Celebrate Chesterfield

Peak Resort developer keynote speaker at Celebrate Chesterfield event

8th February 2017

Chesterfield’s world class resort, Peak Resort, will be the focus of the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Wednesday 22 March.

Rupert Carr, Director of Birchall Properties Ltd the company behind Peak Resort, is one of a number of key note speakers who will take to the stage to update on regeneration projects in the borough which are now moving into the delivery phase.

The free breakfast event, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, will bring together over 250 people from the town’s business community.

Tickets are going quickly for the event which is taking place at the Winding Wheel. Carr will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive, of Chesterfield Borough Council, Dr Peter Dewhurst, Director, Strategic Projects at the University of Derby and Traci Limb, UK Marketing Manager, and Paul Dodgson, UK Operations Director from Ferdinand Bilstein Ltd, the latest company to invest at Markham Vale.

This is the fifth annual Celebrate Chesterfield event. This year it is sponsored by the University of Derby, Central Technology and Markham Vale

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, who will also be speaking at the event said: “The annual Celebrate event is just that, a celebration of everything the town has achieved over the last 12 months and further developments that are coming on board.

“Chesterfield has come a long way since the Destination Chesterfield campaign began in 2010. The town is attracting international and national investment, jobs are being created and we are regenerating large areas of the town. We must recognise these achievements and the Celebrate Chesterfield event provides us with the perfect forum to do this.”

Dr Peter Dewhurst, from headline sponsor University of Derby, said: “It is with great pride that the University of Derby agreed to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event in 2017, a year which will see our new Campus in the town expand opportunities for young people starting out on their careers as well as helping established and start-up businesses.

“Our highly sought-after Health and Social Care courses are producing the nurses of the future for north Derbyshire, while incubator units at the Campus and the state-of-the-art equipment in its Innovation Centre will provide a vital service for firms wanting to develop and test new products and materials.

“Engineering, business and IT courses complete the package in an historic building which the University has transformed into a 21st Century asset while retaining its heritage as an educational centre of excellence.”

Richard Thompson, Sales Director of the event’s associate sponsor Central Technology, added: “As a business established in Chesterfield for over 14 years we take pride in sponsoring this important local business event to showcase our efforts and success to our peers and colleagues in the region.”

Destination Chesterfield was established in 2010 during which time it has engaged the business community as Chesterfield Champions in actively supporting the marketing of the town and driving investment and bringing it to the attention of national investors.

Destination Chesterfield is part funded by contributions from local businesses, Chesterfield Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund. The project is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

The local business community plays a central role in its success by both leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, as well as businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.

Book a place at the event:

Book an exhibition stand at Celebrate Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Packed Made in Chesterfield programme to inspire young people

31st October 2016

The town’s annual celebration of its manufacturing and engineering sector, Made in Chesterfield, kicks off in November.

Organiser, Destination Chesterfield is working with schools to get involved and help ignite their pupils’ interest in the sector.

The popular month-long festival will once again bring businesses, primary and secondary schools and training providers together to showcase the sector to school children across north east Derbyshire.

More local engineering and manufacturing firms than ever have signed up to offer students a chance to tour their facilities and try their hand at a range of activities in a bid to spark their interest in a career in the sector.
Sparks are expected to fly at United Cast Bar where students tour its foundry, while virtual sparks will fly at NLT Training Services in Brimington as students try out its state-of-the-art welding simulator.

Other manufacturing businesses offering secondary school experiences include MSE Hiller, Brampton Brewery, Cathelco, Techman Engineering, Palamatic, Trans-Tronic and Precision Products UK, while Mintdale Engineering and Krantech have organised tours for primary schools at their facilities.

Manager of Destination Chesterfield, Dom Stevens commented: “This year there are more businesses involved in Made in Chesterfield than we’ve ever had before, so there is a wealth of opportunities for schools to get involved.
“Chesterfield has a rich heritage of manufacturing and engineering and it’s important that we encourage inspiring young people to consider a career within it to ensure the sector not only survives, but thrives.”
To find out more about Made in Chesterfield 2016’s school events and workshops go to: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/school-events-secondary-schools/ .

