From building society, to bank, to BEAR - this charming site on Derby’s Iron Gate has stood empty and forgotten for 9 long years… until now.
Founded in 2014 by entrepreneurs Craig Bunting and Michael Thorley, BEAR first found bricks and mortar at the site of a once iconic retail store at the top of Uttoxeter High Street, opening to the public for the first time in January 2016. As a result of the success with their flagship store, BEAR have now expanded to Derby, opening a second store slap-bang in the centre of the iconic and beautiful Cathedral Quarter.
More than a coffee shop and a refreshing alternative to the traditional pub or bar, BEAR is at the forefront of the global ‘third wave’ coffee movement that sees coffee as an artisan foodstuff, rather than a bland commodity. The company currently sits amongst the leaders of a developing trend to combine the finest coffee along with the best in brunch and lunch style dining during the day, and then slide effortlessly into cocktails, craft beers, wines and informal dining during the evening.
In short, BEAR is a coffee shop, kitchen and bar, providing a new, all day dining experience with an ethos of perfection that stems from their passion for great coffee; a passion that is evident in everything they do.
