Day of celebration at city centre venue

VIP guests will arrive in the authentic coach at 12noon – reflecting the historic past of the building which was Derby’s premier coaching in throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

A day of free entertainment at the Old Bell Hotel will then include the Rolls-Royce Brass Band, a town crier performing the traditional ale tasting ceremony, jousting jesters and live musical entertainment.

The opening of the street-front bar at the Old Bell Hotel is the final part of the two-and-a-half-year programme to restore the ground floor of the building.

The new bar, which will specialise in real and craft ales, joins the other parts of the building that are already open to the public - the ballroom, Tudor Bar and former stables which have been opened as Restaurant Zest.

Owner Paul Hurst explained that the celebration day marked a milestone in the history of the Old Bell Hotel.

“The Old Bell is one of the last surviving coaching inns from the 17th century and we have managed to retain and restore many of its original features.

“My aim has always been to make this a building that could be enjoyed by everyone and the celebration day will be a real family occasion.