Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Celebrity Chef Chesterfield-bound for town’s Food and Drink Awards

22nd October 2018

The celebrity chef Lesley Waters will be arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday 31 October to host the town’s sixth annual Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley Waters will announce the winners of 15 categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero at the sell-out event.

Lesley said: “I am 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.”

Once again, the awards ceremony, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building, will be used as a learning experience for Chesterfield College’s catering and hospitality students, who both cook and serve a two-course meal on the night to more than 250 people.

Lesley commented: “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.”

35 businesses and individuals are shortlisted in the 2018 awards, with 12 businesses taking part for the first time and 13 hoping to retain their titles from 2017. This year, the awards also see the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in the Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Bottle & Thyme

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Qoozies

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

The Fox & Goose Inn

The Market Pub

The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms

Junction Bar

Rose & Crown, Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri

The Crafty Dog

Pump & Grind

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme

Junction Bar

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith

Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross

The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross

The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41

Einstein’s

Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Mason’s Coffee Lounge

The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year – presented by the Mayor of Chesterfield

Casa Hotel

Proact Stadium

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Winster Foods

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Cup and Saucer

Original Recipes

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Ashley-Darrah Pienaar

Callum Taylor

Kye Homiak

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Ben Forster – Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Corey Elliott – The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Courtney Slater – Katey’s Coffee Shop

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Rectory

Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House

Van Dyk

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group, Peak FM, and Reflections.

For more information about the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

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

Farm to Fork experience fuels food passion for college students

10th October 2018

Three of Chesterfield’s most promising young chefs have had their passion for food fuelled further by a Farm to Fork experience organised by Destination Chesterfield and Owen Taylor & Sons.

Chesterfield College Level 2 cookery students, Ashley Pienaar (18), Callum Taylor (18) and Kye Homiak (18) have all been shortlisted for the Young Chef of the Year Award in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Designed to give the promising young chefs an understanding of how the best of Derbyshire’s farming, butchery and culinary skills result in an outstanding dining experience, Ashley, Callum and Kye visited Owen Taylor’s factory butchery and the Red Tractor assured Butterley Top Farm in Ashover, before enjoying lunch at the Michelin-starred Fischer’s Baslow Hall hosted by head chef and owner, Rupert Rowley.

Carl Evans, Operations Manager at Owen Taylor & Sons, who accompanied the students, commented: “It was great to see Ashley, Callum and Kye so enthusiastic about every aspect of the Farm to Fork experience, asking a number of technical questions.

“We have taken a very hands-on role in our involvement with our sponsorship of the Young Chef of the Year category in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. We think it’s important that people working in kitchens understand what goes on behind the scenes and appreciate how food is produced.

“Good chefs have a thorough understanding of the food miles, welfare and traceability of the produce they use. We only source produce from Farm Assured sites and that is why we supply to top restaurants and chefs like Fischer’s Baslow Hall.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, praised Owen Taylor & Sons’ involvement in the 2018 Food and Drink Awards, saying: “The Farm to Fork experience embodies the key driver of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“When we established the awards six years ago, our primary aim was to link suppliers, restaurants, education providers and young people in order to raise awareness of the thriving sector in Chesterfield but also make them aware of the many opportunities available within it.”

The students will have to wait until Wednesday 31 October to learn who is the winner of the prestigious Young Chef of the Year award. The winners of all 15 categories will be announced by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who is hosting the glittering black-tie awards ceremony at Chesterfield College’s modern Heart Space Building.

Blu Bistro & Coffee House, Bottle & Thyme and Cocina at Casa Hotel all hoping to take the top title of Restaurant of the Year 2018. This year, the awards also sees the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

In addition to Owen Taylor & Sons, other supporters of the 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, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Winster Foods.

More information about Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

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

Chesters shortlisted for ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’ award

5th October 2018

Chesters, based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, is among the 20 finalists shortlisted for the coveted Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award, as part of the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards.

