Derby Market Hall Welcomes New Distillery and Bar on July 19

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Derby’s historic Market Hall, fresh from its £35 million refurbishment, is poised to open its latest attraction on Saturday, July 19. The Spirit Run Distillery and Bar, a venture from Darley Abbey Wines, promises to bring a distinctive edge to the city’s hospitality scene. Housed in the revamped former poultry market, this new venue combines craftsmanship with conviviality, offering patrons a front-row seat to gleaming British-made copper stills while they sip cocktails, gins, or wines.

The Spirit Run stands out with its focus on immersive experiences. Visitors can book gin and cocktail sessions, ideal for groups or private events, where they’ll learn about the distilling process and sample an array of spirits. The bar’s menu is a celebration of local and artisanal craftsmanship, spotlighting The Spirit Run’s creations alongside offerings from other Derbyshire distillers and established brands. Eight draft beers, including selections from Thornbridge Brewery, and a curated list of “discovery wines” ensure there’s something for every palate.

Nichol Malia-Barlow, owner of The Spirit Run, shared his enthusiasm: “We’ve transformed the old poultry market into our ‘spiritual home’. It’s now one of the few places in Britain with a bespoke copper micro-distillery, crafting our unique gins and rums. Inspired by Scottish whisky distilleries, we want customers to enjoy a drink while watching their favourite spirit come to life.”

To complement the drinks, The Spirit Run has partnered with Shio, a Japanese street food stall at Market Hall, to offer small plates that pair seamlessly with the bar’s offerings. This collaboration underscores the venue’s commitment to elevating Derby’s local food and drink scene.

Darley Abbey Wines, the force behind The Spirit Run, has deep roots in the region. Starting as a wine merchant in 2007, it expanded with a popular wine bar at Darley Abbey Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once famed for producing fine cotton thread in the seventeenth century. In 2020, the company launched its distillery, debuting The Uncommon Thread London Dry gin in November 2022 to widespread acclaim. The new Market Hall location will boost production and foster collaborations with other local producers.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, hailed the opening as a triumph for local enterprise: “The Spirit Run Distillery is a brilliant addition to Market Hall. It showcases independent businesses and brings a fresh, exciting experience to visitors.

The Spirit Run Distillery and Bar is set to become a cornerstone of Derby’s revitalised Market Hall, blending heritage, innovation, and a damn good drink. Whether you’re a gin aficionado or just fancy a pint, this is one opening not to miss.