BEAR confirms new Derbyshire site

BEAR has announced its expansion, with a sixth site to open in Ashbourne later this year.

BEAR are making a substantial investment in the iconic, historic ex-Bennetts department store, breathing new life in to the space whilst taking care to preserve any historic architectural features that remain.

BEAR, who recently announced an investment partnership with Poole-based private equity firm, Clark Group, currently operates 5 other sites across the Midlands, with a focus on brand growth in the form of beautiful hospitality spaces and their e-commerce channel over the coming months.

Craig Bunting, Co-Founder of BEAR, commented on the brand’s recent expansion said “BEAR was born on the Staffordshire / Derbyshire border, so investing in such an iconic location in Ashbourne feels like a great way to pay homage to the space and our history across the two counties.

“We’re super proud of our Midlands heritage; BEAR combines our countryside roots with all of the best bits of our collective inner-city influences. We’re essentially taking Shoreditch, giving it a pair of walking boots, and taking it for a trek in the Peak District!”

BEAR will operate the ex-Bennett’s site as a coffee house, kitchen and bar, serving Derby’s favourite coffee to the people of Ashbourne, offering a comfortable and inclusive space to relax over coffee and cake, brunch, or a couple of cocktails.

BEAR will also be bringing their newly-launched evenings concept, Later at BEAR, to the space every Friday and Saturday from 4pm.

The location boasts beautiful high ceilings, original exposed brick and forms part of Ashbourne’s 200+ strong portfolio of listed buildings including historic almshouses, coaching inns and decorous town houses.

BEAR Ashbourne is set to open to the public in Spring 2023.