As well as school visits and events, there is also a packed programme of free business events taking place during November for Made in Chesterfield. For details of the events visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/business-events/

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Placing Futures, NLT Training, Department of International Trade, East Midlands Chamber, the University of Derby and Positive 4 Young People.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Cocina takes Restaurant of the Year title for the second year running

27th October 2016

Cocina at Casa Hotel has taken the top title in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards for the second year running.

The 2 Rosette, 4-star restaurant was one of 13 winners announced at the town’s fourth annual Food and Drink Awards, which were held on Wednesday 26 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Judges described their dining experience at Cocina as ‘a great experience and a fantastic meal. The professional staff offered good customer service. Food was presented with flare and creative style that worked well and the menu was innovative with great choice.’

In addition to the prestigious Chesterfield Restaurant of the Year title the four-star hotel, which is owned by local entrepreneur Steve Perez, also scooped the Conference Venue of the Year title at the glittering awards ceremony.

Other winners to retain their title at the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include, Delhi 41 which has been Best International Restaurant of the Year in 2014. 2015 and 2016, and The Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel which retained its Gastro Pub of the Year title for a second year running.

Simon Davidson of R P Davidson cheese Factor took the coveted Food Hero title at this year’s awards. Simon joined the family business based in Chesterfield Market Hall 30 years ago after leaving the army. He remains there today where he now runs the business and is a familiar face and voice on the market as well as in the town.

In total 14 food and drink establishments, producers and individuals were named as Chesterfield’s finest at the sell-out awards ceremony hosted by celebrity chef and couture cake maker to royalty and the stars, Mich Turner.

Mich Turner said: “There is clearly a cornucopia of food talent in Chesterfield, and the Food and Drink Awards brought us a banquet! I was thrilled to see the emerging taskforce in the town’s food and drink sector actively involved in the awards ceremony as well as those who have established family businesses. What a wonderful awards ceremony – an inspiration and celebration of the past, present and future.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with Chesterfield College, more than 100 hospitality students prepared and served the food on the evening for 250 guests at the events which, once again, was a complete sell-out.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the talent and commitment that goes into making our local gastronomic industry great. Every year this celebration helps us to inspire our catering and hospitality students and apprentices to become future award winners. Their involvement in competing for young chef of the year or cooking and serving guests at the event allows them to showcase what they are capable of to the best employers in the area.”

Organiser of the awards Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards were a runaway success. This year we had more nominations than previous years and also more businesses put forward for the awards, which is testament to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene. The support across Chesterfield has been phenomenal, with people keen to see the town, and the businesses and people working within its hospitality sector succeed and grow.”

Check out the full list of winners

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Mayor and Mayoress lead a procession of Chesterfield College University Centre Graduates through the town centre.

6th October 2016

The mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Steve Brunt and the mayoress, Mrs Jill Mannion-Brunt led a procession of proud Chesterfield College University Centre graduates from the town hall to the Crooked Spire today. A special ceremony took place at the iconic venue to mark the academic achievements of the graduates as proud family and friends watched on.

Just over 300 people graduated this year with a range of qualifications from Higher National Diplomas to degrees in a variety of subjects ranging from criminal justice to computing; engineering to education and human resources to health and fitness.

Joining the graduates in the procession were representatives from awarding body universities including Staffordshire University, Sheffield Hallam University and University of Derby as well as the Principal of Chesterfield College, Stuart Cutforth and Chair of the College Corporation, Frank Smith and course leaders.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said: “It is an honour to be part of the graduation ceremony today and celebrate with all of these people who have chosen university level courses as a way to enhance their careers or follow a new career path. I am proud that we can offer students the choice of a university on their doorstep as I know that makes a big difference to many who try to fit studying around other commitments or feel more confident in the smaller, supportive and friendly environment we provide.”

