There’s hopefully going to be a new kid on the Bakewell dining scene block, and we need your help!

Longbow Venues and Coverland UK submitted a joint application to convert the old Royal Bank of Scotland building into a premium dining destination. That application has now been validated and is up for public consultation.

This beautiful Georgian building, in the heart of the Peak District has sat empty for the last 6 years. We’re hoping to bring the historic building, constructed in 1838, back to life.

In case you missed it, this is what we had to say about it at the time the initial application was being put together;

Support Our Application

We are now in the public consultation period and it would be wonderful to get your support for our application.

You can do this by pressing the ‘Support Our Application’ links which will take you to the planning portal. You will be able to see proposed plans for the interior and exterior and comments that others have left about the application.

If you scroll down past the links to the supporting documentation, there is a section at the bottom where you can add your support;

We have until Monday, September 2nd, 2024 to gather as much support as possible. If you believe this new venue to be a positive for Bakewell, then please consider supporting the application.

Our Vision for the Former Bank in Bakewell

Longbow’s vision is to thoughtfully restore the Grade II listed building, taking great care to preserve the soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and intricate cornices. The interior design will pay homage to the building’s storied past including listed features and nods to the building’s past as a bank. Interior design will be curated by Concorde BGW to create stylish, sophisticated surroundings. Think opulent with an air of grandeur, creating an ambience that is both elegant and inviting.

Central to the vision is a menu that highlights the best of Peak District people and produce. As an independent business run by and for the people of the Peak District and the visitor economy, supporting local is at the heart of everything we do. From farm-fresh ingredients to artisanal delights, Longbow is committed to sourcing food and drink from local Peak District suppliers, cementing each venue into the local economy. To ensure the highest quality, Raymond Blanc-trained executive chef, Adrian Gagea, will craft a menu that surprises the senses and delights the taste buds.

The proposed restaurant will operate seven days a week, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffees, snacks and afternoon tea. And with its prime location in the heart of Bakewell, it promises to be a valuable addition to the town’s culinary scene, catering for a wide audience.

Investors in People – 60 New Jobs in Bakewell

Longbow Venues is committed to putting people over profits and with 60 new vacancies associated with the operation of this venue in Bakewell. Recently recognised as a Sunday Times Best Places to Work, Longbow Venues are committed to internal progression with robust career opportunities and pathways within the company. Anyone looking to make hospitality their exciting, lucrative and rewarding career should pop in to register their interest.

Open Day – Saturday, August 3rd 10 am to 4 pm

You may want to come and visit the old bank and see how the plans will hopefully come to fruition.

Join us at the old Royal Bank of Scotland building, Rutland Square, Bakewell, DE45 1BT, on Saturday, August 3rd from 10 am to 4 pm.

Drop in at any time and come and chat to us about our proposed plans and what we’d love to do and bring to Bakewell.

Our Internal Consultations

We held initial consultations via a number of drop-in sessions to help gauge local support and get some honest feedback.

Those attending the events in May were offered the opportunity to complete a short questionnaire which sought to capture the views of those who came to the open days.

Some stats from the feedback are;

• 162 questionnaires were completed
• 144 (89%) were completed by local residents
• 116 (72%) respondents said they buy food and drink when they visit Bakewell, demonstrating demand for such outlets in town
• 84 (52%) respondents felt there was not a good choice of establishments at the moment with concerns about a lack of ‘quality’ establishments and places open in the evenings
• 156 (96%) respondents supported the idea of using the former RBS building as a food and drink establishment with strong support for the proposed layout and excitement about the public being able to access the building again and see its features. This is evidently a building that people appreciate and view as an asset to the town
• 11 (7%) respondents said that they had some concerns. Where these concerns were qualified, it largely related to existing parking pressure in town and ensuring there is proper disabled access to the building. As per the plans, and restrictions with a Grade II listed building, accessible WCs and assisted hoists have been paramount to the plans
• 1 (0.6%) respondents wanted to see a bank return to Bakewell and thought the building should be reserved for that purpose
• 105 (65%) respondents said they would visit Bakewell town centre more often if these proposals go ahead. There is, therefore, the opportunity for more linked trips which will bring in economic benefits to the wider town centre and not just the application site

If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed plans, please contact us directly by email info@longbowvenues.com

We believe all feedback is helpful and would appreciate your thoughts. We will be able to answer questions or concerns directly.