Raising a glass to Aura

Glossop’s stylish cocktail bar marks its first year.  

A year ago, opening a high-end cocktail bar in Glossop was a random and risky idea for Will Needham and Joe Crabtree. Twelve months on, Aura has firmly established itself as one of the town’s most exciting and stylish venues, with its founders, both just 24 years old, celebrating not only a first anniversary but a remarkable achievement.  

Aura, located on High Street East, lives up to its name. Meaning a “distinct quality, feeling or atmosphere that surrounds a person or place”, the bar has brought a fresh, city-style vibe to the heart of Glossop. With dark green, gold, black and white interiors, comfortable seating and carefully curated lighting, walking through the door definitely feels more like stepping into a Manchester cocktail lounge than a typical bar on the High Street.  

Will and Joe first met playing football against each other while at different primary schools. Neither had years of hospitality experience behind them, but what they did have was a clear vision, drive and the confidence to take a leap.  

Remarkably, Aura went from a spur-of-the-moment idea to opening its doors in just ten weeks. The idea had struck Will while he was travelling to Scotland for work, inspired by someone he’d met who had opened a bar in Holland. A message to his sister jokingly read, “Don’t tell Mum and Dad but I’m thinking of opening a bar.” Soon after, he dropped a message into a group chat asking if anyone fancied doing it for real. Joe immediately replied yes, as it was something he’d considered years earlier, and suddenly everything began to align. A perfectly located building came up for rent, and by August 2024 the plans were in motion.  

“As soon as we committed, we were committed to making it work” Will says. “We had so much to learn - from getting licences to understanding the day-to-day realities of running a bar - but we just went for it.”  

Their motivation was simple. Both felt Glossop was missing a high-end bar - somewhere stylish and comfortable, where you might take a first date or meet friends for expertly made cocktails without having to travel into Manchester. Aura was designed to fill that gap, combining beautiful décor, impeccable service and a drinks menu that wouldn’t feel out of place in the city.  

The cocktail list alone includes around 30 creations, alongside mocktails, all crafted with flair and cutting-edge techniques such as flames and a bubble machine. Happy Hour runs every day from 4-8pm, with all-day Happy Hour on Sundays, making luxury a little more accessible.   

Over the last year, the offering has continued to evolve. Live acoustic music and DJ nights have proven popular, and on Thursdays customers can now pre-order Da Marco pizzas so they’re ready on arrival. Aura also works with Perfect Platters by Julie Wilkinson, offering cold meat and cheese boards for private events.  

In October, Will and Joe strengthened the business further by appointing experienced bar manager Danny Birkhead. Having previously worked at a bar in Manchester, Danny brings a passion for hospitality and a strong focus on delivering excellent service, playing a key role in ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable experience.  

Looking ahead, the future is full of ideas. Cocktail masterclasses and two-hour afternoon brunches are planned for the new year, along with an expanded calendar of entertainment. Aura is also available for private hire, hosting everything from baby showers and celebrations to wakes, with a coffee machine now in place for daytime events.  

The journey hasn’t been easy. Will openly admits it was a massive gamble for him and Joe, as they balance Aura alongside full-time jobs. There are also unexpected challenges - a recent one saw their ice machine fail which resulted in a last-minute dash to the supermarket for 14 bags of ice - but adaptability has become second nature to the pair.  

“It might look easy from the outside, but there’s always so much to think about" Will says. “We can’t take our foot off the gas. Every little detail matters if you want to create that high-end feel.”  

Will and Joe’s goal is simple: for people to leave happy. Whether it’s a relaxed Sunday afternoon cocktail, impressing a first date on pizza night, a lively DJ night with friends or a private celebration, Aura aims to be a comfortable, welcoming space for the whole town. “I never thought I’d own a bar,” Will reflects. “But I’m so glad we took the risk. Who knows - maybe one day there’ll be another Aura, or even a beach club in Marbella!”  

For now, Glossop is lucky to have them. As Aura raises a glass to its first year, it’s clear this is only the beginning of an exciting journey for two young entrepreneurs who dared to take a chance.  

Aura is open from 4pm Thursday to Sunday and follows a smart-casual dress code, reinforcing its refined but welcoming atmosphere.