An expanding urban axe-throwing business is set to open its next ‘cutting-edge’ venue in Derby city centre.
Hatchet Harry’s, which has six other indoor axe-throwing centres in the UK, is planning to set up its latest ‘chop shop’ in Albion Street, Derby.
The unusual leisure activity, which is rapidly growing in popularity, is expected to open sometime next month in the old Cardmarket store, next door to the former Gap Outlet.
People of all ages will be able to learn the techniques originally handed down by generations of Canadian lumberjacks, where participants compete by throwing hand axes at wooden targets.
Hatchet Harry’s already has venues in Nottingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Glasgow and Aberdeen, with another, in Middlesbrough, opening very soon.
Derby was chosen as the next location after the owners learned of moves by Nottingham property business ALB Group to buy-up commercial units in Albion Street in an effort to transform the area to its former glory.
Jack Beadle, who co-owns Hatchet Harry’s and sister business Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts with partner Richard Bridge, said: “The people of Derby are going to love Hatchet Harry’s. It’s harder than it looks, but there’s a sharp learning curve and it’s a real slice of fun.
“Derby was always near the top of our list for introducing this great activity - we were just waiting for the right venue to come on the market.
“Once we heard about ALB’s plans to snap-up properties in Albion Street and turn around the area’s fortunes, we were behind the plan all the way.
“And Derby needs all the good fortune it can get after facing such a challenging year with the football club. Now the city’s residents can enjoy a bit of shopping followed by a bit of chopping!”
Prices start at £21 per person for a 90-minute supervised axe throwing experience. All venues also host a ‘Club Night’ each Monday where regulars and more experienced axe-throwers pay £12.50 for unsupervised sessions.
Jack and Richard opened their first Hatchet Harry’s in Newcastle city centre three years ago.
Government Covid restrictions forced the pair to mothball the business during lockdown, which is when they came up with the idea of selling doughnuts online.
Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts, which opened its first high street store in Darlington this year, saw immediate sell-out success and plans to open other stores across the UK, in Hatchet Harry’s venues where space allows.
Talks are currently underway to open new Hatchet Harry’s centres in Brighton and Reading, with other sites likely to follow later this year.
For further information, visit www.hatchetharrys.co.uk or www.harrysdonuts.co.uk.