Bookings open for Market Place alfresco dining

Tables and chalets are now available to book ahead of the return of the alfresco dining experience to Derby’s Market Place.

The venue, which last year attracted more than 28,600 extra visitors to the city centre, is due to reopen at 6pm on Friday 23 April.

The website for bookings will be open initially for bookings up to Sunday 13 June.

Last year, the venue was opened to allow visitors to enjoy outdoor dining, entertainment and markets, in a Covid-secure way.

This time around, local eateries, including Lorentes, Nando’s, BEAR, The Palfrey and Portobello, have signed up to deliver pre-ordered food directly to tables, to enjoy with a drink from the on-site licensed bar. Visitors can also bring in their own takeaways.

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In line with the Covid roadmap, Derby Market Place will open up steadily, as it has been designed with the flexibility to respond to the lifting of restrictions at each stage of the Government’s guidance for reopening businesses and venues.

From the launch of the alfresco dining experience on Friday, it will evolve with increased capacity, live entertainment and scheduled shows and events, all designed to support local partners and entertain audiences safely.

Many of the chalets have been sponsored by local businesses and organisations, including Marketing Derby.

They can seat up to six people, who do not have to be from the same household.

To guarantee a table, especially in a chalet, pre-booking through the website is advised.

Derby Market Place was an idea which came from the Derby Economic Recovery Task Group, set up by the local private and public sector in the wake of the pandemic to drive the help the city’s business sectors recover from its effects on the economy.

As well as bringing thousands of people into the city centre in a Covid-secure way, it also generated £3.30 for the local economy for every £1 that was spent.

Paul Simpson, chief executive of Derby City Council, said: “Last year, Derby Market Place quickly established itself as a popular destination, showing how we could support local businesses, while providing a safe venue for visitors.

“That it also helped Derby achieve its high rating of 93% in the Centre for Cities Recovery Index is a testament to its success.

“This year, we’re looking forward to building on this and creating a space where there will be even more to look forward to, which will help visitors feel confident in slowly returning to normal life. We can’t wait to welcome you back.”

For more information or to book, visit www.derbymarketplace.co.uk or call 01332 255800.