The 20 shortlisted restaurants will now compete for a place in the final and the chance to take home the enviable title of the ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’. Judges will now make visits to each of the restaurants for mystery dining assessments, which will whittle down the shortlist to decide the placing of the Top 5 and the overall national winner.

Chrisoulla from Chesters told Destination Chesterfield: “It means everything to us. Here at Chesters, we all try so hard as a team to have an establishment to be proud of. It’s equally as important to win local awards, and we have been shortlisted in the Family Friendly Award at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards later this month.”

“This means so much to us because it makes us feel proud to be a part of Chesterfield and thank it’s great people. We will use this as an initial step, and with the backing of our town, we can try to win awards nationally and put Chesterfield on the map.”

Award sponsor Alan Pearce, Field Sales Manager at Goldensheaf, added: “This category rewards businesses committed to providing the highest standard of fish and chip dining experience, coupled what a drive to constantly improve standards and diversify their offering. We congratulate the 20 restaurants in reaching the semi-final and wish them the best of luck in the rest of the competition.”

The winner of the Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 31st anniversary ceremony in London on 24 January 2019.

The winners of the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards will be announced in a glittering awards ceremony Chesterfield College on the 31st October 2018. To see all finalists click here.

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

Apprentices set to be honoured at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

28th September 2018

Three young people are set to battle it out to claim the Apprentice of the Year title at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards next month.

Celebrity chef Lesley Waters will announce the winner of the prestigious title at a glittering awards ceremony being held at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 31 October.

Ben Forster from Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, Corey Elliott from The Lilypad Café & Restaurant and Courtney Slater from Katey’s Coffee Shop at Hollingwood Hub are all in the running for the award which is sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).

The finalists will be recognised alongside more than 30 businesses from the town’s food and drink sector which have been shortlisted across 15 categories in the annual Food and Drink Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield.

All shortlisted apprentices were nominated for the award by their employers.

Commenting on being shortlisted, Ben Forster (19), a Level 3 apprentice in Professional Cookery at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said: “Everyone at work is really happy for me. It’s really good to have been chosen to be one of the finalists and recognised at work for how I’m progressing. I love the buzz and energy of working here. It’s amazing. I could never do anything else.”

Ben, who has ambitions to own his open seafood restaurant or bakery decided to do a professional cookery apprenticeship after undertaking work experience at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa when he was at The Bolsover School.

Fellow Level 3 Professional Cookery apprentice, Corey Elliott (17) has been with The Lilypad Café & Restaurant since he was 15 years old and worked part time in the kitchen washing dishes. He is now a valued member of the food preparation team. Corey enjoys cooking in his own time, often cooks for his parents at home.

He commented: “I love the atmosphere at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant and get on with my team really well. Cooking is my passion, it’s what I like to do in my own time, so it’s nice to be recognised for the hard work I put in here.”

Courtney Slater (20) from Katey’s Coffee Shop has completed her Level 2 apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering and is now a manager. She commented: “Every day is different when you work at Katey’s Coffee Shop; it doesn’t even feel like being at work. I love the team I work with and really enjoy my role here. I’m looking forward to the awards ceremony.”

Courtney, who loves watching The Great British Bake Off, has even developed new products for the shop and has ambitions to be a pastry chef at a top restaurant.

Ben, Courtney and Katey all hope to claim the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ title

Alongside Ben, Corey and Courtney, three businesses have also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year title, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group). The shortlisted businesses include:

The Rectory
Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House
Van Dyk

Both the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year awards are new to the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards line up for 2018. The new awards are designed to recognise and commend the valuable contribution both apprentices and their employers make to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Apprentices play a vital role in the town’s food and drink sector and we’re delighted to be able to recognise the young talent we have here in Chesterfield, as well as the employers that are supporting them through their apprenticeships.”

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Elder Way by Jomast Developments, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum), Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Winster Foods.

