The Spirit Run Distillery and Bar at Derby Market Hall Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Sheridan Brown
It’s not often that you are invited to sample a premium gin and tonic at 12.30pm on a weekday – but today was different. Today, my partner and I had been invited to the attend a sneak-preview of the opening of Derby’s latest quality drinks emporium – The Spirit Run Distillery and Bar at Derby Market Hall. Named after the refining process at the very heart of spirit-making, The Spirit Run promises to offer a unique experience for its patrons.
Located in the former poultry and fish market on the south-west corner of the newly refurbished Market Hall, The Spirit Run offers three beautiful spaces in which guests can relax. In keeping with Derby Market Hall as a whole, the distillery and bar has been sympathetically restored to include many of the original features of the market.
We initially entered the bar into a light and airy space which felt a little like a country house conservatory. Two large ‘booths’, each seating up to 20 people sit each side of a central doorway, leading to an outside seating area for up to 30 – looking out on the newly restored Osnabruck Square Gardens. It is envisaged that these booths will be available for private parties and events – but patrons are invited to use the area otherwise. The part of the distillery and bar was painted in pale colours and walls were left with their original blemishes – such as old tiling grout and areas where the original walling was a little damaged; very charming indeed. Wiring trays and conduit had been left exposed in the ceiling area, adding to the ‘honest’ feel of the restoration – a modern industrial footnote added to history and heritage of the building. Three enormous windows flooded the area with light.
In contrast, the main bar area was more intimate and atmospherically lit – with more than a nod to Art Deco. I could imagine couples and friends enjoying its sophisticated ambience long into the night. Along one side stands an impressive bar – fronted by some of the original ironwork reclaimed from the old market hall. Arranged on shelves behind the bar was a vast array of beautifully lit spirits. Of course, wines and beers are available too.
But the grand and unique feature of The Spirit Run is its in-house distillery. At the centre of the whole enterprise are two spectacular copper stills. I was blown away by their beauty. I am reliably informed that they are from only a handful of British designed and built stills in existence. Displayed behind a large glass wall, and visible from all tables, the stills were cleverly lit in neon blues adding to the beauty of the stills and ambience of the bar.
The stills in The Spirit Run will produce a range of small-batch gin and rum and continues the success of highly skilled distillers originally based in Darley Abbey. Their current gin ‘The Uncommon Thread’ is named with a nod towards historic cotton thread manufacture at World Heritage Site, Darley Abbey Mills. We tasted a G&T made from The Uncommon Thread – and it was truly delicious! Very refreshing on a hot afternoon!
It is more than clear that a lot of expertise, planning and investment have gone into The Spirit Run Distillery and Bar. It’s a unique and innovative use of space and a genuine destination – not just to view the stills – but to enjoy the enormous range of high-quality spirits, cocktails and wines on offer. I understand there are lots of plans for gin tastings and cocktail experiences, as well as offering a beautiful space for bespoke events.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the ambience of the distillery and bar. The staff were knowledgeable and skilled and our G&T was delicious! I look forward to visiting again in the very near future and making a start on that amazing cocktail menu!
Rating: 5/5
Opening Times:
Sunday – Wednesday – 11am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday – 11am – 10pm
More information available at: www.spiritrun.co.uk