Tables and chalets are now available to book ready to welcome you back to Derby's alfresco dining experience, which re-opens in Derby Market Place at 6pm on Friday 23rd April. The website will be open for bookings from 5pm tonight, initially for up to Sunday 13th June.
Photo by Averill Photography
Last year the venue attracted more than 28,600 additional visitors to the city centre to enjoy outdoor dining, entertainment and markets. It was launched to create a new COVID-secure area for socialising while providing a much-needed boost to the city's hospitality industry.
Local eateries Lorentes, Nando's, BEAR, The Palfrey and Portobello have already signed up to deliver pre-ordered food directly to your table, to enjoy with a drink from the on-site licensed bar. You can also bring your own takeaway with you.
In line with the COVID roadmap, Derby Market Place will open up steadily, as it has been designed with the flexibility to respond to the lifting of restrictions at each stage of the Government's guidance for reopening businesses and venues.
From the launch of the alfresco dining experience on Friday 23rd April, it will evolve with increased capacity, live entertainment and scheduled shows and events, all designed to support local partners and entertain audiences safely.
Like last year, tables and chalets are free to book for outside dining, but if the next stage in the lifting of restrictions goes ahead as planned on Monday 17th May, visitors will be able to buy tickets to enjoy themed events at Derby Market Place. And from Monday 21st June, subject to the final step in the Government roadmap going ahead, a marquee will be put up on the Market Place for more programmed events.
With an exciting new performance area, Derby Market Place will be transformed into a vibrant area for meeting and entertainment over the summer months, with the venue offering alfresco dining alongside an events programme. Please check social media and derbymarketplace.co.uk for further updates.
Chalets and tables seat up to six people, who do not have to be from the same household. To guarantee your table, especially in a chalet, pre-booking through the website is advised. You can also book through our Sales and Information Centre on 01332 255800. Drinks will only be served with food.
Visitors are asked to observe the Government guidelines in place at the time of their visit. We should all do the right thing for Derby by continuing to keep our distance from other households and regularly wash or sanitise our hands.
From Friday 23rd April until the week commencing Monday 17th May, Derby Market Place will be open from 12 noon to 3pm every day, and from 6pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
Derby Market Place was an idea which came from the Derby Economic Recovery Task Group, set up by the local private and public sector in the wake of the pandemic to drive the help the city's business sectors recover from its effects on the economy.
As well as bringing thousands of people into the city centre in a COVID-secure way, it also generated £3.30 for the local economy for every £1 that was spent.
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive of Derby City Council said: "Last year Derby Market Place quickly established itself as a popular destination, showing how we could support local businesses while providing a safe venue for visitors. That it also helped Derby achieve its high rating of 93% in the Centre for Cities Recovery Index is a testament to its success.
"This year we're looking forward to building on this and creating a space where even there will be even more to look forward to, which will help visitors feel confident in slowly returning to normal life. We can't wait to welcome you back."
