continuing to drive development in Chesterfield.

“Our aim is to support and work together with local independent businesses to help us all make a success and thrive.

“We have teamed up with Totally Cheesecakes and Bakes based in Clay Cross to offer locally made individual cheesecakes and this is the beginning of the food options available to come in the near future.”

Information on the offers and entertainment available can be found on Google, or Facebook and Instagram under @barempirechesterfield.

There are so many great restaurants, coffee shops and tea rooms, pubs and bars – you’ll be spoilt for choice when eating out in Chesterfield. Find out more about the town’s unique food and drink offer here.

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More than 30 businesses choose Chesterfield town centre for their new home

More than 30 new businesses have opened in Chesterfield town centre in the last 12 months with six more due to open in the coming weeks.

The new businesses, which include Barkworthy Dog Emporium, Kooca, Chesterfield Escape Rooms and Boba Shack, show how the town is not standing still – and is in a strong position to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Cibo Bistro, Fat Pig BBQ, Little Dessert Shop, WiseGuys, and Snowflakes Desert Shop are all set to open imminently. Additionally, the Market Hall has welcomed four pop-up stores – Hobson’s Choice, Sparky’s Treats, The Little Ark, and Adelante Antiques. While the outdoor market has welcomed new traders, including Chris’s Fresh Fish, The Flower Girl, Tina’s Make & Mend, Soul Nuah Soapery, Marples Gifts, Lillie’s Cake Shed, Chocolate Elements, Slacknbaggy, Cakehole Bakehouse and Magesh.

Louise Spence, Bistro Supervisor and Coordinator at Cibo which will open later this month on Low Pavement, said: “We hope with the support of the people of Chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!

“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people.  We hope the kind people of Chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”

Praising the town, Anthony Foster is the owner of one of the new businesses which has opened in the last 12 months, Barkworthy Dog Emporium in Theatre Yard. He said: “It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do – set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

In addition to new businesses, since 2021 nine businesses have also expanded into larger premises in the town centre, these include Rebel, Pizza Pi, Vintage Tea Rooms, Bee-Orchid and Twelfth Craft.

Raj Dhir, owner of Rebel Menswear which expanded into a new larger unit on the corner of High Street and Packer’s Row in March added: “We believe in Chesterfield, and that’s why we are spending roughly £500,000 on the store. Chesterfield as a community and town centre has always supported us so it’s only right we invest back in the town centre and community. We believe the future of Chesterfield Town is bright and will only get brighter as more investment is made into the town centre.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great to welcome new businesses to Chesterfield town centre and celebrate those who are expanding and investing in our town. We’re making a significant investment across our town centre which will further boost business confidence by attracting more visitors and shoppers. Our town centre will be the go-to place to live, work, socialise and shop.”

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is due to open for business shortly – further boosting activity in the town centre.

The council also secured almost £20m of Levelling Up Funding to improve and regenerate key public spaces and improve the look, feel and flow of the town centre – while also refurbishing the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – as part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. The work is set to start in spring 2022 and be completed by 2025.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Chesterfield is a town of opportunity, and we have the partners and collaboration in place to drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment.”

New town centre businesses

  • Cawa Bakery – Lower Pavement
  • Cawa Bakery – ChesterfieldTrain Station
  • Alberts Jungerer Bruder – Stephenson Place
  • Boba Shack – Cavendish Street
  • Fireaway Pizza- Knifesmithgate
  • Barkworthy Dog Emporium – Theatre Yard
  • Kooca – Beetwell Street
  • Merkur Slots- Vicar Lane
  • Caprinos Pizza – West Bars
  • Brows – Lower Pavement
  • Bet Extra Casino – Lower Pavement
  • Coffee Co – Beetwell Street
  • The Lucky Magpie Salvage – Hollis Lane
  • The Hidden Knight – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Escape Rooms – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield VR – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Gamezone – Soresby Street
  • Imrans Diner – Cavendish Street
  • The Dirty Habit – Holywell Street

 

New Market Hall businesses

  • Adelante Antiques
  • Hobson’s Choice
  • Sparky’s Treats
  • The Little Ark

New market traders

  • Chris’s Fresh Fish
  • The Flower girl
  • Tina’s Make & Mend
  • Soul Nuah Soapery
  • Marples Gifts
  • Lillie’s Cake Shed
  • Chocolate Elements
  • SlacknBaggy
  • Cakehole Bakehouse
  • Magesh

 

Relocation / expansion

  • Shoe Zone – Packers Row
  • Pizza Pi – Vicar Lane
  • Vintage Tea Rooms – Vicar Lane
  • Twelfth Craft – The Shambles
  • Bee Orchid – Packers Row
  • Rebel – High Street
  • The Job Centre – Vicar Lane
  • Woodheads Café – Theatre Yard

 

Businesses due to open soon

  • CIBO Bistro- Lower Pavements
  • Fat Pig BBQ – Saltergate
  • Snowflakes Desert Shop – 12a Saltergate
  • Little Dessert Shop – Holywell Street
  • WiseGuys – Packers Row
  • A new bridal shop is also set to open its doors in The Shambles

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

New ‘bubble tea’ shop open in Chesterfield

A new shop specialising in popular ‘bubble tea’ drinks has opened on Cavendish Street in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Boba Shack offers a huge range of ‘pick & mix’ bubble tea drinks options as well as a pre-mix menu for those that are unsure of what to order.

