Belper’s Buzzing Hotspot For Winers and Diners
The Bottle Bank’s name is an enigma. Bringing your glass jars to participate in the recycling drive is a noble gesture. However, arrive in the heart of Belper, and you’ll leave stuffed, a little tipsy and buzzing more than those Christmas tree fairy lights!
The Bottle Bank sits inside the old Royal Bank of Scotland building on King Street, a site that spent decades trading under names such as Williams Deacon’s and Williams & Glyn’s. After the branch closed in 2019, it briefly operated as Bank at Belper from 2022. New owners, Kirsty and Sam took over in 2024 and carried out a five-week refurbishment, turning the former vault into a wine cellar, adding a kitchen and creating a garden courtyard, before relaunching the venue as, you guessed it, The Bottle Bank.
They allowed us to follow them online as photos showed everything from sparse walls to a rather lonely-looking toilet bowl sat in the middle of a stripped bathroom. Without a doubt, their tale embodies a stoic Derbyshire rule: starting from scratch is always the most rewarding route.
When we arrived, luckily, there were no fraying pipes or floor tiles scattered about. The outside retains a staunchly rustic aesthetic. Stone-built, with sharp fascia branding, it is recognisable to the locals without being excessively gaudy.
Inside, the low-key pattern remains. Chandelier lighting, tall light-inviting windows and well-spaced tables all encourage a home-from-home feel. The long, sofa-like seating at the back is offset by individual tables and chairs, giving privacy while ensuring you don’t feel isolated from the rest of the room.
The bar, we are very happy to say, could be classed as the gold standard that all surrounding pubs should strive for. It is broad, well-staffed and stocked with a solid lineup of beers, ciders, wines and cocktails, from staple classics like the Aperol Spritz to signature creations such as the aptly named Banker’s Delight.
Speaking of atmosphere, we would be remiss not to mention the Christmas trees? More seriously, how about the eclectic live-event setup that The Bottle Bank proudly celebrates. Their Cocktail Masterclass is a terrific example of them sticking to their guns, including a welcome glass of prosecco, the chance to shake two cocktails of your choice and a selection of food ranging from pizza to a dairy-stacked cheese board.
If music is more your scene, they have hosted everything from jazz jams to 80s discos and even an open mic if you dare.
To run with a tag-line like wine bar is fair enough. Boasting over 40 wines, from crisp Italian Pinots to lively Spanish Purgatoris, they have every palate catered for. Need we wax on Provence’s gold-tier Whispering Angel rosé, or take a similar fruity summertime stroll with Portugal’s Espadeiro Vinho Verde?
The most surprising feature, and something even the top brass in the wine industry neglects, is the installation of Le Verre De Vin technology. Ensuring you are not sipping from a dud tipple, this system preserves the quality of opened sparkling and still bottles, guaranteeing a just-popped freshness. Now, how is that for customer care?
Non-boozers are not left out either. Around 60% of their drinks menu can be offered as non-alcoholic, with soft drinks and low-alcohol options served too.
But we are being reductive. While oenologists and sommelier wannabes can absolutely get their fix, The Bottle Bank also indulges in something more gastronomic. Enter their expansive menu: seasonal, all-encompassing, and driven to cater for even the most pernickety of diners.
Instead of a conventional three-course menu, The Bottle Bank employs a more forward-thinking approach. They offer a series of meal options arranged in dedicated sections. For example, pizza fans have a strong roster of toppings to choose from, while those more interested in drinks and a natter can choose from the Sharers and Platters or the Feeling Picky selection.
And you really want to channel your inner Dionysus and add a touch of Bacchus. In that case, we recommend the Bottomless Brunch: a choice of meals including burgers or pizza, accompanied by selected alcoholic or soft drinks.
But we haven’t even touched on the headline yet: The Smoke House Menu. It might be their boldest move yet.
It’s a simple setup: when it’s gone, it’s gone! Written fresh each week on the blackboard by the door, and sometimes covertly alluded to on Facebook, it rolls through a changing line up of smoked cuts. On our visit, it was chicken thigh brisket and pork belly. It runs Thursday to Saturday and sets the tone the moment you walk in.
You have heard about the atmosphere and the setting. The real question is what the food actually delivers. Why fight the British winter and tuck yourself away inside The Bottle Bank? The answer is best shown by the plates we devoured.
Keeping to the flagship smokehouse, we opted for the pork belly. Served with a portion of fries and corn to, quite frankly, literally die for, the meal was a raging success. My partner chose the charcuterie board with meats, cheese and crackers, the whole French spread, all put together with delicate arrangement.
As it’s a wine bar, we thought we’d test the waters with a glass of Pinot Grigio and their special wine-taster flight board. Boasting a white, red and orange, all were strong choices, and the Italian Famiglia Pasqua Valpolicella Ripasso stood out immediately.
Service was sharp from the moment we arrived. Manager Lisa and her staff were attentive without hovering, and owner Kirsty took time to speak with us. Her pride in the venue is clear. Starting out in Wetherspoons with co-owner and husband Sam, she has worked her way up through sheer graft, and she is a genuine inspiration for anyone who wants to build something from the ground up. By the way, she also let us in on a little venue secret… An exciting new chef, and a menu entirely smoked? Our breath is certainly baited!
Christmas is fast approaching, and The Bottle Bank are gearing up for a jolly round of seasonal festivities. Their highly regarded Manager Office space caters for around 36 seated, or 20 with space for a dancefloor. Be quick, as this spectacular Christmas menu will be gone quicker than old Saint Nick.
The bar keeps a steady rhythm through the week, opening Tuesday to Saturday from noon until 11 pm, and winding down early on Sundays at 7 pm. Mondays are its well-earned day of rest. The kitchen operates a focused schedule, serving Wednesday to Friday from 12 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm, before closing for Sunday and Monday.
So, what more is there to say? Wine. Food. Good times had by all. Bottoms up!
The Bottle Bank, 34 King St, Belper, DE56 1PS
Email: hello@thebottlebankbelper.co.uk
Tel: 01773 292034
