New craft ale and gin bar opening in Buxton

Planning permission has been granted by High Peak Borough Council to convert the former Royal Bank of Scotland building in the town centre into a new drinking venue.

Applicant Red Willlow Brewery, which has one bar in Macclesfield, was looking to expand and director Caroline Mckenzie said Buxton is just what they were looking for.

She said: “This is a really exciting time for us. We have always like Buxton, it has a character all of its own and has a great sense of community pride and spirit and people like to shop local and support local traders so we thought it was the perfect place for our expansion.

The property on the corner of George Street and Terrace Road is not listed, but is located within the Buxton Central Conservation Area and is adjacent to, and faces, Grade II-listed buildings; Buxton Thermal Baths, The Colonade and Quadrant.

Caroline said: “We love the original features and we want to keep them so customers can rest assured there will still be lots of culture like the mahogany panels and interesting pieces when we open to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.”

The wine bar hopes to become a destination venue as people come for the wide selection of drinks.

Caroline said: “We will have cask ales, 15 keg drinks and we will also be bringing more than 50 different gins to Buxton as well a wonderful cocktail menu.”

Work is still in the early stages as planning permission for the change of use was only granted on Wednesday, November 1.

Caroline said: “There is a lot of work to do yet but we want to be opening our doors before Christmas.

“The bar is an up-and-coming area of town and we think it will compliment the other surrounding venues.

“We think with various full and part-time roles the new bar will create ten jobs.”