Chesterfield Retail Awards

Vicar Lane’s Shop Indie Turns One

Vicar Lane is excited to announce that Shop Indie is turning ‘one’ on Thursday 1st October after a successful first year of trading at the Chesterfield shopping centre.

The independent giftware and home décor store opened at the centre on 1st October 2019, and owners John and Lisa are celebrating the occasion by giving out goodie bags, worth £30, to customers who spend over £20 in store on the day (while stocks last).

The ethos of Shop Indie is to showcase fabulous products from independent makers and designers from across the UK.

The collection includes unique handmade jewellery, stationery, prints & art plus baby & child décor, cards for every occasion and a selection of gifts available to personalise.

Shop Indie is part of a line up of independent shops at Vicar Lane.

Lisa from Shop Indie said: ‘’Joining the Vicar Lane family has been a great step for Shop Indie. We love being able to give the people of Chesterfield the opportunity to discover something a little different on their high street, and we’re excited to celebrate our birthday by rewarding our customers with a goodie bag!’’

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said: “It’s great to see Shop Indie celebrating its first birthday at Vicar Lane! John and Lisa offer our customers a unique and high-quality shopping offer, so it’s great to see them doing so well.’’

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield food producer among the Great Taste winners of 2020

A food producer based in Chesterfield, The Crooked Pickle Co, has won Great Taste awards for two of its most popular products.

The Korean Pickled Garlic was awarded a 1-star Great Taste award, which means judges dubbed it a food that delivers fantastic flavour, and the Bread & Butter Pickles achieved a 2-star Great Taste award, which means judges dubbed it above and beyond delicious.

Judged by 144 of the most discerning palates, Great Taste is the most coveted of all food and drink awards. As well as a badge of honour, the unmistakable black and gold Great Taste label is a signpost to an outstanding product.

There were 12,777 entries from 106 different countries into Great Taste this year and of those products, 205 have been awarded a 3-star, 1,294 received a 2-star and 3,818 were awarded a 1-star accolade.

This year’s winners have been found through a combination of remote judging and socially distanced judging sessions, after the lockdown began just one week into the schedule. This necessitated a swift and comprehensive reinvention of the Great Taste process, all in time to provide a much-needed boost for food and drink producers during the all-important Christmas period.

Recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers and retailers alike, Great Taste values taste above all else, with no regard for branding and packaging. Whether it is cake, coffee, kippers or kombucha being judged, all products are removed from their wrapper, jar, box or bottle before being tasted. The judges then savour, confer and re-taste to decide which products are worthy of a 1-, 2- or 3-star award.

The panel of judges this year included; cook, writer and champion of sustainable food, Melissa Hemsley, cook, writer, stylist and voice of modern vegetarian cooking, Anna Jones, celebrated Spanish chef, José Pizarro, Kavi Thakrar from Dishoom, food writer and cook, Xanthe Clay, and baker and author, Martha Collison, as well as food buyers from Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Waitrose. These esteemed palates have together tasted and re-judged the 3-star winners to finally agree on the Golden Fork Trophy recipients and the Great Taste 2020 Supreme Champion.

The Crooked Pickle Co were also finalists in last year’s Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards under the Food Producer of the Year category.

Felix Mendelsohn, founder and owner of The Crooked Pickle Co. explains: “Having a keen interest in all things food since as long as I can remember, being awarded for both my Bread & Butter Pickles and the Korean Pickled Garlic is pretty awesome. I just wanted to share my love of these wonderful pickles and now I’m an award winner. Time to order new labels complete with our new awards logo I think!”

“I’ll be celebrating with my wonderful family at the weekend, enjoying a few ice cold beers and maybe some home made burgers topped of course with our now famous pickles. Heaven!”

Great Taste 2020 will reach its exciting finale in late October, when the Golden Fork trophy winners and the Great Taste Supreme Champion 2020 are announced at the virtual Great Taste Golden Fork awards event.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

D2N2 to provide funding to revitalise the heart of Chesterfield

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire has approved an investment of £650,000 towards the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project (RHOC).