For more information about the Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Winners of the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards 2017 celebrate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Chesterfield’s Food Producer of the Year finalists announced

23rd August 2018

The finalists have been selected for this year’s coveted Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year title, which is part of the prestigious Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Food and drink producers located within 10 miles of Chesterfield served three of their best products to Chesterfield Champions at a special judging event held at Casa Hotel. More than 20 judges sampled sweet treats, tasty meats and delicious drinks at the food tasting event.

The shortlisted businesses for the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year title are:

All Things Brownie Beautiful
Cup & Saucer
Original Recipes

The three finalists join a total of 34 businesses which have been shortlisted across 12 categories in the sixth annual awards.

While Original Recipes has been shortlisted for and won the title in previous years, All Things Brownie Beautiful and Cup & Saucer are both newcomers to the awards line up.

Commenting on the nomination, Chelsea Hawkes, Baker and Owner at All Things Brownie Beautiful, said: “As a self-taught baker and young entrepreneur, I am elated to discover that we have made finalist status for the Food Producer of the Year Award. It is such a celebration for our small family business that our produce has been recognised locally.”

Based in Clowne, All Things Brownie Beautiful prides itself on baking its range of brownies using locally-sourced ingredients. Its products are sold online and in cafes and tea rooms throughout the area.

Established last year and based in North Wingfield, Cup & Saucer selects, blends, packs and sells loose teas and tisanes both direct to the public and through cafes and tea rooms throughout Chesterfield.

At the tasting event, owner Gail Hannan presented her range of infusions inspired by the Peak District, including flavours such as Bakewell Hart, Charming Chatsworth and Calming Castleton.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award, and to find out I am one of three finalists is incredible. I am really looking forward to attending the awards evening and meeting other local business owners from my hometown.”

Original Recipes puts a real focus on high-quality natural products. Its company ethos is to make sure there is ‘Absolutely Nothing Artificial’ in its bespoke range of pates and terrines.

Craig Maxfield, Sales Director at Original Recipes said: “We are delighted to be nominated for the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards for the fourth year running and even more excited to reach the final again this year. To receive recognition from the Chesterfield food and drink arena is a testament to the hard work, dedication and determination of our team.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College, the prestigious awards recognise the very best food, drinks, service, venues and now apprentices and apprentice employers in the town’s growing hospitality sector.

The winners of all fifteen categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on 31 October later this year.

Details of all finalists announced so far in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/finalists/.

Category sponsors of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Kier Group, Jumble Creative Design, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons and Shorts Chartered Accountants.

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Hoods Florist, Juxta-Post Media, Peak FM and Reflections.

The Food Producer of the Year judging event for Chesterfield Champions was held at the Casa Hotel in July.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield

2018 Food and Drink Awards finalists announced

13th July 2018

The nominations are in and the finalists for the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have been announced, with three eateries vying for the overall title of Restaurant of the Year.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, and sponsored by Chesterfield College, the prestigious awards return for the sixth year and recognise the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector.

A total of 27 businesses have been shortlisted across 10 categories, with Blu Bistro & Coffee House, Bottle & Thyme and Cocina at Casa Hotel all hoping to take the top title.

This year 7 of the businesses have been nominated for the first time and 8 are hoping to defend their 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards titles.

As well as some of Chesterfield’s best loved venues, three of Chesterfield’s newer cafes, restaurants and pubs are also shortlisted for one of the coveted awards. Ciuri Ciuri, Crafty Dog and Pump & Grind are all recognised in the Best Newcomer category.

All of the shortlisted businesses were nominated by members of the public earlier this year. A panel of judges will now visit each shortlisted business to sample food, drinks and service in order to determine the winner in each category.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:-

“The people of Chesterfield really got behind the nomination stage to enable us to recognise more businesses than ever in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“The variety of businesses both nominated and shortlisted each year is a reflection of how the sector is not only growing but thriving.”

