Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Shortlist announced for 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

The votes for the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are in and have been counted.

24 eateries, pubs, bars and venues have been shortlisted across 10 categories in the popular awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College, who are headline sponsor and host of the awards for the third year running.

The shortlisted establishments were selected from hundreds of nominations received by the competition organisers Destination Chesterfield.

This year sees the introduction of a brand new category – Conference Venue of the Year – and also 11 new contenders for the awards, including The Tickled Trout, Batemans Mill, Chesters, Little Castle, H&F Tea Rooms, Libby’s, Four One Three, Coffee St, Qoozies, Three Cottages and the Proact Stadium.

A secret panel of judges is now set to visit the shortlisted establishments in order to decide the winner of each category which will be announced in October by award winning restaurateur Theo Randall, who is a familiar face on prime time TV.

Restaurant of the Year

Chesterfield Restaurant of the Year  – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Calabria

Cocina at Casa Hotel

 

Chesterfield Cafe/Tea Room of the Year

 Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

H & F Tea Rooms

Libby’s

Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

 

Chesterfield Gastro Pub of the Year

Gastro Pub of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield College

The Tickled Trout

Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel

Three Cottages

 

Chesterfield Pub Bar of the Year
Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Hoopers

COCO Bar Bistro 

The Manor

The Market Pub

 

 

Chesterfield Pub Bar of the Year

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison & Platt

Four One Three

Coffee St

Qoozies

 

 

Chesterfield Best Customer Service

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Libby’s

 

Chesterfield Best Out of Town

Best Out of Town

The Tickled Trout

Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel

Bateman’s Mill

 

 

Chesterfield Food Producer Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by NatWest

To be announced soon

 

 

 

Chesterfield Food Hero Chesterfield Food Hero – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

To be announced on the evening

 

 

 

Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year

Young Chef of the Year – Sponsored by the Crooked Spire Church

To be announced

 

 

 

 

Chesterfield International Restaurant of the YearInternational Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41
O-Tokuda
Indian Blues

 

 

 

Chesterfield Family Friendly AwardFamily Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Chesters
The Manor at Brampton
Little Castle

 

 

Conference venue of the yearConference Venue of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants

Casa Hotel
Proact Stadium
Peak Edge Hotel

 

As well as the winners of the nine categories, Theo will be announcing the winners of three additional categories – Food Producer of the Year, Young Chef of the Year and Food Hero – at the glittering award ceremony being held on Wednesday 28 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield Cllr Amanda Serjeant said: “The success of the Food and Drink awards is all down to the general public and, once again, they haven’t let us down voting in their droves for their favourite food and drink establishments.”

“The awards are recognition of the contribution Chesterfield’s thriving hospitality industry makes to the local economy. Restaurants, cafes and bars are an important part of Chesterfield’s future leisure offering and are integral part of our recently launched Town Centre Masterplan.”

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207

F&D Awards 2014 018

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

Local lad wins Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year

Chesterfield pupil Ryan Bruce has been crowned Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year at ceremony held at The Dome in Buxton.

The proud 15-year-old won the title on the back of his freshly-made sweet and sour chicken and wholegrain rice followed by chocolate, orange and raspberry cake.

Dishes had to include some seasonal, local produce, reflect cultural diversity and be suitable for serving to 14-year-olds in school.

To be named overall winner Ryan, who studies at Whittington Green School, also had to ensure his menu for two was on budget at just £2 per head.

Open to students from years 9 to 11, the competition − now in its fifth year − was organised by Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service.

Ryan was presented with a certificate, trophy and £100 of shopping vouchers from Councillor Caitlin Bisknell, deputy cabinet member for children and young people, who praised all winners and finalists for their fantastic culinary skills.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said:

“The standard of cooking was superb. They all did extremely well in a very pressured environment.”

Also commended from Chesterfield was Leah Roberts, 15, another pupil at Whittington Green School.

Ryan Bruce Whittington Green from left Karen Stanley Katie Woods  and Caitlin Bisknell(Image shows Ryan Bruce from Whittington Green School with judges: Primary Catering Manager Kevin Hill, Menu Development Officer Katie Woods and Karen Stanley, lecturer in hospitality and catering at Buxton College.)