First Class Health Related Exercise and Fitness graduate and ex-Mr Universe, Rob Worthington delivered an inspirational speech at the ceremony. Rob has devoted his life to health and fitness which has taken him to far off places and earned him many accolades along the way. His degree is the latest success in a long line of achievements which he feels has opened up new career opportunities and given him the confidence to study further.

He said: “I’d thought about returning to studying for years so started to look around for courses. The degree Chesterfield College offered was a good match with the job I was doing and how I wanted to develop. It was really convenient for me to study around work commitments and coming to a place that offered smaller groups and supportive tutors was perfect for someone like me returning to study.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chamber winners scoop regional business accolades

23rd September 2016

Hot on the heels of their success in the East Midlands Chamber’s 2016 business awards, six Chamber members have gone on to win regional awards from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Chesterfield-based Cathelco won the Excellence in International Trade accolade at East Midlands Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards on Friday night (16 September). It has also scooped the regional Export Business of the Year accolade in the BCC awards.

And Penny Hydraulics, also of Chesterfield, which won the Best Improvement through Technology award and was joint winner of East Midlands Chamber’s Business of the Year for Derbyshire has scooped the BCC’s Best Use of Technology prize.

The regional winners were all chosen from businesses which won awards in the East Midlands Chamber’s awards in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. There are other contenders from sister Chambers in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

The winners are being invited to collect their winner’s certificates at the annual general meeting of East Midlands Chamber, at Derby’s iPro stadium, on 3 November.

They will go on to represent the region at the BCC’s national awards, the winners of which will be announced on 24 November.

Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber’s Chief Executive, said:-

“Congratulations to all of the winners for going on to achieve further success in the BCC’s regional awards.

“Our three counties always gets a good showing at the BCC’s Awards because there are a lot of companies located here which are highly innovative and help to drive the regional and national economies.

“The Chamber awards are the only business awards in the region delivered purely by business for business and are also the only awards which offer the winners the chance to share their stories on the national stage.

“We wish all our winners the best of luck for as they go on to represent the East Midlands at the national awards.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s award winning parks

9th August 2016

Five of Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces have retained their prestigious Green Flag awards, meaning they are among the top in the country.

The parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, received an inspection from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Those retaining their Green Flags are:

Eastwood Park, Hasland
Holmebrook Valley Park
Poolsbrook Country Park
Queen’s Park.

The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, which are maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, which consists of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council, have also retained Green Flag status.

The award, now in its 20^th year, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “One of the council’s top priorities is to improve the quality of life for local people.

“We are proud to have five Green Flag award winning parks and open spaces here in Chesterfield offering our residents places to visit, play, get fit and active, and admire wildlife.

“I would like to thank all our staff and the members of our friends of the park groups for all of their efforts throughout the year in keeping the parks up to the highest possible standards.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the awards.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Funding available to help young Chesterfield people get active

2nd August 2016

A £37,000 funding pot for projects which will get inactive young people into sport or physical activity is now open for applications.

The Lottery-funded Sportivate programme is open to sports clubs, community groups and other organisations, which can apply for a share of the cash to run sport or activity sessions of six to eight weeks to get young people active.

And this could be the last chance to apply as the programme – led by Sport England and coordinated locally by Derbyshire Sport – is currently due to come to an end in March 2017.

The main focus for this round of funding is on inactive young people who are not yet taking part in sport once a week, so applications should be for projects which target this group, and Derbyshire Sport is also keen to support more innovative projects.

Projects can cater for young people aged 11 to 25-years-old, but priority will also be given to projects which focus on women and girls, young people aged 19 to 25 years, young people with a disability, or young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Funding can used to cover costs such as coaching, venue hire, equipment, transport and marketing. Projects must support participants to continue with their chosen sport or activity after the initial six to eight weeks, with sustainable exit routes, and applications should show a clear need for the project and demonstrate how it will attract and cater for its target group.