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by celebrity chef Lesley Waters, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on 31 October later this year.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Bottle & Thyme
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café
Qoozies
Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year

The Market Pub
The Fox & Goose Inn
The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms
Junction Bar
Rose & Crown at Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri
The Crafty Dog
Pump & Grind

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme
Junction Bar
Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith
Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross
The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross
The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41
Einstein’s
Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters
Mason’s Coffee Lounge
The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year

Casa Hotel
Proact Stadium
Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

At the awards in October, winners of a further five categories will also be announced, including Food Producer, Young Chef, Food Hero and two new categories – Apprentice and Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Other supporters of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Hoods Florist, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Luxury accommodation opens in Chesterfield town centre

4th July 2018

The owners of award-winning Stephensons Tea and Coffee House have expanded their portfolio to include three brand-new, luxury bed and breakfast suites.

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast celebrated its official opening on Tuesday 3rd July with the cutting of a ribbon by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Stuart Brittain and a networking event with Chesterfield Champions.

Situated in the centre of Chesterfield, the accommodation offers high quality, large rooms, with one boasting amazing views of the Crooked Spire.

Breakfast is served at the newly-refurbished Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which is on the first floor of the same building (as well as offering room service as required).

Owners, Claire and Sam Wood (a Mum and son team) are excited for their new business venture. Claire said:-

“We are delighted to have opened our luxury, town-centre accommodation and are looking forward to welcoming guests.

“It’s great to be able to build on the success of Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which has won Café of the Year twice in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and now enjoys brand new premises just a floor below the original café.

“Whether visiting Chesterfield for business or pleasure, exploring the Peak District or visiting one of our many local attractions, Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is perfect for your stay.”

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is located at 11 Stephenson’s Place with bookings available both online or by telephone.

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

Three students battle it out to be named Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year

29th June 2018

Three Chesterfield College students are in the running for the prestigious 2018 Young Chef of the Year Award, following a Master Chef style competition judged by professional chefs, including Michelin-starred chef Rupert Rowley from Fischers Baslow Hall.

The students, Kye Homiak (18) from South Normanton, Ashley Pienaar (18) from Doe Lea and Callum Taylor (18) from Cresswell, each prepared a two course meal for a panel of judges. Chefs from Fischers Baslow Hall, Ringwood Hall Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel tasted each of the dishes and scored the students.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the award, which is sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons, recognises Chesterfield College’s most promising Level 2 Cookery students.

Ashley’s seasonal menu included roast duck, cauliflower and blackberry, celeriac and potato rosti with onions, broccoli and gravy followed by a summer berry tart

Commenting on the competition, Ashley said:-

“I used Instagram for inspiration for my dishes and I practiced, practiced, practiced to make sure it was right for the competition as it was my first time cooking competitively. I really want to beat the boys in the competition.

“My family are from South Africa and all love to cook, especially barbecues. My passion is making desserts though, particularly brownies, and one day I want to be a patisserie chef and have my own restaurant.”

Callum took a risk with his dishes, choosing to cook something he never had before. His menu included seared salmon, with roast leek, butter poached king prawns, broccoli and pea puree and almonds, followed by strawberry and elderflower fraisier.

Despite having a mini disaster with his pea and broccoli puree and having to remake it seconds before serving to judges, Callum loved the competition. He said:-

“Although I messed up, I took it in my stride and it was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed talking to the chefs as I was cooking as it helped take my mind off how intense the competition was.”

Callum plans to advance to his Level 3 Diploma once he completes his Level 2. He then hopes to go into the army to do catering. He added:-

“My cousin is a chef in the army. He loves it and I have always looked up to him so this is what I eventually want to do.”

Kye prepared pan fried sea bass with pickled fennel salad, quail egg with batter scraps and bacon followed by Yorkshire rhubarb and custard panna cotta for the judges. He explained:-

“I wanted to do something that had loads of flavour and I think this hit the right notes with the judges.”