The funding, provided by D2N2 via its Local Growth Fund allocation, will support the £3.25m upgrade of the improvement works to the outdoor market as well as an extension of the public space in the town’s Northern Gateway area.

The Local Growth Fund enables D2N2, to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting greater numbers of jobs, homes, and learners.

The D2N2 funding will support the creation of 66 jobs as well as safeguarding 80 jobs on the outdoor market.

The upgrades to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway which includes Packers Row, a key pedestrian route into the town centre and Market, will re-balance the space available to the public in favour of pedestrians whilst also encouraging outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes.

The route will also feature a greater number of trees to help improve air quality for users of the street.

The new revitalised outdoor market will include better lighting and power; improved access and stall configuration; general paving repairs; and new flexible trading areas as well as the repair of all existing stall structures.

Overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council, the improvements to Packers Row will be complete by March next year with the redevelopment of the outdoor market due to be completed by November 2021.

D2N2 has provided funding for several infrastructure projects based in Chesterfield including the Hollis Lane Link Road, sites required the development of the HS2 station, improvements to the A61, and the Chesterfield Centre for Higher Level Skills.

D2N2 Interim Chair David Williams said: “D2N2 is pleased to be able to provide funding to revitalise the centre of Chesterfield which is an important step in the ambitious regeneration of the town.”

“Town centres will no doubt have an important role in our economic recovery from the pandemic and the firm commitment to maximising public space for pedestrians and local businesses should be a sign of how our urban centres will evolve in the years ahead.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will allow us to bring new life to our town centre and famous outdoor market, enabling us to attract more footfall and visitor spend, which will help support our local businesses and allow them to thrive.”

“This project will also ensure that the town centre, and the local economy, is well placed to recover as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We want to level-up towns across the country, ensuring they have the investment they need to continue to grow and thrive so that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone.”

“That is why we are investing £650,000 in the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Scheme which will improve the outdoor market, create new jobs, and make it easier for restaurants and cafes to set up outdoor seating.”

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

Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches campaign to inspire staycations

From award-winning attractions to cosy places to stay, some of the best reasons to book a staycation in the Peak District and Derbyshire this autumn and winter are showcased in a new campaign video released by the area’s official tourist board.

Highlighting 2020 as the ‘year of the Great British staycation’, the video uses clips submitted by local tourism and hospitality providers – including Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council – to shine a spotlight on the area’s vibrant tourism offer in a bid to extend the season and drive domestic visits to the area.

Visitors are encouraged to ‘escape, explore and enjoy new experiences’ in the Peak District and Derbyshire by discovering beautiful countryside, fun days out, unique things to do, charming market towns and delicious local produce.

The video marks the second phase of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s “Time to…” marketing campaign, designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses weather the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

To support the recovery of the sector, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is also distributing 50,000 Support Local Attractions Maps which will be available at local tourist information centres, accommodation providers, pubs and restaurants from September onwards.

The map, which is funded by the tourist board’s European Regional Development Fund project, encourages visitors and residents alike to enjoy the full range of things to see and do in the area, with a major focus on supporting local businesses and increasing visitor spend.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Local businesses have worked incredibly hard since lockdown to ensure the safest possible return for visitors by putting all the right measures in place, but the next few months are going to be critical for the industry’s longer-term survival.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire has so much to offer in autumn and winter and planning a staycation and discovering the sheer quality and diversity of what’s on the doorstep will help to extend the holiday season and support our valuable visitor economy.

“Our staycations campaign, together with our Support Local Attractions Map, aims to inspire both visitors and residents alike to enjoy the area’s vibrant tourism offer whilst supporting local businesses.

“Whilst we continue to welcome visitors, our main message is still one of safety and visitors can help by continuing to respect the area and local communities, by maintaining their social distancing and by following all of the latest government guidelines in place.”

