Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Second annual Street Food & Grooves Festival announced

The Street Food and Grooves Festival is back for the second year and after the successful launch in 2018, this year is set to be even bigger and better.

The festival will kick off with it’s opening night on Friday 10th May with a selection of bars, a choice of hot food and a fantastic line up of some the area’s best live music. The whole weekend will be free entry and organisers have insisted everyone is welcome to come down to the town centre and join in.

Set in the heart of Chesterfield town centre, the weekend is set to have a real celebratory feel with lots of things going on including live music, children’s activities, seating areas and for the food fans there will be a huge choice of delicious food and drink.

On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May, trading will start at 9am and there, you will find a plethora of different hot and cold street food to sample, including vegan and vegetarian as well as artisan alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. As part of the event, the New Market Place will be open with traders selling crepes, olives, preserves and other cold food.

In the New Square arena hot food traders will be selling food from around the world and bars, all selling from their own unique trailers and gazebos.

All of this will be accompanied by a line up of talented local singers, duos, trios and bands on the ‘Soundbytes stage’ on the arena.

The festival is organised by Chesterfield company Edge Events and co-organiser Laura Ashby states, “We are so excited to be announcing the second year of the Street Food and Grooves Festival and hope people will travel from near and far to support this growing event.”

“Being from Chesterfield ourselves we are passionate in delivering high quality events which will be enjoyed by the whole family. We just love the fact that people are embracing the bubbling food and drink scene in Chesterfield and we are excited to organise a festival which can bring people together to celebrate the talents of regional food producers and musicians.”

In the run up to the weekend you’ll be able to find out more information here.

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

Ringwood Suite receives transformation refurbishment

The Ringwood Suite at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in Chesterfield held its first large event last week after being closed during January for a full refurbishment.

The Ringwood Suite part of the Grade II listed Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa is the main Ball Room, located in the original building. Although the exact year cannot be stated when the hall was originally built, documentary evidence exists to prove that Ringwood Hall stood from 1809, even then the Ringwood Suite served to be the Ball Room for the family of the house.

During January, the Suite has been lovingly restored with original ceiling detail being highlighted within the new paintwork, new carpets, flooring, patio heaters, chairs, new statement mirrors and a stunning draped domed feature with creates the perfect ambiance. The suite has many uses including, weddings, birthday celebrations and conferences and can cater for up to 250 guests. Find out more.

Rona Davies, General Manager said “We are thrilled to have been able to restore and revive the Ringwood Suite. It has been 9 years since its last refurbishment and it’s fantastic to be able to add the modern touches to this traditional room. The team and I are loving our guest’s reactions to the changes”

For further information on Ringwood Suite please call the hotel on 01246 280077.

Ringwood Hall suite Chesterfield refurbished

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

Morrisons is searching for local foodmakers

Morrisons continues its search for a new wave of local foodmakers to provide locally produced food to its customers.

‘The Nation’s Local Foodmakers’ campaign will see Morrisons aim to recruit new suppliers from across England, Scotland and Wales. The campaign has already seen 153 local suppliers working with Morrisons since it started in 2017.

Morrisons has a priority of sourcing more local food and is keen to reduce the distance that food travels. The Local Foodmaker search will result in more customers being able to buy more food in a British supermarket that was grown, made, picked or packaged around 35 miles of their local store.

The new search will help Morrisons offer more local, British produce to customers. A 2018 report by DEFRA states that 60% of shoppers agree that they try to buy British food whenever they can, and 76% agree it is important to support British farmers.

Suppliers are being invited to apply to work with Morrisons via their website here.

Selected applicants will be invited to an event in their region where they will be able to showcase their food to customers and Morrisons staff, including Morrisons buyers, who will choose which products will take their place in Morrisons supermarkets. Applicants can apply at any time, and do not have to attend an event.

The Local Foodmaker search will be coming to Chesterfield on Thursday 20th June 2019.

Morrisons will also be working with local food groups and food hubs, using their knowledge and expertise to source and select the best suppliers in their area.

