Historic pub reveals pizza bar plans for beer garden
EATERY WOULD SIT 50 AND HAVE RETRACTABLE ROOF
ONE of Derbyshire’s oldest pubs has plans to build a pizza bar with a retractable roof in its beer garden.
Pesto at the Peacock in Oakerthorpe, near Alfreton, a Grade-II listed venue, is looking to expand its premises.
It has submitted plans to Amber Valley Borough Council for a new structure in its beer garden catering for up to 50 covers with a motorised retractable roof and extensive bi-fold doors.
The retractable roof and bi-fold doors would enable the new unit, largely made of glass, to be almost totally exposed to the elements – with the roof retracted when it is sunny.
If approved, the metal-framed unit would house the venue’s existing pizza oven, along with toilets.
The application for the new structure says the site’s existing car park, which has more than 90 spaces, will be sufficient to cater for the proposed venture.
The beer garden would retain eight picnic tables for outdoor seating. It details the Peacock dates back to the 11th century and “is reputed to be the oldest inn in Derbyshire”.
The application documents say: “The inn is mentioned in the Domesday Book, when it was known as Ufton Barnsand.
“It was rebuilt in 1613 and has a most interesting history; legend has it that Dick Turpin, one of the most famous highwaymen in English history, stopped off at the inn on his ride to York.” Independent group Pesto took over the former Peacock Hotel in 2017, spending around £400,000 on renovations and relaunching the business.
Last year, in March and October respectively, the owners were granted approval from the borough council to build extensions to the kitchen and main dining/trade area to expand the number of covers it can cater for.
The borough council will make a decision on the pizza bar building plans in the next few months.
The inn is mentioned in the Domesday Book, when it was known as Ufton Barnsand.