Applications are currently open and will close on August 31, 2016. Projects will need to be delivered between October 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017.

Sport Development Officer Lewis Adams, who leads on Sportivate for Derbyshire Sport, said: “Sportivate is all about giving young people the chance to try out a sport or activity that they may never have tried before, helping them to find something they enjoy and helping them to get and stay active.

“We are particularly keen to receive applications for projects which use innovative ways to get young people active, perhaps using different technologies or new ideas, and I would encourage any groups who are looking to attract more young people into sport to apply for funding.”

For more details and to apply go to www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/sportivate-funding

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Find out what devolution means for Chesterfield

1st August 2016

A final consultation drop-in session for residents to find out more about devolution and what it means for the Chesterfield borough is to be held in Staveley.

The event will take place at the Healthy Living Centre, Barlow Road, from 4pm to 7pm on Monday 8 August.

It is an opportunity for residents to find out more detail about Chesterfield’s application to benefit from a devolution deal from the Government, which would see powers and funding transferred from London to a more local level.

To get a share of the £900 million on offer over the next 30 years and £484 million in the next five years Chesterfield has applied to become a full member of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is an economic deal to benefit the future of our children and grandchildren, as well as residents and businesses today.

“It is about giving people in Chesterfield communities the opportunities for high quality, well paid jobs; the skills and training they need to get those jobs; the opportunity to set up their own businesses and the housing they will need in the future.

“It’s not about changing geographical boundaries or other public services. Chesterfield is a Derbyshire town and will remain a Derbyshire town.

“Derbyshire police will continue to be our police service, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue will continue to be our fire service, East Midlands Ambulance Service will continue to run our ambulance service and Chesterfield Royal Hospital will continue to be our hospital.

“Chesterfield Borough Council will continue to run all our services. Derbyshire County Council will also continue to run its services as it does now with the exception of public transport services. These would instead be coordinated across a wider region to introduce Oyster card style ticketing across administrative boundaries.”

The move by the Government to implement devolution deals comes as other traditional forms of funding local government are facing cuts.

Councillor Burrows added: “We are in a new world in terms of the way local government funding is provided. This deal is an economic springboard for Chesterfield and if we don’t take this opportunity we are heading into a future of nothing but austerity cuts.

“The alternative Government money being offered is through devolution deals. This is the only place we can go that has the additional funding on offer. We need to take this opportunity to benefit our children and grandchildren’s futures.

“By having a seat at the table we can get at the additional funding available. Funding decisions are not based on the size of population or on deprivation levels in an area. They are based on areas putting forward business case proposals that demonstrate how gaining the extra funding would create jobs and enable businesses to expand.

“Chesterfield’s council and businesses have a good track record of doing this and so we need to bring these powers and funding from London to a local area.”

The Staveley devolution consultation drop-in event on Monday 8 August will complete a series of consultation events that has included:

a public meeting at the Winding Wheel
two other drop-in sessions in Chesterfield market
presentations to the public meetings at Staveley Town Council and Brimington Parish Council
two consultation events with the town’s businesses and
engaging with community groups.

There has also been a permanent information display stand at the council’s customer service centre in New Square.

The Sheffield City Region devolution consultation continues until Friday 12 August. Residents and businesses can take part by visiting www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk or by getting a paper copy from Chesterfield Borough Council’s customer service centre in New Square.

Further information about what the devolution deal would mean for Chesterfield can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/devolution

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Finalists announced in 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

18th July 2016

Cocina at Casa Hotel is hoping to retain its prestigious Restaurant of the Year title for a second year running in the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. The 2 Rosette, 4-star restaurant is joined by 27 other eateries, food producers, pubs and bars who have all been shortlisted across 12 categories in the annual awards.

As well as Cocina, three winners from last year’s awards – H&F Vintage Tearooms, The Proact Stadium and the Red Lion Bar and Bistro, are hoping to retain their titles for a second year running.

