Saints Bar in town centre prepares to open next month
One of our town centre’s oldest buildings is set for a dramatic revival as Saints Bar prepares to open its doors by the end of March.
The striking property, which dates back to the 1400s, is being transformed into a new venue that will combine historic character with live music and a welcoming social atmosphere. After years of standing empty, the long-neglected site is now on course to become a vibrant addition to the heart of the town.
The site has undergone months of intensive renovation after standing empty since the Covid-19 pandemic. During that time, it was vandalised and left in an extremely poor condition. The upstairs area had been badly trashed, with smashed doors throughout and graffiti covering the walls.
The refurbishment required a complete strip-out of the interior. The electrics had been entirely removed, meaning the building needed a full rewire. Even the meter had been cut out, forcing the new owners to install a replacement. For the first two months after taking ownership, there was no electricity on site, making progress especially challenging.
Despite the setbacks, work has continued at pace to restore and revitalise the centuries-old building. The focus has been on preserving its historic character while creating a fresh, vibrant venue ready to welcome customers back into the town centre.
With the finishing touches now underway, Saints Bar is looking ahead to opening at the end of March, bringing new energy, live entertainment and a revived sense of community to a long-quiet corner of the town.
The owners say Saints Bar is designed to be more than just another place to drink. Instead, the focus is on the connection between friends, artists, locals and visitors, creating a venue that feels familiar, lively and inclusive.
“The town centre location was a key factor in the decision to open Saints Bar. Its position among other established venues, strong pedestrian access and proximity to the train station make it ideally placed to contribute positively to Chesterfield’s evening economy.”
The drinks offering will include a range of signature cocktails developed exclusively for Saints Bar by an experienced cocktail specialist, alongside classic cocktails, locally sourced beers and ales, and a carefully selected range of mid- to high-end spirits and wines. Plans are also in place to apply for permission to install a kitchen area, allowing the venue to offer a small selection of high-quality food such as artisan pizzas, cheese boards and tapas-style dishes.
Looking ahead, Saints Bar plans to host a variety of themed events and live entertainment, including music-led nights, line dancing, ladies’ nights and murder mystery evenings designed to make the most of the building’s historic character. The team is also considering dedicated evenings for hospitality and bar industry workers, offering discounted rates as a way of supporting others in the sector.
Supporting local businesses is another priority. Saints Bar aims to work with local producers and suppliers wherever possible and is exploring rotating bar lines to showcase a range of regional beers and products.
Early feedback from the community has been very positive, with residents keen to see the historic building brought back into active use. The owners hope Saints Bar will become a well-loved town centre destination, a place that enhances Chesterfield’s night-time offer while celebrating its heritage.
Updates on the progress of Saints Bar can be found on the venue’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com
For more independent bars and restaurants within Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk
