Derby city centre bar and restaurant sold

A Derby city centre bar and restaurant has a new owner after it was bought out in a five figure deal.

The Blacksmith’s Lounge and the Blacksmith’s Loft in Sadler Gate and the Blacksmith’s Yard have been taken over by Sam Wright.

The Derby businessman has a wealth of experience in the hospitality trade having worked and run pubs and restaurants in London, Nottingham and York and well-known venues in Derbyshire including Pitcher and Piano, Fat Cats and The Joiners in Quarndon.

He has set up a new company, Premier Bars, which has bought the leasehold to the Blacksmith’s from previous owners Greg Hutchby and Victoria Harrison.

The Blacksmith’s Lounge opened in 2013 with the Loft restaurant a year later, with 14 staff across the bar and restaurant.

Wright said: “I started in the industry as a 16-year washing pots and have probably done every job within it since then, so I’ve have seen it from the bottom up.

“I have worked for some big companies but I have always had the ambition to own and run my own place. I’m delighted to have completed the deal to take on the Blacksmith’s Lounge and Loft and it is very much fulfilling a lifetime ambition for me.

“It is in a fantastic location and has already built up a great reputation in Derby, right in the heart of the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter.

“Growing up I loved to go out along Sadler Gate and I want to cement the venue’s reputation as a place people in Derby want to go to and enjoy themselves.

“It’s important to me that from the restaurant side that we are passionate about using local and seasonal produce. Derby’s restaurant scene is still developing but I think the Loft is right up there with its menu offer.

“I’m now just looking towards taking the venture forward and making it a success.”