Two other restaurants – The Manor at Brampton and Delhi 41 – are also hoping to retain their Family Friendly and Best International Restaurant titles respectively for a third year running.

Now in its fourth year, the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are more popular than ever before. This year, six new establishments have been shortlisted in the competition, including Einstein’s, The Craft Burger Company and The Lilypad, who will fight it out for the Best Newcomer of the Year title.

The Rose & Crown at Brampton, Chandlers and Harry Ramsdens at the Wingerworth are also first time finalists this year.

Organisers Destination Chesterfield, in association with Chesterfield College, had hundreds of nominations from the general public who put forward their favourites across the 12 categories in the popular awards. The nominated restaurants, cafes and bars will be mystery shopped and taste-tested by a panel of judges over the summer and the winner of each category will be revealed later this year.

The winners will be announced by celebrity chef and couture cake maker to royalty and the stars, Mich Turner MBE at a glittering award ceremony which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building on Wednesday 26 October 2016.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “This year we’ve had more nominations than previous years and also more businesses put forward for the awards, which is testament to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene.

“Every shortlisted business can count themselves as one of the best in Chesterfield. Everyone has their own favourites, however there can be only one winner. Unfortunately, we can’t reveal that until the award ceremony. It’s going to be a tense few months for the people and businesses that have all been shortlisted.”

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year –sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Blu Bistro and Coffee House
Calabria
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Café and Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
Stephenson’s Coffee Shop
H&F Vintage Tearooms
Northern Tea Merchants

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Arvato
The Tickled Trout
Red Lion Bar and Bistro
Chandlers

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar
Barca Bar
The Market Pub
Rose and Crown – Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison Platt
Einstein’s
The Craft Burger Company
The Lilypad

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
Chandlers
H&F Vintage Tearooms
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Best Out of Town – presented by Chesterfield College
The Tickled Trout
The Red Lion Bar and Bistro
Stones

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Casa Hotel
Lambs Cupcakes
Liza Bakes
Teresa Lambarelli

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by The Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints
Jordan Elliott
Josh Clark
Sophie Warren

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Delhi 41
O-Tokuda
Indian Blues

Family Friendly – sponsored by Jumble Design
Chesters
Harry Ramsdens at The Wingerworth
The Manor at Brampton

Conference and Banqueting – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and
Business Advisers
Casa Hotel
Peak Edge Hotel
Proact Stadium

A further award Food Hero, which is sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors, will also be announced at the awards ceremony. The Food Hero award is presented to a local business or individual who has made an impact on the local food scene.

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Holdsworth Foods, Central Technology Ltd, ra Information Systems, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

More information about the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Summer, Visiting

Young Chef of the Year lands a job with top chef

28th June 2016

Since winning the accolade of Young Chef of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards last October, Chesterfield College student, 19 year old, James Greatorex’s career has gone from strength to strength. His passion for food and expertise in the kitchen has just landed him his dream job with famous chef Heston Blumenthal.

The young chef is due to start working in Blumenthal’s famous restaurant, the Fat Duck in Berkshire, next month where he will work alongside other expert chefs in one of the many kitchens at the establishment, preparing food for customers who pay £255 for a unique dining experience.

James’ passion for cookery started at home at a young age where he would experiment with creating menus for his family. After leaving school he got a part time job in a kitchen of a local pub and came to college to enhance his skills. Following the his competition win last autumn, one of the judges, Chris Mapp from the Tickled Trout was so impressed with James that he gave him a job where he has been able to enhance the skills he was learning at college.

James said:

“Working in a professional kitchen, studying at college and taking part in the Young Chef of the Year competition has really helped me to get to this stage in my career. I have had a brilliant lecturer who has always allowed me to develop and experiment which meant I could practice new techniques. I learnt skills at college that I hadn’t seen before and then was able to put them into practice in a commercial environment at work. The competition taught me a lot about cooking under pressure and was good practice for when I did my trial at the Fat Duck.”

