Long-Awaited 1920s-Style Bar & Restaurant ‘The Charleston’ Moves Closer to Bakewell Opening

After months of anticipation, Longbow Venues is moving closer to opening The Charleston, a new bar and restaurant set to launch this summer in the heart of Bakewell.

The venue will be housed within the former Royal Bank of Scotland building, a prominent Grade II-listed property in the centre of town. While some final planning elements are still being worked through, the project is progressing following positive discussions with planners, marking a major step forward in bringing one of Bakewell’s most recognisable buildings back into use and unlocking a new chapter for the landmark site.

Designed in collaboration with Concorde BGW, Longbow Venues, alongside landlord Coverland UK, has invested more than £2.6 million into transforming the iconic sandstone building. The renovation celebrates original features such as soaring ceilings, ornate cornices and tall windows, while introducing warm lighting, rich textures and design details inspired by the golden age of cocktails and jazz.

The space is being transformed into a 1920s-inspired bar and restaurant, bringing a level of atmosphere and all-day dining not currently seen in Bakewell or across the wider Peak District. Designed to evolve from morning through to evening, it will combine relaxed daytime dining with a more energetic, late-night feel.

Set across two floors, the venue will feature a stylish ground-floor bar and dining space for more informal visits, alongside an upstairs restaurant for longer lunches and evening dining. In total, the venue will accommodate around 160 seated guests, with additional space in the bar area.

A private dining room, set within the building’s original bank vault and named The Speakeasy, will offer an atmospheric, intimate setting for up to 10 guests.

Outside, a large, beautifully designed courtyard will provide seating for up to 90 guests, offering a standout space for drinks and dining during the summer months.

Focus now turns to the final stages ahead of opening. The team expects to take possession of the building in mid-June, with preparations and staff training to follow. A launch party is planned, with further details to be confirmed.

Menus have already been developed and will be announced in the coming weeks. Designed to feel different to anything Longbow Venues has created before - and unlike anything currently offered in the area - The Charleston’s food and drink offering has been built around the idea of taking guests through different moods and experiences across the day.

In the mornings, the venue will serve an eclectic mix of speciality coffees, alternative lattes, cakes and lighter pick-me-ups before moving into a brunch menu inspired by the flavours and style of cities such as London, New York and Manchester, bringing more modern and inventive dishes to Bakewell.

Early dishes are expected to include creations such as The Waffle Sandwich - buttermilk chicken, maple bacon, coffee and bacon jam, guacamole mousse and golden waffle - alongside dishes such as the Florentine Gatsby, featuring spiced avocado and spinach mousse with crispy eggs and micro herbs.

As the day moves into evening, the focus will shift towards classic cooking rooted in French brasserie influences, with refined dishes, strong flavours and a sense of occasion, while staying true to Longbow’s ethos of working with trusted local suppliers and preparing dishes fresh in-house.

Cocktails will also play a leading role, with spritzes, classic serves and late-night drinks designed to match the changing pace of the venue throughout the day. Drinks will include The Charleston’s ‘High Society Spritzes’ range, featuring Aperol, Hugo and Rhubarb Spritzes, alongside wines including the return of Cuvée Jean-Paul Rouge - a French red first poured at Aitch’s Wine Bar & Bistro in Bakewell in 1982.

Live music will form a key part of the experience, with a baby grand piano at the heart of the space and daily performances spanning jazz, soul and classic swing as the venue moves into the evening.

Rob Hattersley, founder of Longbow Venues, said:

“This has been a long time coming, and we’ve had a huge amount of support along the way - from the local community, from our team, and from people who have been asking when the doors are finally going to open.

Bringing this building back to life has been a personal mission. I grew up in Bakewell, and it’s incredibly special to be restoring such a well-known building and giving it a new purpose as somewhere people can come together and enjoy.”

Rob’s hospitality roots in the town run deep. His parents owned Aitch’s Wine Bar & Bistro, a much-loved Bakewell institution between 1982 and 2004.

“My hospitality career started at Aitch’s when I was 14, and since it closed, people have often said there’s been a gap - somewhere with that mix of energy, great food, warm hospitality and a bit of occasion. The Charleston is about capturing that spirit for today.”

General Manager Josh Butler added:

“What I like about it is that it’s not one thing. You might come in for a coffee or some brunch, and it feels relaxed and easy. Come back later and it’s a completely different pace - a bit more vibrant, a bit busier, people settling in for the evening.

That’s the part I’m really looking forward to - seeing it fill up and take on a life of its own.”

Stephen Atkinson, Operations Director at Longbow Venues, said:

“We’ve always felt there was room in Bakewell for something that offers a bit more throughout the day, without losing that sense of quality.

The Charleston lets us do that in a really special setting. It brings together good food, well-made drinks and an environment where people feel comfortable, but still feels like somewhere a bit special.”

The Charleston is expected to create around 60 local jobs and will become the sixth venue in the Longbow Venues collection. Longbow’s focus on progression and staff wellbeing has seen the business recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in both 2024 and 2025.

More than just a place to eat or drink, The Charleston is designed to become a hub for both locals and visitors - somewhere to gather, celebrate and spend time, with live entertainment running throughout the week.

Further updates, including opening dates, menus and booking details, will be announced shortly.

For updates, follow @thecharlestonbakewell on Instagram and Facebook or visit the-charleston.com.