Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Entertainment
Lynette Pinchess

New operator for former Boca Lima bar 'couldn't be happier' to open in Hockley

A company known for its coffee, food and cocktails across the Midlands is set to open its seventh site - this time in Nottingham. BEAR, which has venues in Derby and Staffordshire, will be taking over a closed down bar in Hockley.

Before the pandemic hidden bar Boilermaker was at the location, in Carlton Street, but it later reinvented itself to become an all-day venue with a change of name to Boca Lima. It closed earlier this year. BEAR will open in the summer.

Founders and former school friends, Craig Bunting and Michael Thorley, said they are excited to bring their unique blend of speciality coffee, seasonal fresh food, and handcrafted cocktails to the eclectic and bohemian charm of Hockley, describing it as the perfect backdrop.

Keep up to date with all the latest food and drink news by signing up to our newsletter here

Craig said: "We couldn't be happier to join the dynamic scene of Hockley and finally bring BEAR to Nottingham. BEAR was born in the Midlands, so investing in such an iconic spot in the city was a natural and fitting next step for us. We have so much love for Nottingham, and the opportunity to be part of the thriving independent community and speciality coffee scene here has got us beyond excited to open our doors."

Additionally, BEAR will introduce their newly-launched evening concept 'Later at BEAR' which will be available every day from 5pm. The menu will feature fully-stacked smash burgers, taco trays, loaded fries, and twisted cocktail classics.

The Hockley store continue BEAR's tradition of providing a comfortable and inclusive space for coffee lovers, foodies, and cocktail enthusiasts and a commitment to preserving and revitalising historic spaces is exemplified in the choice of location. The Carlton Street site will be meticulously transformed to create a stunning BEAR experience, while carefully maintaining the architectural integrity of the signature glass roof, original exposed columns, and other distinctive features.

As with their other locations, BEAR Hockley will also be dog-friendly. The company has earned a reputation as an industry leader since opening its first store in Uttoxeter in 2016, combining Midlands heritage with a touch of inner-city influence to create thoughtfully designed spaces.

Boilermaker and Boca Lima were previously run by Nigel Garlick, who operates Junkyard and The Kilpin in Bridlesmith Walk.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.