Ian Matthews, lecturer at Chesterfield College said:

“When James came for his interview before he started his course it was clear that he had massive potential. For someone of his age, the way he spoke about food, the recipes he’d worked on and his drive to work in the industry stood out. I am not surprised that he has been snapped up by such a high profile restaurant so early in his career and we know he’ll go on to achieve great things.”

James has also been a massive inspiration for the three finalists in this year’s Young Chef of the Year competition. The finalists found out about James’ new job just before they completed their cook off for the 2016 competition. Winners will be announced in October at Chesterfield’s Food and Drink Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure

Young chefs shortlisted in 2016 Food and Drink Awards

23rd June 2016

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner of the Young Chef of the Year award, James Greatorex who has recently joined Heston Blumenthal restaurant The Fat Duck, three catering students from Chesterfield College have been shortlisted for the prestigious title in the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Jordan Elliott (18) from Codnor, Sophie Warren (18) from Bolsover and Josh Clark (17) from Walton, level 2 catering students at Chesterfield College, have all been shortlisted for the Young Chef of the Year Award.

A live ‘cook-off’ involving the three students preparing a main course and a dessert which were tasted and judged by three professional chefs – Adam Warwick, head chef at Blu Bistro on Chatsworth Road, Chris Mapp chef and owner of The Tickled Trout in Barlow and Adam Stockton, head chef at Calabria Cocina on Glumangate, was held recently to decide the winner.

Sophie prepared a cod fish pie on a bed of warm tartar sauce followed by chocolate fondant with spiced pear and Chantilly cream. A nervous, but happy Sophie commented: “It was great to be shortlisted; it was not something I expected. Everything went to plan and I was very pleased with the two dishes that I produced. The competition has really helped my confidence.”

Josh wowed the judges with rack of lamb with summer vegetables followed by gooseberry and custard tart. Josh, who sites Gordon Ramsay and Keith Floyd as his food heroes, added: “It was a great experience. My dad and grandma got me into cooking. Her meat and potato pie is the absolute best; even my dad agrees.”

Jordon, who described the competition as ‘nerve-wracking’, prepared roast rump of lamb and baby lettuce followed by strawberry and black pepper sponge cake for the judges. He said: “I don’t like competitions as I am out of my comfort zone, however I really enjoyed the cooking and learnt a lot of helpful tips from the judges.”

The Rev Patrick Coleman from the Crooked Spire Church (St Mary’s Church) which sponsors the award category also took part in the judging. He said: “I was really interested and excited to see three young people doing such great work. The Church encourages young people on their way through life and the Young Chef of the Year Award is a great foundation for any young chef’s future career.”

The winner of the Young Chef of the Year title will be announced at the glitzy award ceremony at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 26 October. This year, the ceremony is being hosted by celebrity cake maker to the stars and royalty Mich Turner MBE who will announce the winners of 12 award categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with headline sponsor the Chesterfield College Group, the awards aim to showcase the very best in the town’s thriving food and drink sector.

The College also uses the awards ceremony as a learning exercise for its hospitality students. This year, 50 students from the College will also be catering and silver serving a two course meal to more than 250 people attending the event, working over three days on all areas, including kitchen and front of house. Last year Jordan, Sophie and Josh worked at the awards serving the food. This year, they will get to enjoy the two-course meal prepared, cooked and served to them by their fellow students. Chris Mapp from the Tickled Trout advised them to “make the most of it and enjoy every minute.”

Adam Stockton from Calabria added: “College and work situations are a very different environment and Sophie, Jordan and Josh should be very proud of themselves and what they produced today. They all did extremely well.”

Other supporters of the awards include arvarto, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Black Eyed Susan, Casa Hotel, Central Technology Ltd, Chesterfield Borough Council, Custom Solar, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber, Holdsworth Foods, Kier, Jumble Design, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, MSE Hiller, Peak FM, ra Information Systems and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting