New lease of life for Gate

The former Gate pub has been taken over by the owners of the Designate handmade gifts store Andy and Kirsty Field to create Designate @ the gate.

The pub, in Smedley Street East, had closed down, so when it came up for sale the Matlock pair saw it as their chance to save it.

Andy explained: “People shied away from it and it was such a shame. We got hold of the keys and felt like we’d won the lottery because it’s such a great space with loads of potential.”

The location of the Gate was ideal as it backs onto the workshop for the couple’s craft business, Designate, so they moved their shop into one end of the premises.

With three children under the age of eight, Andy and Kirsty were keen to promote a child–friendly environment.

“We really want parents to feel comfortable bringing their kids here and we want to promote the creative aspect,” Andy continued.

The premises is fully licenced and offers a unique concept of ‘one pot’ food, whereby people can enjoy a meal served in a pot such as pasta, curry or stew.

Designate @ the gate is open 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturday. On Thursdays it is open until midnight with entertainment such as live music or pop up cinema. The couple is keen to promote British cuisine, local produce and art and they want to encourage local groups to use them.

Further information is available by visiting www.homeofhandmade.co.uk, the ‘Designate @ the gate’ page on Facebook or call 01629 760033.