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

Young Chef of the Year tickles taste buds with local recipe book

Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year 2014, Natasha Hart, has been cooking up interest for ‘Taste’ – a new, mouth-watering, local cook book featuring favourite recipes from top food spots and keen cooks living and working in the town.

Collated by Chesterfield College, ‘Taste’ is designed to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare and is part of a bigger campaign by the college to raise £30,000 for the hospice’s £1 million Urgent Bed Appeal.  Natasha visited the charity this week to help launch the new book as well as offering some tips for making her recipe at home.

Packed full of savoury and sweet delights, the book includes delicious treats like a stuffed chicken recipe from the Chesterfield Football Club Physio, Jamie Hewitt and a chocolate and caramac Roulade from Andrea Loomes, Head Chef at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Local restaurants and food retailers like Calabria and Jacksons the Bakers have shared their favourite recipes too, making the book a must for any self-respecting foodie to have on their cook book shelf!

Mhairi Herring, from Ashgate Hospicecare said “Thanks to all who have contributed to the Taste book and to Chesterfield College for producing it.

“Every penny from the sale of Taste will raise vital funds to allow us to provide care for people with life limiting illnesses. So grab a copy and get cooking.

“The recipes look delicious. I can’t wait to try Ainsley Harriott’s sticky toffee pudding. I wonder if the calories won’t count as it is all for charity!”

The books are now on sale for £5 from Ashgate Hospicecare shops, Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Football Club, Calabria, Jacksons the Bakers and Maison Mes Amis.

Natasha Hart was named Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.  This year’s Young Chef of the Year will be crowned alongside 12 other winners at a glittering ceremony taking place at Chesterfield College in October.

Chesterfield College recipe book Taste

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

Family judges wanted for Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the town’s annual Food and Drink Awards, is looking for two foodie families with children aged under 12 to judge short-listed family-friendly establishments in the annual awards.

As well as having an all-expenses-paid meal for four, the lucky winners will also receive two tickets to attend the glittering awards ceremony in October, which is being hosted by celebrity chef Theo Randall.

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 that extra step to make sure families can 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 The Manor at Brampton.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens commented: “The family friendly category is one of the most popular in the awards and we get many nominations reflecting the wealth of family friendly restaurants that we have here in Chesterfield.

“This competition is a great chance for families in the area to voice their opinion and get to enjoy a meal out too.”

If you want to get involved then simply enter online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/family-judge-competition.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 15th July. The winning families will receive a meal for two adults and two children in up to three short-listed establishments. The adults will also receive two tickets to attend the awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony, which will be held in autumn, promises to be a glittering affair. If any businesses would be interested in becoming a sponsor of the new awards contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Family Judge Competition

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

Local brewery supports Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Chesterfield-based Brampton Brewery has thrown its support behind next week’s Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Brewery, which is sponsoring the Derbyshire friendly against a Chesterfield Invitational XI at Queen’s Park on Wednesday 1 July (6pm start), will have two outlets at the ground throughout the six-day long festival.

Brampton Brewery will have prominent branding at the ground and will also be sponsoring opening batsman Ben Slater for the 2015 season.

The festival commences on Sunday 5 July when Northamptonshire Steelbacks visit the picturesque outground in a NatWest T20 Blast clash.

The attention turns to the longest format the following day when Derbyshire welcome Glamorgan for four days of first-class cricket, before the festival concludes on Sunday 12 July with a NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus neighbours Yorkshire Vikings.

A wide range of local Real Ales will be available for supporters to enjoy from Brampton, in addition to a number of other food and drink outlets around the ground.

Cricket Derbyshire Commercial Director, Ryan Duckett said: “We are delighted to have a local company in Brampton Brewery supporting this year’s festival.

“Supporters will be able to taste the brewery’s famous real ale throughout the entire festival, which is a real highlight of the local sporting calendar. We’re looking forward to six great days of cricket in the park.”

(Image courtesy of David Griffin)

Chesterfield Festival of Cricke

 

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

Chesterfield Artisan Market Returns on Sunday

The Chesterfield Artisan Market will return for a second month this Sunday 28 June with more stalls and even more fun for the whole family.

Last month the popular event attracted thousands of visitors to the town who all enjoyed quality artisan foods, quirky, bespoke, original craft items and delicious aromas in the street food court.

Taking place at New Square at Chesterfield Market, the market will once again feature musical entertainment and creative workshops for children by StraightCurves.

Organisers say the range of artisan producers will be even more diverse this time with traders offering local meat, cider, cheese, raw milk, award-winning pies, cheesecakes, old-school cornflake tarts, cookies and Eccles cakes.

There will also be plenty of non-food items including soaps, doodle art, photography, artwork and doggy paraphernalia, watercolours, hand-crafted fabric bags, leather satchels and cards – all in addition to the vast array of talented traders at the last event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said:-

“We had lots of really positive feedback from traders, visitors and local business owners after the first artisan market in May.

“People really enjoyed the quality and value of the artisan food and gifts on offer and I am sure this one, with the extended opening time, will be bigger and better than before.”

Denise Valente, director of The Market Co, said:-

“The welcome we received from Chesterfield visitors was overwhelming. Everyone was thrilled with the diverse range of goods on offer – quite different to anything that has been brought to Chesterfield before, as well as the incredible atmosphere created in the street food arena.

“Each month we will add new artisans to the market hopefully making it one of the very best destinations in Derbyshire.”

Chesterfield Artisan Market is run by Chesterfield Borough Council in association with The Market Co and will take place next on Sunday 28 June in New Square. In response to feedback the event will start earlier at 10.30am and run through to 4pm.

Chesterfield Artisan Market

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

Double award win for Chesterfield restaurant

Chesterfield Champions, The Tickled Trout picked up two awards at the Westside Magazine Restaurant Awards 2015.

Tom Alberts, sous chef at the tickled trout won Young Chef of the Year and the Westside Magazine readers voted the venue the Readers’ Choice Restaurant of the Year.

Chris Mapp said “I am immensely proud of my team and what we have achieved in 10 months. I am very lucky to have such talented young people working for me and we all enjoy what we do because we are more than just a team but a family. We all have the same goals to make our valued customers happy and make sure that have a lovely experience with us.”

The Tickled Trout is independently owned by Chef Chris Mapp and nestled in the idyllic Derbyshire village of Barlow. The team has transformed the former run-down country drinking hole into the award winning dining pub.  The food has an Italian influence and wherever possible the ingredients are sourced locally.

Tickled Trout Westside Awards

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

Voting now open for 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Voting is now open for the Chesterfield 2015 Food and Drink Awards.

Members of the public have until midnight on Sunday 12 July 2015 to nominate their favourite eateries, hostelries, food producers and conference venues in Chesterfield as well as out of town, across 10 categories.

The awards return for their third year and promise to be bigger and better than ever before. Last year hundreds of nominations were received with just 38 businesses and individuals being shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with headline sponsor Chesterfield College whose students will, once again, be catering the entire awards evening at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

This year, two people could also have the opportunity to attend the glittering awards ceremony as guests of Destination Chesterfield. Everyone who votes in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards will be entered into a free prize draw for two tickets to the awards ceremony. So make sure you save the date!

Vice Chairman of Destination Chesterfield Cllr Amanda Serjeant is now urging people to get voting. She said: “The success of the Food and Drink awards is all down to the general public and they haven’t let us down yet. Each year we get more and more nominations proving that we’re a town that appreciates good food and customer service. I hope people will get behind us once again and vote and help make the 2015 Food and Drink awards the best yet.”

Shortlisting will take place in August with the winners being crowned at the star-studded ceremony in October later this year. Award winning restaurateur Theo Randall, who is a familiar face on prime time TV, and recently published his second cookery book, My Simple Italian has recently been confirmed as the host of the awards.