Family owned Murdoch Allan bakery is only seven miles from Morrisons Peterhead store. After attending a Local Foodmaker event, Murdoch Allan is now working with Morrisons.  Morrisons Peterhead store has a full promotional bay of their bakery products, along with Point of Sale.  The bakery’s known and loved product, Butteries, are in a further four Morrisons stores in Aberdeenshire.

Murdoch Allan’s Pie branch, Thaines Bakery, who supply the pies for the Aberdeen football ground, are also now sold in Morrisons Peterhead store. They have since sold around 200,000 packs of pies from the store in less than a year.

Andy Atkinson, Group Customer and Marketing Director at Morrisons, said: “Our customers tell us they like to support local businesses and want to be able to put local products in their shopping trolleys. We have listened and are looking for the next wave of British and local foodmakers to work with.”

Morrisons is in a unique position to support British foodmakers because as well as operating 494 supermarkets, Morrisons is the UK’s largest fresh food maker.

Morrisons Foodmakers food producers Chesterfield

Photo by Theo Moye: ‘The Nation’s Local Foodmakers’ campaign event at the Woolwell Centre, Plymouth.

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

Brampton Brewery opens new pub in Chesterfield

Brampton Brewery has opened its latest pub in Chesterfield. The Glassworks is the brewery’s third pub and is located opposite the Proact Stadium on Sheffield Road.

The brewery now has 3 cask-ale pubs in Chesterfield – The Rose & Crown, The Tramway Tavern and the new Glassworks. In addition to these tied-houses Brampton Brewery serves a local free-trade area covering Sheffield to the north, through to Burton in the south.

Jon Leeming, Brewery Director at Brampton Brewery said:  “We have chosen to name the pub The Glassworks based on the glass industry that was located around Whittington Moor in Chesterfield”

To celebrate the opening of the pub, Brampton Brewery has produced a new beer ‘The Monocled Mutineer’ which is named after Percy Toplis, who was born on Sanforth Street, which the the pub sides onto. Toplis (aka The Monocled Mutineer) had an interesting history, which was serialised by the BBC in 1986.

Brampton Brewery was resurrected in October 2007 by a small group of local enthusiasts, bringing brewing back to Brampton for the first time in 52 years.

Led by Managing Director and Head Brewer Chris Radford, the brewery has gone from strength to strength, winning numerous awards for its range of meticulously brewed cask-ales. Situated on Chatsworth Road, Brampton Brewery is just a stone’s throw from the original brewery which operated successfully in the town for over 130 years.

Monocled Mutineer - Brampton Brewery

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

Local restaurant wins two prestigious awards

The Tickled Trout has won Restaurant of the Year and its Owner Chris Mapp has been awarded Chef of the Year in the Derbyshire Life and Countryside Food & Drink Awards 2018.

Hailing from the kitchens of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay, Chris returned home after working in London and Cornwall, and fate had it that his old local pub was up for sale. Since opening in summer 2014, Chris and his team have worked tirelessly to create an independent pub and restaurant that the village can feel proud of. The Tickled Trout’s reputation has grown and it is now regarded as one of the best places to eat in the Chesterfield area.

Chris and his dedicated team believe in using great fresh ingredients, sourced from local suppliers they know and trust. The award winning gastro pub serves fine wine, great local ales and combines a relaxing atmosphere with excellent customer service. The team welcomes families and has a private dining room for small functions and private or corporate hire.

The Derbyshire Life Food & Drink Awards are designed to recognise the best in the region’s food and drink industry – including local producers and suppliers, chefs, restaurants, pubs and individuals who work within the hospitality industry. The companies are nominated by readers of Derbyshire Life, and the winners have been voted for by people throughout Derbyshire.

Chris said: “I am extremely humbled to be awarded the Chef of the Year in Derbyshire Life, it was a great surprise to me but I am really pleased. However, winning the Restaurant of the Year also confirms that I have a fabulous team that helps me and each other achieve excellence in what we do. We are forever learning and evolving but this group I have are just amazing, these awards represent their hard work and they absolutely deserve the recognition.”

The Tickled Trout was also named the Best Out of Town venue at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards in October 2018, adding to numerous awards won by the restaurant since opening.

