Arts Derbyshire

16.05.2025

Distillery among next opening day traders announced for Derby Market Hall

Derby City Council is excited to reveal another wave of traders who are set to move into the revitalised Derby Market Hall when it reopens, including a new bar and Derby’s first distillery in the heart of the city centre, marking another milestone in the transformation of the historic Grade-II listed building.

Following a £35.1m restoration, the Market Hall will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, 24 May, marking a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene.

A curated mix of traditional and contemporary traders will be in place when the Market Hall reopens its doors, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of the city and blending its rich history with a modern experience. The newest announcement of traders offers something for everyone, with the continuation of international flavours and diverse menus for all visitors.

Supporting Derbyshire’s community:

  • Preloved, a non-profit, volunteer-run boutique will be operating from the Market Hall when it reopens to the public. The non-profit boutique, which will sell high-quality preloved clothing, is the newest initiative from YMCA Derbyshire Group, which also includes Padley@YMCA Derbyshire. The charities have a longstanding history of supporting young people and communities across Derby and Derbyshire, with the YMCA since 1847 and Padley since 1985. All proceeds from Preloved will go towards funding vital services and will help the YMCA contribute to their vision and mission of supporting young people and communities who are most in need. By shopping or donating to Preloved, visitors will be helping young people and the YMCA’s mission.

An iconic distillery and bar:

  • Award-winning local winery, distillers, and bar operators, Darley Abbey Wines will be operating two units at Derby Market Hall. Known for their first gin, The Uncommon Thread, and a recent win as Best Bar at the 2023 Marketing Derby Food & Drink Awards, Darley Abbey Wines continues to blend local heritage with a modern flair.
  • The Spirit Run will be the first distillery bar in the heart of Derby city centre, producing small-batch spirits for customers to sample and enjoy on-site at Derby Market Hall. After releasing their first gin in November 2022, The Uncommon Thread, the distillery arm of the business has continued to grow. With a focus on collaboration with local makers, and quality ingredients, The Spirit Run will offer visitors a brand-new cultural experience within the Market Hall.
  • Situated in the heart of the bustling Derby Market Hall, Market Porter is set to become a new welcoming space where visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of beers, hand-picked wines, premium spirits, and more. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a great drink in a lively setting, Market Porter provides the perfect blend of quality and convenience.

The international flavours continue:

  • With vibrant international flavours at the forefront of the revitalised Market Hall, Arepita is gearing up to offer authentic Venezuelan and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Diners can enjoy freshly made arepas, empanadas and more, crafted with a wide range of bold spices and unique Venezuelan seasoning. Arepita will also offer a range of gluten-free dishes, staying true to their motto: “Gluten free… toasty and tasty”. Arepita is also set to offer takeaway and catering services.
  • Potful of Crumble, a dessert trader, is set to bring warm, nostalgic comfort to Derby Market Hall with a range of handcrafted crumble pots and fresh fruit smoothies, made fresh and on-site daily. Potful of Crumble offers a mix of traditional and more modern flavours, from its classic apple crumble, crafted from a cherished family recipe, to indulgent chocolate toppings. Each crumble pot is available in gluten-free and vegan options and is completely customisable with a range of hot or cold custard, ice cream, and a variety of toppings to choose from. A range of refreshing and tasty fresh fruit smoothies will also be available.
  • Tikka Tales is set to bring the rich, smoky flavours of authentic Indian Tandoori cuisine to the Market Hall with a variety of flavourful dishes on offer. Celebrating bold spices and traditional cooking techniques, Tikka Tales will offer tandoori tikkas, freshly baked naan, a variety of traditional curry dishes, chaats, and much more. Diners will be able to experience the essence of India with marinated grilled meats and slow-cooked curry. Each dish will be authentically and freshly cooked in the Market Hall. Tikka Tales originates from the Artcore Café which has been operating for two years.
  • Bethel Kitchen will offer vibrant and diverse flavours with African and French dishes. Led by Sandra Sonna, a Lyon-born chef who grew up in Africa, Bethel Kitchen brings a diverse menu of fresh culinary experiences to Derby Market Hall. Visitors can look forward to an array of dishes, from classic French favourites such as quiche Lorraine, steak tartare, and beef bourguignon, to African staples such as jollof rice, fufu with okra, chicken suya, and fried plantain. The menu also features classic street food dishes including puff-puff, garba, and degue, offering something for each visitor to the Market Hall.

 

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

“I’m delighted to announce our final wave of traders who will be operating in the Market Hall when it reopens to the public on Saturday, 24 May. The new traders each bring something unique and special to Derby and the historic Market Hall.

We are bringing together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment, and with only a few weeks to go, I’m excited for the reopening and for visitors from across the region and beyond to experience everything that our traders have to offer.

The Market Hall will once again be Derby’s beating heart where people choose to come together to shop, eat, and enjoy the buzz of the city. I am certain that it will be a huge success.”

A range of pop-up traders will also be in place when the Market Hall reopens its doors to the public.

Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year.

Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the website to find out more.

Osnabruck Square, the space outside Derby Market Hall, will be open in July 2025.

Submit your news to Arts Derbyshire

Submit your news items to editor@artsderbyshire.org.uk or fill out this news submission form.

You can also register as a member to list your arts business and events in our directory.

Register

Related news posts

Sign up to our newsletter

Find out what’s on with the Arts Derbyshire newsletter.

Artists, creatives, cultural providers, arts and health specialists – Sign up for one of our professional mailing lists.