Voting in the 10 categories is easy and can be done online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

The 10 categories in which you can nominate in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by
• Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
• Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield College
• Pub / Bar of the Year
• Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP
• Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
• Best Out of Town (within 10 miles of Chesterfield)
• Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by NatWest
• International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards Nominate

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

Celebrity host announced for Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Celebrity chef Theo Randall has been confirmed as the host of Chesterfield’s 2015 Food and Drink Awards ceremony.

Theo will announce the winners of the very best producers, restaurants, cafes, bars and venues that Chesterfield has to offer. Nominations for the prestigious awards open on Monday 8 June, with the ceremony taking place later in the year in October.

The Awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with headline sponsor Chesterfield College whose students will, once again, be catering the entire event at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Award winning restaurateur Theo is a familiar face on prime time TV, and recently published his second cookery book, My Simple Italian.

Commenting on the awards Theo said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. I am passionate about good quality food and drink and these awards embody the very best that the town has to offer as well as celebrating the next generation of employees in the hospitality industry. I am very much looking forward to meeting some of the local stars on the food and drink scene as well as the hospitality students at Chesterfield College.”

Stuart Cutforth, Principal and Chief Executive of Chesterfield College added: “It is fantastic to support Chesterfield’s Food and Drink awards again this year. These awards really help to raise the profile of the industry in the area and celebrate local talent.  Chesterfield College is looking forward to hosting the event later this year and showcasing the talents of our catering and hospitality students. Events like this are a brilliant opportunity to excite and encourage young people to get the skills they need to be part of this industry in the future.”

Nominations across ten categories for the awards open in June and shortlisting will take place in August with the winners being crowned at the star-studded ceremony in October later this year.

This year there are 13 categories in the awards including the brand new Conference Venue of the Year. Other categories in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

  • Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
  • Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield College
  • Pub / Bar of the Year
  • Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP
  • Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
  • Best Out of Town
  • Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by NatWest
  • Conference Venue of the Year – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
  • Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Crooked Spire Church
  • International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
  • Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design
  • Chesterfield Food Hero – sponsored by Banner Jones

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods and Reflections.

Voting opens on Monday 8 June and can be done online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards. Posters and postcards are also being distributed to food and drink businesses across the town.  Voting is open until midnight on Sunday 12 July 2015.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Theo Randall Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

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

Chiquito to Open in Chesterfield

Chiquito has confirmed it is to open a restaurant in Chesterfield this autumn creating around 80 jobs for the town.

The popular mexican eatery is coming to Alma Leisure Park this October at the site of the former Wacky Warehouse.

Jody Millward, Regional Marketing Coordinator at Chiquito said:-

“We’re thrilled to announce that Chiquito is to join Chesterfield’s growing food and drink offering and hope to be open to the public in October.

“The combination of our quality food, quality drinks and cocktails, soaked up in our authentic and fun surroundings will take you to places you haven’t been before! Fresh, vibrant and colourful!

“Our team is the heartbeat of our restaurant and we look forward to meeting local candidates who are as passionate as we are about food, drink and all things Tex Mex.”

Recruitment has already begun for Chesterfield’s new Chiquito. More information is available on the Chiquito website under careers.

Chiquito Chesterfield

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

New York-Inspired Bar to Open in Chesterfield

A new bar is set to open next to the Crooked Spire Church in Chesterfield this May.

Named ‘Apartment,’ the forward-thinking venue has a New York city-vibe and will offer quality cocktails, spirits and beers alongside a range of regular and pop-up events – from salsa nights to whisky tasting sessions.  It will also be available for private hire.

One of the directors commented:-

“Apartment hopes to contribute something significant to the town centre which will create greater footfall and improve the social experiences that the town has to offer as a whole.

“There will be a strong focus on putting a little extra love and care into what we do, to create a fantastic, unique experience to both locals and visitors.”

Apartment launches to the public on Sunday 24th May with ‘Celebrity Karaoke’.  More information on this, other events and employment opportunities can be found by searching on Facebook for ‘Apartment Chesterfield’.

Beer festival in Chesterfield

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