He has his grandma to thank for his love of cooking, having heped her regularly at home cooking family meals. He said:-

“I felt really nervous, but as soon as I started cooking it was fine. It was a really great experience and I felt like I was on Master Chef.”

Commenting on Kye, Callum and Ashley’s performance, Rupert Rowley said:-

“The three prepared a reseasonable standard of food and they should all be proud of what they have achieved. Regardless of how long you have been a chef, however, you are only as good as your last meal and you have to keep continually moving forward.”

Ian Matthews, Hospitality and Catering Lecturer at Chesterfield College, commented:-

“Competing in the Young Chef of the Year competition gives our students a fantastic experience and helps to develop their skills. Cooking in competition conditions is very different to what they have experienced before but it really highlights their abilities to develop menus and cook under pressure. When industry experts judge their food and give them positive feedback it really motivates the students and helps them to realise what they are capable of.”

Judge and award sponsor John Lupton, Sales and Commerical Manager from Owen Taylor & Sons, added: “The students all had a very good standard of hygiene and I was impressed with how cool they all appeared to be under pressure.”

The students will have to wait until Wednesday 31 October to learn who is the winner of the prestigious award. It will be announced at a glittering award ceremony which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

A former winner of the prestigious Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year title includes James Greatorex, who is now a Chef de Partie at Heston Blumenthal’s world-famous three Michelin-starred restaurant, The Fat Duck.

In addition to Owen Taylor & Sons, other supporters of the awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, MSE Hiller, Peak FM, Reflections and Shorts Chartered Accountants.

For more information about the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrink

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Foodie families wanted to help find Chesterfield’s best family-friendly restaurant

5th June 2018

Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the town’s Food and Drink Awards, wants to know which eateries get the taste buds tingling of families in the area. And who better to judge the winner of the prestigious award than foodie families?

Two young families with children aged under 12, are wanted to judge the shortlisted family-friendly establishments. They will help decide who takes the Family-Friendly title in the 2018 Awards which are held in association with the Chesterfield College Group

Each family will win an all-expenses-paid meal for four. The lucky winners will also each receive two tickets to attend the glittering awards ceremony on Wednesday 31 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Now in its sixth year, the Family-Friendly Award aims to find the town’s ultimate eatery that offers great food, excellent facilities for young children, special menus and goes the extra mile to make sure families enjoy their dining experience. As well as enjoying a meal, the winning families will be required to mark the establishments on food, ease of access, cleanliness and the quality and variety of children’s food. Last year the popular award, which is sponsored by Jumble Design, was won by Chester’s in 2017.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, commented:-

“Who better to decide the winner of the Family Friendly Award 2018 than families themselves? This competition is a great chance for families in the area to voice their opinion and get to enjoy a meal out too.”

Entries to the competition close on midnight on Friday 29 June and can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/family-judge-competition/

or by post to

Food and Drink Awards Competition,
Destination Chesterfield
Commerce House
Millennium Way
Dunston Road
Chesterfield
S41 8ND

The awards ceremony, which will be held in autumn, promises to be a glittering affair hosted by celebrity chef Lesley Waters. In addition to the Family Friendly award, Lesley will also announce the winners of a further 14 awards at the ceremony.

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are sponsored by Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Chesterfield College Group, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants.

To keep up-to-date on developments with the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards .

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Summer

Last chance to nominate your food and drink apprentice for brand new award

4th June 2018

Don’t let the town’s best apprentices working in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector go unnoticed.

A brand new category – Apprentice of the Year – has been introduced to the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Sponsored by Apprentice Town, the new award is designed to recognise the valuable contribution young people are making to the town’s thriving food and drink sector.

Awards organiser Destination Chesterfield is urging businesses to recognise publicly the hard work and achievement of their apprentices by nominating them for the prestigious award before time runs out.

Apprentice employers can also put themselves forward for the new Apprentice Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Learning unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group).

