The Charleston has unveiled its menus ahead of opening in Bakewell this summer, offering inventive brunches, refined dining, cocktails, live music and locally sourced ingredients within a £2.6 million venue.
BAKEWELL – One of the most eagerly awaited hospitality openings in the Peak District has offered a first taste of what guests can expect when it opens its doors later this summer.
The Charleston, a new £2.6 million bar and restaurant located in the former Royal Bank of Scotland building in the heart of Bakewell, has revealed its food and drink menus for the first time. Developed by Longbow Venues, the ambitious new destination promises an all-day experience that blends speciality coffee, creative brunch dishes, refined dining, handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment under one roof.
Designed to bring the energy of major city dining scenes to Derbyshire, The Charleston draws inspiration from London, New York and Manchester, creating a contemporary venue unlike anything currently available in the Peak District.
Brunch is expected to be one of the venue’s standout attractions. Signature dishes include The Royal Muffin, featuring cured scallops, poached eggs and hollandaise tartare, and The Benedict Twist, made with tea-smoked duck pastrami and chimichurri. Diners can also enjoy the Florentine Gatsby, a golden waffle topped with spiced avocado and spinach mousse, crispy egg and micro herbs, while the indulgent Waffle Sandwich combines buttermilk chicken, maple bacon, coffee and bacon jam.
Coffee lovers will be catered for through a partnership with Sheffield-based roasters Roastology, alongside a menu featuring matcha lattes, turmeric lattes, chai, freshly baked pastries and traditional afternoon tea.
As the day progresses, The Charleston aims to transform into a lively evening destination. Live jazz, soul and swing performances will accompany an elevated dinner menu showcasing brasserie-inspired dishes and modern British classics.
Among the highlights are Derbyshire beef fillet with red onion and blue cheese chutney, crayfish and lobster ravioli, slow-cooked rabbit wrapped in pancetta, best end lamb loin served with pomegranate chimichurri, and pan-fried cod accompanied by walnut and chicory velouté.
For those seeking lighter options, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of sharing plates and bar snacks including venison carpaccio, scallop and chorizo skewers, wild mushroom and truffle pâté, duck bonbons and Brazilian cheese bread.
Desserts continue the venue’s theatrical approach to dining, with offerings such as homemade Bakewell tart, pistachio and mango cheesecake, flourless chocolate brownie and the signature Charleston Gourmand, a sharing platter of miniature desserts paired with espresso, sparkling wine or dessert wine.
The drinks programme has been designed to be a key part of the overall experience. Guests can choose from espresso martinis, spicy margaritas and a range of spritzes, including Aperol, Hugo and rhubarb varieties, alongside premium spirits, carefully selected wines and after-dinner cocktails.
A strong commitment to local sourcing also underpins the menu, with suppliers including Winster Foods, R G Morris & Son, Middleton’s Dairies, Roastology, Bluebell Dairy and Bakewell-based Hattersley Wines contributing produce and products.
Rob Hattersley, founder of Longbow Venues, said the vision for The Charleston was to create a venue that evolves throughout the day.
“We wanted to build somewhere people could enjoy coffee in the morning, brunch with friends, cocktails after work, dinner celebrations or simply live music with a drink in hand,” he said.
“There are already fantastic places to eat and drink across the Peak District, but we felt there was room for something with more energy, more theatre and a true all-day personality.”
General Manager Josh Butler echoed the sentiment, highlighting the versatility of the concept.
“What excites me most is the variety,” he said. “Whether guests want a quick coffee and pastry, a leisurely brunch, cocktails with friends or an evening of great food and live music, the atmosphere will naturally evolve throughout the day.”
The Charleston is expected to create around 60 jobs and will become the sixth venue in the growing Longbow Venues portfolio.
Further details on opening dates and bookings are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
