John grew up as a young boy firstly at the Lathkil Hotel and then the Monsal Head Hotel before fleeing the nest and moving to the bright lights of Sheffield. Responsible for opening Sheffield’s first Wine Bar in 1975, ‘Vat One’ he then opened and ran several bars in and around the city before moving back to the Peaks.
In 1982 he and Diane opened Aitch’s Wine Bar, they wouldn’t know it at the time but this became Derbyshire’s hub of social activity for 22 years! The restaurant went from strength to strength over the years ending with 7 chefs, 3 managers a plethora of bar and waiting staff – I’m sure most people of that era worked at Aitch’s at one point in time.
John had always had an interest in Wine; he has studied to the highest diploma level and is constantly trying to keep up to date with the latest goings on. When the decision came to sell the restaurant it seemed only natural to continue with his wine passion, and hence John Hattersley Wines was born in November 2004.
The team has grown now and what was once a quiet little project for semi-retirement has flourished into a busy retail and trade business. John still has his hands firmly at the helm and is excited to see what the future holds.