Nominations for both the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories close at midnight on Friday 29 June 2018.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Cabinet Member – Economic Growth, Chesterfield Borough Council, which is behind the ground-breaking Apprentice Town initiative, explained:-

“Apprentice Town is committed to raising the participation of young people in apprenticeships in Chesterfield.

“The award category sponsorship is an important part of the initiative’s drive to raise awareness of the many apprenticeships within the food and drink sector. Equally important, is recognising and celebrating the achievement of the young people who are currently undertaking their apprenticeship, and this award does just that.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added:-

“Chesterfield’s hospitality sector is growing. The success of current businesses and many of the new developments like Peak Resort and the hotels at Elder Way and Chesterfield Waterside rely on young people entering and building their career within the hospitality industry here.

“It is important that we recognise the significant contribution they make to Chesterfield and I am delighted that we have been able to introduce these two new categories to the Food and Drink Awards.

“By putting the spotlight on both the young people working within the sector and the apprentice pathway, the awards hope to bring apprenticeships to the attention of young people and employers.”

Last year Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside businesses and the economy. The Apprentice Town partnership seeks to develop Chesterfield as a leading apprenticeship destination, with 4,000 people already participating in apprenticeships in the town.

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants.

To nominate an apprentice or a business for one of the two new awards, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/categories .

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Chesterfield food producer goes national thanks to Growth Hub

30th May 2018

Thanks to help from Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, a much-loved potted beef – created by Chesterfield food producer Granny Mary’s Original Recipes – is being sold nationally, aided by a combined £30,000 in grants and intensive business advice.

Eddie Sutherland started selling his wife’s potted beef when he worked as a travelling salesman for Lyon’s tea in the Twenties. Sacked when a supervisor noticed, he and his wife Mary decided to make it a full-time business – and it became a multi-million-pound brand stocked on supermarket shelves.

In the 1980s the business was sold to a European food giant. But in 2012 William Sutherland, Eddie’s great grandson, persuaded his father Alistair to start up commercial production again, calling the business Original Recipes.

The Chesterfield business quickly discovered two challenges – the limited capacity and the standard of the premises they used initially did not appeal to national clients. As a result Original Recipes had been focussed on low volume retail sales.

Advised by City Region Business Growth Specialist Darren Buxton and Access to Finance Advisor Steve Errington, they reviewed their strategy and went into the wholesale market with a fresh approach – creating a new upmarket terrine range, ‘Prochef’, and focussing on wholesale outlets.

Prochef, which took off immediately, is designed for chefs in busy pubs and restaurants: the recipes are of exceptional quality and sold in modern bespoke moulds that make life easier in a hectic professional kitchen.

With this new approach and by investing heavily in new high quality premises at the Storforth Lane trading estate in Chesterfield, the business is now winning national orders.

Alexa Greaves, Chair of the SCR Growth Hub Board, said:-

“I’m delighted to hear this success story and I’m very pleased that we have been able to work with the company to help it reach the right market with the right product.

“The Sheffield City Region is all about innovation and business expansion, and it’s good to see a family enterprise working with the Growth Hub to bring out new products and to take a lead in modern food production.”

The factory, which the firm designed and had built within 12 days, has been supported by a £25,000 grant via the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub Business Investment Fund, plus another £5,000 support via the Growth Hub Enhancement Project, an ERDF funded project, to look at extending the shelf life of the terrines with new packaging. It’s ultra clean and has been designed to exceed even the very rigorous hygiene requirements of the British Retail Consortium.

Alistair Sutherland said:-

“It’s wonderful that as a family we have been able to revive my grandmother’s tasty sandwich filling – her potted beef is still our customer’s favourite of all our 30 different lines.

“It’s lovely to work with my son William, and I’m very impressed with the help and support we have had from the Sheffield City Region Business Growth Specialist Darren and Steve.

“They guided us through all the paperwork, helped us see how to target the right markets, and now we’re looking forward to beating the sales made by Eddie and Granny Mary!”

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