Bakewell’s Landmark RBS Building to Reopen as Glamorous 1920s-Inspired Dining Destination
The Charleston Moves Closer To Grand Summer Opening In Bakewell
Bakewell’s historic former bank is being transformed into The Charleston, a 1920s-inspired bar and restaurant featuring cocktails, live jazz, modern dining, outdoor seating and 60 new local jobs.
A striking new chapter is about to begin for one of Bakewell’s most recognisable buildings, as independent hospitality group Longbow Venues prepares to unveil The Charleston — a lavish 1920s-inspired bar and restaurant opening this summer in the former Royal Bank of Scotland building.
Set in the heart of the Peak District town, the ambitious £2.6 million transformation promises to bring a new style of all-day dining and late-night hospitality to Bakewell, blending Art Deco glamour with contemporary food, cocktails and live music.
The Grade II-listed sandstone property has stood empty in recent years, but developers say the restoration has been carefully designed to preserve its architectural character while introducing a bold new identity inspired by the golden age of jazz and cocktail culture.
Working alongside landlord Coverland UK and designers Concorde BGW, Longbow Venues has retained many of the building’s original features — including ornate cornices, soaring ceilings and tall windows — while introducing atmospheric lighting, rich textures and elegant interiors reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy.
Highlights
- The Charleston will open in Bakewell during summer 2026
- Located inside the former Royal Bank of Scotland building
- £2.6 million investment by Longbow Venues and Coverland UK
- Inspired by 1920s jazz clubs and cocktail culture
- Features ground-floor bar and upstairs restaurant
- Seating for around 160 guests plus outdoor courtyard for 90 people
- Private dining room inside original bank vault named “The Speakeasy”
- Menus inspired by London, New York and Manchester dining scenes
- Live jazz, soul and swing performances planned daily
- Cocktail-led drinks menu including “High Society Spritzes”
- Expected to create around 60 local jobs
- Sixth venue in the Longbow Venues collection
- Restoration preserves original historic architectural features
- Designed as an all-day venue from coffee mornings to late-night dining
Spread across two floors, The Charleston will feature a lively ground-floor bar and casual dining space, alongside an upstairs restaurant intended for more leisurely lunches and evening dining experiences. In total, the venue will accommodate around 160 seated guests, with additional bar space and a large outdoor courtyard seating up to 90 people.
One of the venue’s standout features will be The Speakeasy, a private dining room hidden within the building’s original bank vault, offering an intimate setting for up to ten guests.
A Venue Designed to Evolve Throughout the Day
Unlike many traditional Peak District venues, The Charleston aims to shift mood and atmosphere from morning through to late evening.
Days will begin with speciality coffees, alternative lattes, pastries and brunch dishes inspired by major city dining scenes, before transitioning into classic French brasserie-style cooking and cocktails later in the day.
Early menu highlights are expected to include inventive dishes such as The Waffle Sandwich — combining buttermilk chicken, maple bacon, coffee and bacon jam — alongside brunch plates including the Florentine Gatsby with avocado and spinach mousse, crispy eggs and micro herbs.
By evening, guests can expect refined brasserie dishes alongside an extensive cocktail menu featuring “High Society Spritzes”, classic serves and wines including the return of Cuvée Jean-Paul Rouge, first poured at Bakewell institution Aitch’s Wine Bar & Bistro in the early 1980s.
Live entertainment will also play a central role in the concept, with a baby grand piano and nightly performances spanning jazz, soul and classic swing.
“Bringing This Building Back to Life Has Been Personal”
For Longbow Venues founder Rob Hattersley, the project represents more than simply opening another restaurant.
“This has been a long time coming,” he said. “Bringing this building back to life has been a personal mission. I grew up in Bakewell, and it’s incredibly special to be restoring such a well-known building and giving it a new purpose.”
Hattersley’s family previously operated the much-loved Aitch’s Wine Bar & Bistro in Bakewell between 1982 and 2004 — a venue he says inspired many aspects of The Charleston’s atmosphere and hospitality style.
Longbow Venues, founded in 2019, has rapidly established itself as one of the Peak District’s most prominent independent hospitality operators, with venues including The Peacock at Rowsley, The Maynard and The George Hathersage.
The Charleston will become the group’s sixth venue and is expected to create around 60 local jobs.
An official opening date is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, alongside full menus and booking details.
For updates, visit The Charleston or follow the venue on Instagram and Facebook.