The Tickled Trout awards Derbyshire Life

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

Craft beer shop opens in Chesterfield

With its official opening day on Wednesday 19th December, Chesterfield Craft aims to become the biggest source of craft beer and ales in Chesterfield town centre.

Stocking beers from local brewers such as Thornbridge, Buxton and Abbeydale, national craft brewers such as Magic Rock, Cloudwater and Loka Polly and from overseas brewers such as To-Ol, Lervig and Basqueland Brewing Project, Chesterfield Craft looks to provide a real alternative for the people of Chesterfield.

Open until 6pm Monday to Saturday, customers can call in after work to pick up a craft beer or two to enjoy in the evening. Located at 12a Saltergate, in between Lime Living and the Spire Frier, it is within a few steps of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park, and the Cavendish Street bus stops.

The new shop will offer take-out sales only, allowing customers to buy beers and ales to be enjoyed at home. There will also be a home delivery service for customers who cannot make it to the shop, with same day delivery available for orders completed before 4pm.

Richard Young, Owner and Director of Chesterfield Craft, said: “If there’s a brewery whose beers you’d like to see us stock, just let us know and we’ll see what we can do. If you are a local brewery, please get in touch if you’d like to see your products in our shop – we’d love to have you!”

Chesterfield Craft is open now! To find out more visit www.chesterfieldcraft.co.uk.

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa wins 5 wedding accolades including England’s Top Wedding Venue

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa swept the board at the WeddingDates Awards picking up 5 accolades, winning the coveted title of England’s Top Wedding Venue.

The venue has also been announced as winner of East Midlands Top Rated Wedding Venue, winner of Derbyshire’s Top Rated Wedding Venue and winner of Country House Wedding Venue of the Year.

The final award was given to Nicola Williams, Wedding Coordinator at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, for East Midlands Wedding Coordinator of the year.

In a year of notable achievements, Ringwood Hall Hotel has been awarded 4 Star Status by the AAConference Venue of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, a Gold Award in the East Midlands in Bloom awards,  a 5 Bubble award for the Garden Secret Spa by the Good Spa Guide and a Bronze Green Tourism award.

Ringwood Hall has seen a transformation over the past two years since new owners purchased the property in 2016 and further plans are already in place to continue the investment into the Grade II listed building.

Rona Davies, General Manager at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said “I could not be more thrilled to have received these wedding awards. The whole team work so hard to ensure that every wedding is perfect for our couples.”

“These awards are based on customer feedback and therefore really do hold a special place for us. Winning the Country House Wedding Venue of the Year award, among the others, is just fabulous as the UK is home to so many beautiful properties. We truly feel honoured to be given such recognition.”

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

Chesterfield businessman receives Honorary Degree from the University of Derby

Derby’s former Chief Nurse, a world-leading butterfly expert and the chairman of a global drinks company have received Honorary Degrees from the University of Derby at Award Ceremonies last week.

Each year, notable people with a strong connection to the University, the city and the county are chosen to receive an Honorary Degree, in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made to their fields.

Thousands of graduating students, guests and VIPs attended the Ceremonies, which took place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 November, at Derby Arena.

The year’s recipients are:

  • Kay Fawcett OBE, Honorary Doctor of the University
  • Steve Perez, Honorary Master of Business Administration
  • Colin Treadaway-Hoare, Honorary Doctor of the University

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “It is always a pleasure to present Honorary Degrees to those who have played such a significant role in our region, and Kay, Steve and Colin are no exception.”

“Each one of these notable people has made an exceptional contribution in their field. I am delighted to present them with these honorary awards alongside graduating students, and hope they will inspire the next generation to achieve great things in their own chosen fields.”

Steve Perez is chairman of Global Brands, a leading independent drinks business, and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel in Chesterfield, as well as being part of Chesterfield Champions. Steve grew up in Chesterfield and founded the Global Beer Company in 1986, initially selling imported beer to local pubs and clubs from the back of a van.

In 1997, he spotted a gap in the market and launched VK, now one of the best-selling vodka-based drinks in the UK. In 2002, Global Brands was the UK’s fourth fastest-growing company and Steve was voted CBI Entrepreneur of the Year. Since then, Steve has expanded into property, farming and hotels. Outside of work, Steve has been a successful rally driver and is a four-time British rally champion.

