Spirit Run Distillery Named Best Newcomer at Derby Food and Drink Awards
The Spirit Run, located at Derby Market Hall, has been recognised for its innovative concept and contribution to the city's hospitality scene.
By Aisha Mahmood
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a copper still in a bar setting.
The Spirit Run Distillery and Bar has been crowned Best Newcomer at the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards, celebrated at Derby Market Hall for its distinctive contribution to the city's hospitality sector.
The Spirit Run, a venture from Darley Abbey Wines, secured the prestigious title, beating strong competition from fellow finalists Strutt Bakehouse and Bentley’s. The awards ceremony recognised outstanding food and drink businesses across Derby, with winners chosen from over 5,000 nominations.
Situated within the former Poultry Market space at Derby Market Hall, The Spirit Run has quickly established itself as a unique destination. The venue seamlessly combines a working distillery with a sophisticated bar, offering guests expertly crafted cocktails, locally sourced spirits, wines, and beers, all while overlooking the establishment's custom-built British copper stills.
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"We’re absolutely over the moon to receive this award. The team works extremely hard to create new concept drinks and come up with ideas to give our customers the best experience. We’re really excited about all the things we’ve got planned for the coming year. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone that voted for us – it means the world."
The bar features The Spirit Run’s own spirits alongside offerings from other local distillers and well-known brands, complemented by a menu of expertly crafted cocktails. A selection of draft beers, including brews from Derbyshire’s Thornbridge Brewery, and a rotating range of discovery wines are also available.
Beyond its drinks selection, The Spirit Run hosts immersive gin and cocktail experiences, providing visitors with insights into the distilling process. The Best Newcomer award specifically acknowledges the venue's successful integration into Derby’s food and drink scene and its role in the ongoing regeneration of Derby Market Hall.
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"Winning Best Newcomer is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the vision and dedication of The Spirit Run team. The venue has added something distinctive to Derby Market Hall, helping to create a diverse and exciting offer that’s drawing more people into the city centre – and they make amazing cocktails! Seeing businesses like The Spirit Run succeed is exactly what we hoped to achieve through our investment in the Market Hall, and we’re thrilled to see their contribution recognised with this award."
For more information about The Spirit Run, visit the Derby Market Hall website.
Based on information from the official source: Derby City Council (19/10/2026)
