Renovation
After a complete renovation, the Cathedral Quarter building once known as Bar 5 will reopen its doors as The Orange Tree on 23 September. Ben Hings and Gareth Smith, the owners, are aiming to bring back the post-Victorian charm of the building’s original foundations, which dates back to 1911.
The new establishment will have a heavy focus on cocktails using only premium spirits, craft beers and an extensive gin selection.
Reputation
Hings and Smith have successfully opened and run six venues across the East Midlands since founding the business in 1997, operating five pubs by the end of their first decade. In recent years, the Orange Tree Group has branched out to nightlife venues, enjoying success in locations such as the Basement Club in Leicester.
Taking over the George Street location in Derby was not originally planned as they had been considering other places, but the duo decided they couldn't turn down the opportunity.
Gareth said: “We have been looking for a new bar to add to the group for over a year now and have long had our eyes on Derby. We just fell in love with the building and it’s going to be a really great addition to our business.”