Independent coffee and lifestyle brand BEAR announces expansion, confirming the location of their sixth site which will take over the former Bennetts store on St. John Street, Ashbourne.
Favourite Midlands-based independent coffee house, kitchen and bar brand, BEAR, have today announced that plans are officially underway on their sixth site in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. BEAR are making a substantial investment in the iconic, historic ex-Bennetts department store, breathing new life in to the space whilst taking care to preserve any historic architectural features that remain. BEAR Ashbourne is set to open to the public in Spring 2023.
BEAR, who recently announced an investment partnership with Poole-based private equity firm, Clark Group, currently operates 5 other sites across the Midlands, with a focus on brand growth in the form of beautiful hospitality spaces and their e-commerce channel over the coming months.
Craig Bunting, Co-Founder of BEAR, commented on the brand’s recent expansion:
“BEAR was born on the Staffordshire / Derbyshire border, so investing in such an iconic location in Ashbourne feels like a great way to pay homage to the space and our history across the two counties. We’re super proud of our Midlands heritage; BEAR combines our countryside roots with all of the best bits of our collective inner-city influences. We’re essentially taking Shoreditch, giving it a pair of walking boots, and taking it for a trek in the Peak District!”
BEAR will operate the ex-Bennett’s site as a coffee house, kitchen and bar, serving Derby’s favourite coffee to the people of Ashbourne, offering a comfortable and inclusive space to relax over coffee and cake, brunch, or a couple of cocktails. BEAR Ashbourne will welcome well-behaved dogs, as do their other sites across the Midlands and Cheshire.
BEAR will also be bringing their newly-launched evenings concept, Later at BEAR, to the space every Friday & Saturday from 4pm. The Later at BEAR menu consists of fully-stacked smash burgers, taco trays, loaded fries, twisted cocktail classics, and many other delicious treats!
The location boasts beautiful high ceilings, original exposed brick and a number of historic architectural features. The site forms part of Ashbourne’s 200+ strong portfolio of listed buildings including historic almshouses, coaching inns and decorous town houses.
Successfully trading since 2016, BEAR have proven themselves as front-runners in their industry, providing expertly-made speciality coffee, seasonal fresh food, cocktails and craft beer, all served from morning to evening in beautifully thought-out spaces.
BEAR Ashbourne will be nestled in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside on the edge of the Peak District, and is set to open in Spring 2023.
