TRENDИG PROFILES: Lee Roach and the Spirit of Suds & Soda in Derby’s Independent Beer Scene

In a city known for its deep-rooted brewing heritage, few places capture the spirit of Derby’s independent beer scene quite like Suds & Soda. Tucked into Friar Gate, this intimate, ever-evolving bar has quietly become one of the most exciting creative and social hubs in the city. At the centre of it all is owner Lee Roach, a figure whose journey into the world of craft beer and independent hospitality feels as organic as the ales he serves.

“I live and work in Derby and have done so for the last 20 years or so,” Lee explains. “I used to be a lager boy before I moved to here but, with Derby being so internationally renowned for its beer and brewing heritage, I wanted to start drinking the sort of stuff the locals were drinking and this kind of kick-started my interest in beer and independent breweries.”

That shift from casual drinker to passionate advocate for independent brewing is a story that mirrors Derby itself. A city steeped in tradition yet constantly evolving, Derby has long been a stronghold for real ale and innovation in brewing. For Lee, simply living in that environment was enough to spark something deeper.

His introduction to the licensed trade, however, started much earlier-and closer to home. “I grew up in the licensed trade! My parents owned/ran a corner shop in Hucknall after my old man left the mining industry,” he says. “As quite a shy teenager working in pubs was the last thing I wanted to do, but here I am!” It is a line delivered with humour, but it hints at a journey shaped as much by circumstance as it is by passion.

That journey would eventually lead to one defining milestone: taking ownership of Suds & Soda. “My biggest career highlight so far is taking ownership of my favourite bar and becoming my own boss.” It is a simple statement, but one that carries weight. In a challenging industry where margins are tight and expectations high, stepping into ownership is both a risk and a declaration of belief-in the venue, the community, and in yourself.

Before that, Lee had already been tested in one of Derby’s most respected venues. “Being the manager at The Exeter Arms… it’s a very busy venue, expectations were high, hours were long and there were some very challenging times there, for various reasons. Ultimately quite fun though. Character building.” That experience, intense as it was, clearly laid the groundwork for what Suds & Soda would become-a place that balances quality, atmosphere and personality.

Today, Suds & Soda stands as more than just a bar. It is a space where people gather not only for a drink, but for an experience. The ever-changing menu of ales keeps regulars on their toes, while the welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere invites newcomers in. On any given night, you might find people deep in conversation over a pint, discovering a new favourite beer, or catching a live music set. It has even hosted events like the Kumite Combat Wrestling after party, reinforcing its reputation as a versatile and culturally plugged-in venue.

Lee’s philosophy is refreshingly simple. “Ultimately Suds & Soda is there for people to have fun and to encourage people to try and to experience new things, new flavours.” That ethos is perhaps best captured in one of his favourite moments behind the bar: “I like it when you give someone a taster of a drink that they are absolutely convinced they won’t enjoy because they ‘don’t like beer’… and then they take a sip and their face lights up.”

It is in those small, human moments that Suds & Soda truly thrives. The bar is not about pretension or exclusivity; it is about discovery, conversation and connection. It is about changing perceptions-one pint at a time.

Inspiration, for Lee, comes from a mix of the professional and the personal. “Professionally: other independent business owners… anybody trying to do something a bit different.” That sense of solidarity within the independent scene is something that runs deep in Derby, where collaboration often outweighs competition. “Personally: probably pretty cliché but music, art, travel, nature, people.” And then, perhaps most tellingly: “Philosophically: my dog. Those adverts always tell you to ‘be more dog’ and they’re completely right.”

That blend of grounded perspective and quiet humour is reflected in how he runs his business. There is no overcomplication, no forced reinvention. “I think my ethos and my approach to my work has been fairly consistent throughout my career to be honest. Maybe I need to change it up a bit?” he jokes. In reality, that consistency is likely one of Suds & Soda’s greatest strengths.

Looking ahead, Lee has no intention of standing still. “Lots of new and different things planned for Suds & Soda in Derby. Having an impressive and constantly evolving range of products will always be at the heart of what we do, but I also see Suds & Soda as something of a creative hub and I’m planning to lean into that a little more.” It is a natural progression for a venue that already sits comfortably at the intersection of beer, culture and community.

There is also the possibility of growth beyond Friar Gate. “If the timing and the opportunities are right we might also look at expanding to an additional site. Who knows.” It is a cautious optimism, grounded in experience, but it hints at a future where the Suds & Soda ethos could reach even further.

For those yet to experience it, the bar remains one of Derby city centre’s hidden gems-a place where quality beer meets genuine atmosphere. For those who already know it, it is something more: a familiar space, a creative outlet, a community hub.

And if you are looking to find it, Lee keeps things simple. “You can find us on Friar Gate or on Instagram/Facebook. We also have a very seldom-used Tik-Tok account and an abandoned Twitter page lol.”

As for advice to others looking to carve their own path in creative or independent industries, Lee resists the urge to position himself as an authority. “I couldn’t possibly, lest my psyche become riddled with imposter syndrome.” It is a refreshingly honest answer-and perhaps a reminder that even those building something special are still figuring it out as they go.

What is clear, however, is that Lee Roach has created something that resonates. In a city full of history, Suds & Soda represents the present and the future-a small bar with a big personality, rooted in Derby but always evolving.

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