A new wine bar in Derby is set to open in the city, making it the latest addition to a flourishing hospitality scene.
Wine Stories is a wine bar and tasting rooms located on The Strand, and the site of former Bar 56.
The site is currently undergoing refurbishment and Derby World went along to see work in progress.
Owner Chris Barlow only took on the site just four weeks ago. Since then major amendments have been made.
These include updates to the toilets, new shelving, and a painstaking deep clean of windows to create a more welcoming aesthetic for customers.
Hard work will continue over the coming weeks as Wine Stories is set to launch on Friday, July 26, 2024.
On the menu will be a carefully curated wine list that will change according to customers’ palates. World beers, plus spirits including gin, rum, and brandy will also be served.
In addition to wine tastings, people can also look forward to whisky and brandy tastings.
Chris is passionate about wine and is keen to explore people’s stories, memories and connections to their favourite wines.
He said: “Wine is subjective, whether you usually spend £3, or £300 on a bottle, it’s all down to personal tastes. This is why our wine list will be led by customers, who can tell us what they like, so the list itself is fluid.
“Our wines are special, you won’t be able to get them anywhere else in Derby. Our wines are from growers across the world.
“The idea of Wine Stories is to offer wines that have a story behind them.
“I love talking to people, I want to talk to people about wines they love and what they love about it. That’s how I got into wine.”
The wine bar is set to launch on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Opening days thereafter will be on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.
Location: Wine Stories - Wine Bar & Tasting Rooms, 5 - 6 The Strand, Derby DE1 1BQ
For more information about Wine Stories visit its Facebook page by clicking here.
1. Chris Barlow is founder of Wine Stories Derby
Chris is a keen wine fan whose knowledge about wines, terroir and the industry has led him to open a wine bar in Derby | Ria Ghei
2. Wine Stories Derby - Tasting Room
Views from one the tasting rooms reach over Sadler Gate | Ria Ghei
3. Wine Stories - Tasting Room feature
The building is packed with features, one of them is this pretty fireplace that was previously walled up. Chris and his building team removed the outer panelling to reveal the striking feature, that will add to the atmosphere of wine tasting sessions in the Tasting Rooms. | Ria Ghei
4. Wine Stories - Ground Floor
The bar is a work in progress but is taking shape nicely | Ria Ghei