Another great, 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 S40 Local’s virtual bus's next stop was at Ginspired. Based in Chesterfield’s lovely Market Hall it’s a newly established, independent business - you know, the ones we love at S40 Local, and 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 White and Matt Darken. The pair met in a craft ale business Matt had set up in Dronfield, 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 if you’re ever in Buxton, please call in.
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 was in the store, one or two of their regular customers called in and chatted to Daz about what they liked and products they’d purchased from them previously. Daz carefully considered their feedback and offered some clear advice about new products to try. They made the suggested purchases, and will no doubt be back to try more, a friendly local service from a business owner who takes the time to listen to his customers.
As well as being there to support people's love for their spirits, Ginspired is a great place for gifts, a gin from the Rhubarb Triangle for mum’s birthday, perhaps? Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions they can’t offer their usual sample, but they hope to offer a range to suit all palates and the opportunity to check before you buy as soon as they are able … but please be aware, this does not apply to everything!
“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 unique, expertly sourced and of the highest quality and will cater for all who call in.
With Christmas not far away Ginspired will be a stocking a unique range of Christmas gifts, vouchers and will have advent calendars and crackers, plus much more.
Please take a trip into town to check out Ginspired, make sure to say where you saw them... and enjoy a bit of discount with the voucher in this months S40 local magazine.
Facebook: Ginspiredshop
Open: Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 4:30pm
Words: Paul Chapman
Images: Ginspired