Another great new, independent business in Chesterfield's Market Hall.
I feel like I’ve been on a tour of local businesses over the past few weeks and the next stop of S40 Local’s virtual bus was Ginspired. Based in Chesterfield’s lovely Market Hall it’s a newly established independent business, you know the ones we love at S40 Local. If you like a gin with a difference you’d better call in as they will definitely have something to wet your whistle.
And it’s not only gins, they have a fantastic selection of fine Irish and Scottish whiskies, Caribbean rums, bourbons, craft beer and real ales.
The business is owned and run by Darren and Matt. The pair met in a craft ale business Matt had set up, Daz would call in for a beer to catch up and strangely he found himself calling in quite frequently, a friendship developed, and new ideas were discussed.
Next stop Buxton. Matt saw premises that would give him the opportunity to open a Craft Beer and Real Ale store. It was here that Matt refined his model store and The Beer District (great name that) has been successfully serving the residents of Buxton since November 2018. So successfully, that it’s developed into a well respected small business, so if you’re ever in Buxton …
Darren came in as business partner and left his career in print to help run the store. The pair have been driving across to the far side of the Peak District for a while and started to look a bit closer to home for a business that would make the commute some days a bit shorter.
“The unit in the Market Hall is a gem of local spirits and a growing collection of ales” enthuses Daz, adding “there really isn’t anything like it in Chesterfield.”
“The majority of our gins and beers are all sourced locally, the whiskies and bourbons come from further afield, whiskies from Scotland, bourbons from around the states.
“We have a great range but if there is something particular you’d like, we’ll do our very best to source it. If you like a particular flavour or taste, again, let us know and we’ll serve up a few options for you that you may not have tried.”
Whilst I chatted to Daz, one or two regulars called in and took away new spirits to try, Matt aware of their likes and clearly delivering products that will be certain to go down well.
As well as being there to support people's love for their spirits, Ginspired is a great place for gifts, a local gin from the Rhubarb Triangle for mum’s birthday perhaps? There is a sample range to suit all paletes so there is the opportunity to check before you buy (please be aware this does not apply to everything!).
“The local connection is important to us, the botanicals in many of the gins are local, the water is local, it helps create some interesting flavours.
“Rums are becoming popular, they outsold whiskey over Christmas which was a surprise but something that has led us to respond and seek out some great products to support this local demand.
“Our ales are all of great quality, bottle conditioned to ensure they are perfect when poured and from an ever-expanding range of small independents.
“We get customers saying, ‘I’ve never heard of any of these’, and that’s exactly what we want to hear” says Daz. That kind of sums up what inspires Ginspired as I see it. A range that’s not the norm, is mainly locally sourced and will cater for all who call in.
Please take a trip into town to check out Ginspired, when we return to normal.
Words: Paul Chapman