One of Bakewell's most recognisable buildings has officially reopened following a £2.6 million transformation that has turned the town's former Royal Bank of Scotland building into one of the Peak District's most striking new hospitality destinations
All images by Tom Hodgson Photography
The Charleston officially opened this weekend, ending years of vacancy for the Grade II-listed landmark, creating around 60 jobs and marking the latest chapter in Bakewell's long hospitality history.
Created by award-winning hospitality group Longbow Venues, The Charleston brings together speciality coffee, inventive brunches, elegant evening dining, handcrafted cocktails and live music beneath one roof. Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, the venue has been designed to evolve throughout the day, from relaxed mornings through to vibrant evenings accompanied by jazz, soul and swing.
The extensive restoration has preserved the building's grand proportions and original architectural features while introducing dramatic interiors, rich colours, bespoke artwork, intimate lighting and luxurious finishes. Upstairs, diners will find an elegant restaurant overlooking Bakewell, while the building's original bank vault has been reimagined as a private dining room known as The Speakeasy. Outside, a spacious courtyard offers one of the largest outdoor dining spaces in the town centre.
The food is just as impressive. Brunch ranges from tea-smoked duck Benedicts and cured scallop muffins to buttermilk chicken waffle sandwiches and creative vegetarian dishes, alongside speciality coffee roasted in Sheffield by Roastology, fresh pastries and afternoon tea.
As the day moves into evening, the kitchen shifts towards refined brasserie cooking, with dishes including crayfish and lobster ravioli, Derbyshire beef fillet with blue cheese chutney, best end of lamb with pomegranate chimichurri and pan-fried cod with walnut and chicory velouté.
The cocktail menu features signature creations alongside timeless classics, premium wines, Champagne and spritzes, while regular live music centred around the venue's baby grand piano transforms the atmosphere from day into night.
A strong emphasis has been placed on local sourcing, with ingredients supplied by businesses including Winster Foods, R G Morris & Son, Middleton's Dairies, Bluebell Dairy, Roastology and Bakewell-based Hattersley Wines.
Speaking at the official opening, Rob Hattersley, Managing Director of Longbow Venues, said:
"Thank you to everyone for being here this evening. It really does mean a lot. This project has been in the pipeline for three years and it's amazing to finally open it.
"There are so many people who have helped make this happen. Firstly, our landlord, Coverland UK, whose support and contribution have been invaluable throughout the project, and then my amazing team, because I simply couldn't have done it without them.
"Finally, I have to thank my mum and dad. They opened Aitch’s Wine Bar in Bakewell 44 years ago and created a hospitality legacy in the town. They taught me everything I know, and I hope we're able to continue that legacy through The Charleston."
John Brocklehurst, one of Bakewell's longest-established businessmen, who officially opened The Charleston alongside Derbyshire Dales MP John Whitby, said:
"It's wonderful to see an old building like this brought back into good use instead of standing empty. When you've got a sympathetic property developer and a first-class restaurant working together, this is exactly what you hope for.
"As one of Bakewell's oldest family businesses, it gives me great pleasure to welcome a new independent business to the town, and I wish Rob and his team every success."
John Whitby, MP for Derbyshire Dales, added:
"I want to pay tribute to Rob's bravery. It's a leap of faith opening a business of this scale at any time, but with the extra complexities of being in the National Park, it's an even greater achievement.
"I came here when this building was literally just a shell. To see the transformation now is absolutely incredible. Creating around 60 jobs is a real boost for Bakewell and the wider Derbyshire Dales, and The Charleston will add something really exciting to the town's evening economy."
The Charleston is the sixth venue within the Longbow Venues collection, joining The Peacock at Rowsley, The Maynard, The George Hathersage, The Ashford Arms and The Peacock at Owler Bar.
Longbow Venues has repeatedly been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and continues to invest in restoring historic buildings across Derbyshire and the Peak District.
The Charleston is now open. For more information or to book, visit the-charleston.com.