The beverage, which has become popular in recent years orginated in Taiwan. It is an iced fruit or milk tea drink which traditionally includes soft and chewy tapioca pearls. It has evolved over the years and now includes the addition of popping bubbles and various other fillings and toppings.

Boba Shack owner, Philip Price explained why the drink has rose to prominence: “It is essentially popular because it fills a gap in the market in terms of dink options. Consider someone wants a drink, either for refreshment or flavour. The options before bubble tea were essentially a canned or bottled drink from a shop or a cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate from a café. Bubble tea sits in the middle of these. Much more flavoursome and exciting than a can of pop and much more tuned to the younger market than a hot cup of coffee.”

Philip also explained how the idea to open the shop came about: “Myself and my business partner Steve Smith were looking for something new to do in Chesterfield afer a few years of virus affected businesses. I realised that over the past two years my daughter has been persuading me and her sister to drive her all the way to Meadowhall and back just to buy a bubble tea. It struck me that if something is so much of a draw then it must be something worth investigating.

“After a short period of research and analysis we decided that Chesterfield should be able to support its own bubble tea shop, even with a much smaller population than Sheffield. So we made the decision to open. Signed the lease for an empty shop on the 4th Feb and opened 15 days later on the 19th. There were a few very long days to make that happen.”

Both Philip and Steve are excited to be bringing another unique offer into Chesterfield Town Centre: “The response and feedback has been amazing. We’ve enjoyed queues outside the shop on numerous occasions in just our first few weeks of opening, and we’ve even been told that we are becoming a reason that people are visiting the town centre. A real destination of sorts for local people, which we feel is a great thing for the town centre and will help other businesses and traders.”

“I think we are seeing a small turn in attitude as new and exciting things start to appear on the town centre. We hope we can play our small part in revitalising the town centre. We are not a franchise or big brand. Just a couple of old blokes who live in Chesterfield and have a real passion to make it an exiting and vibrant town. We’ve invested a lot of time, effort and money into getting up and running, but hopefully, the wonderful people of Chesterfield will appreciate not having to travel for their Bubble Tea anymore.”

To find out more about the range of shops, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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Chesterfield’s hospitality sector gears up for full reopening

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector is gearing up for the full re-opening of indoor dining and drinking venues under step three of the easing of lockdown.

Thanks to takeaway, delivery and, more recently, outdoor seating, a limited number of pubs, cafés and restaurants have been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic. However, with the lifting of restrictions to allow indoor dining and drinking, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are set to completely re-open from Monday 17 May.

Delighted to be finally fully re-opening Douglas Daniels, owner of The Market Pub commented: “We’re greatly looking forward to getting back, as are the whole team. We’ve really missed all of our customers and can’t wait to welcome them back into The Market Pub.

“Independent businesses give towns and cities their unique character and help to offer an alternative to the national chains. They’re also usually the first to reflect new trends and attitudes. We’ve got many new things on the way and we look forward to showcasing them soon.”

Tracey Wallis, Owner of The Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We are really looking forward to being back, it’s been such a long time and we’ve missed our wonderful customers. We’re already taking plenty of bookings, so it shows that people have missed us too!

“The last 14 months have been a struggle to say the least, but I am positive that Chesterfield’s independent businesses and the hospitality sector will bounce back with a vengeance.

“Roll on 17 May when we can begin serving our much-loved range of Northern Tea Merchants’ teas and coffees again, alongside freshly prepared breakfast favourites, light lunches and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and scones.”

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands and Owner of Casa Hotel added: “Every time we have been closed, we’ve been determined to come back bigger and better and now is no different. Although we have been closed, we have been very busy! We have built the new Oak Room extension to our wedding venue, extended the terrace and built a brand-new kitchen at Peak Edge Hotel.

“At Casa, we are refurbishing the Cocina Restaurant with luxurious new booths and décor. The bar will be extensively refurbished with an amazing new design and concept – it will be the place to be in the town.

“The love everyone has shown us throughout the last year has been keeping us going. We have in fact remained open throughout the entire pandemic by supporting the NHS with free accommodation and food and, more recently, the vaccine centre here at Casa. Let us hope this is us opening for good and for an amazing summer ahead.”

During lockdown, the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield supported the hospitality sector by dedicated a full page on its website, pointing customers to where they could access both takeaway and delivery services.

The page – https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/ has details of restaurants, with sub-pages for cafés, pubs, bars and tea rooms in and around Chesterfield that have continued to operate by adapting to meet the needs of the community.

The page will continue to be updated and live until all businesses in the sector are fully operational.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Eating and drinking out, especially in Chesterfield, is all about great customer service and a fantastic product. Takeaway and delivery services have been wonderful throughout the pandemic and we’re all grateful for the hard work it took the businesses to adapt overnight and deliver this.

“But I think the town is now ready to get back into our favourite pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants to enjoy the warm atmosphere and see those familiar, friendly faces once more. We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and support our local businesses in what’s such a crucial time for the hospitality sector.”

To find out more about eating and drinking out in Chesterfield, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Love Chesterfield

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

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