The University wishes to recognise Steve’s achievements as a local entrepreneur and his impact on the local economy.

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

Local businesses celebrated at Derbyshire Times Business Awards

Celebrating their 30th year of caring for north-Derbyshire patients with life-limiting illnesses, Ashgate Hospicecare were named Business of the Year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018.

The awards were held at Chesterfield College and hosted by Dronfield entrepreneur Jessica Cunningham, star of TV show The Apprentice.

It is the 10th year that the Derbyshire Times has held their Business Awards, recognising the very best of the area’s commerce, trade and industry. Outstanding firms and the businessmen and women that run them were honoured in 14 different categories.

Derbyshire Times Editor Phil Bramley said: “The awards night was a great celebration of some of the outstanding business we have in our local community.”

“It was especially moving to see the standing ovation which Jillian Thomas received as she collected her Lifetime Achievement award and as she spoke powerfully about how being caught up in the Boxing Day Tsunami while on holiday in Thailand changed her life forever.”

“The judges had no hesitation in naming Ashgate Hospicecare as our overall Business of the Year 2018 and there can surely be no more deserving recipient.”

“It was especially fitting that they received the award in the year they mark 30 years of providing vital end-of-life care to people across north Derbyshire.”

The winners were:


The Innovation Award 

Winner: Auto Windscreen

Highly commended: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Foundation Trust, MOTUS Women Entrepreneurs Network.


People Development Award

Winner: A-Rock Construction


Community Contribution Award

Winner: Less Than Zero Barbers

Highly commended: Chameleon School of Construction


Customer Service Award

Winner: S44 Travel

Highly commended: Less Than Zero Barbers, Pinewood Properties


Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Jenna- Leigh Bates of Recruit 2 You Ltd

Highly commended: Declan Pike of Palamatic, Deborah Downes of  Van Dyk by Wildes


Independent Retailer of the Year

Winner: Itsy Bitsy Boutique


Lifestyle and Leisure Award

Winner: Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

Highly commended: Morley Hayes


New Business of the Year

Winner: Revilo Images

Highly commended: Edwards Employment Solutions Ltd, White Peak Distillery


Professional Services

Winner: Shorts

Highly Commended: Pinewood Properties


Small Business of the Year

Winner: Emerald Accountancy Services Ltd

Highly commended: Inspire Design and Development, Paperclip, Sanitaryware Supplies Company Ltd.


The Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Winner: BG Engineering


Charity of the Year award

Winner: Ashgate Hospicecare


Mitchells Anniversary Award 

Winner: Sanitaryware Supplies Company Ltd


Business Person of the Year award

Winner: Rupert Armitage of Auto Windscreens


Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Jillian Thomas of Future Life Wealth Management


2018 Business of the Year 

Winner: Ashgate Hospicecare


Derbyshire Times Business Awards

Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018: Winners and runners-up join together for a group photograph at the end of the awards ceremony.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

New pub to open in Chesterfield

The newest addition to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene will open in November.

Formerly known as The White Swan, The Pig and Pump will be a traditional pub serving a large range of real ales, traditional ciders, a craft offering and home cooked locally sourced food. The venue also plans to showcase live bands from around the country every Saturday night.

Multi site owners Tom O’Neill and Kate Simpson secured the venue in October and are currently in the process of a full refurbishment. Once open the venue will create 20 new jobs.

General Managers Ash & Danielle Sheppard said “We are excited to push the venue to the next level and bring our experience and passion for real ale, quality food & live music to make the Pig & Pump a huge success!”

The grand opening takes place on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th November with live music from the Jake Henry Trio on the Friday and Andy Bennett, formally of Ocean Colour Scene on the Saturday.

This news follows the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards being announced last week. The awards which were in their 6th year celebrate the flourishing food an drink scene in the town. Check out this years winners at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Pig and Pump

Posted in Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Top restaurant revealed at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.

Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”

This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.

Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.

Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.

“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.

“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”

Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

To see all of the winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.

bottle and thyme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

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