‘Unique vibe’ at new bar with music and food
A NEW bar and restaurant has opened its doors in Derby city centre’s Cathedral Quarter.
Belong has opened in the Old Blacksmith’s Yard premises formerly occupied by awardwinning restaurant The Palfrey, before it moved to Milford last year.
The independently-owned venue, off Sadler Gate, welcomed its first customers last month. It marks a return to the city for owner Greg Dufton, who has spent the last two decades working in events and international artist booking in Dubai.
In 1898, Old Blacksmith’s Yard was named Palfree’s Yard, having once been occupied by a farrier named Samuel Palfree, and housed several cottages. It changed to its current name after 1979.
Mr Dufton’s love for music has provided much of the inspiration for his new bar, which will play house, electronic and alternative music from emerging artists. The 120-capacity venue’s playlists have been curated by Midlands-based DJ/producer Paul Lyman, and sets from other local and national DJs will also feature.
Mr Dufton said: “Belong was born from a love of music and appreciation for atmosphere.
“Crafting an experience that invites, impresses and involves is no mean feat in hospitality, and I would like Belong to demonstrate a uniquely discerning vibe that represents the established team behind it.
“Derby is doing some great things to increase its prominence and notoriety. There is no reason why it cannot be considered a go-to entertainment destination, on par with England’s landmark metropolitan cities. I look forward to Belong being part of that change.”
A major refurbishment project has seen the building transformed into what the owner describes as an “inviting, edgy, and opulent-yetunpretentious” space. Mr Dufton says his two-storey bar has an intentionally contrasting décor, teaming industrial elements with premium furnishings.
The menu is Mediterraneaninspired with small plates and stone-baked pizzas.
Belong’s opening hours are 5pm to 11pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 5pm to 1am on Friday and Saturday, and from 12pm to 9pm on Sunday.
The Palfrey used to be located in the Old Blacksmith’s Yard unit, but its owners made the decision to relocate out of the city last summer. The top-rated venue reopened in its new home at what used to be the New Inn pub, on Hopping Hill, Milford in December.