Together with inspirational imagery, the campaign incorporates a ‘Time to Plan Ahead’ tagline which urges people to check for restrictions and to support local attractions and experience providers by booking tickets in advance.

The tourist board is also encouraging visitors to follow its ‘Respect, Protect, Enjoy’ visitor charter which highlights how to explore the area responsibly.

The campaign is being promoted across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s social media channels and at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/inspiration/time-to, where an online ‘hub’ features content offering inspiration and information aimed at increasing day trips and overnight stays.

Tourism is usually worth £2.3 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and boosting growth.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Live theatre returns to Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council is pleased to announce that Chesterfield Theatres will again be hosting live performances from October.

The first three live shows scheduled to take place are part of the Autumn Play Season, which takes place from Tuesday 13 October until Saturday 14 November at the Pomegranate Theatre. Customers will be able to purchase tickets to all three plays for the price of two. The tickets will go on sale from Friday 4 September.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The return of live performances to the council’s theatres represents another step forward in Chesterfield’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”

“I know the team have worked hard to make this possible and we very much look forward to welcoming our regular theatregoers as well as lots of new customers to our Covid-19 secure theatres.”

The three plays for the Autumn Play Season are Love Upon The Throne, Dead Certain and Live Bed Show. Each play will feature two different performers, drawn from the same social bubble, in order to help limit contact with other performers and audiences.

The Pomegranate Theatre is already open for cinema screenings and council staff have received lots of positive comments from customers about the safety measures that have been put in place.

The council has also followed the latest Government and UK Theatres guidance on how to re-introduce live performances to ensure the safety of performers, theatregoers and staff.

Tickets for the first three live shows and for other live performances as well as tickets for cinema screenings can be booked on the Chesterfield Theatres website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

When booking tickets online, customers can also spoil themselves by pre-ordering tasty treats including ice creams, sweets and drinks at a reduced price. Snacks and drinks can also be purchased when attending the Theatres, but staff will only be accepting card payments.

The Pomegranate Theatre and The Winding Wheel Theatre are owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Chesterfield Borough Council has secured £35,000 from the Arts Council Emergency Response Fund to support the re-launch of the Pomegranate and The Winding Wheel theatres.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Please note our images were taken prior to the Coronavirus pandemic

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

New three storey menswear store opens on Chatsworth Road

Independent menswear retailer Master Debonair has opened Chatsworth Road.

The three-storey store has undergone a recent refit, with casual wear on the ground floor, suits and accessories on the second floor and a private showroom on the top floor.

Offering affordable menswear with a full range of jeans, chinos, shoes, accessories, shirts and suits. The summer collection includes shorts, short sleeve shirts and t-shirts and the top floor of the building is a private showroom where wedding parties, large groups or one to one appointments can use.

Founded by husband and wife team Simon and Eve Whitaker in 2016, the award-winning company now employs 25 people across its two stores, offices and distribution centre.

Simon Whitaker of Master Debonair, said “There’s a wide range of independent shops, restaurants and coffee shops to explore just a few minutes from the town centre on Chatsworth Road and it’s the perfect place for us. We have done a full refit of the building, uncovering as many original features as possible and adding a few of our own.”

“We don’t think there are any other stores quite like ours in Chesterfield and we hope the local community love it. As well as our full range of clothes and accessories we offer 1 to 1 personal styling, custom tailoring and wedding services for the guys.”

Master Debonair won Best Independent Menswear Business in 2019. Master Debonair’s North East store won the ‘Best Independent Menswear’ title at the Drapers Independents Awards 2019, which took place in London in September.

Master Debonair was named Best New Business by Drapers in 2017 and was shortlisted in four categories for the 2019 awards, receiving more nominations over the years than any other independent retailer in the country.

“Our customers are often shocked at how reasonable our prices are,” Simon added. “We want to give people confidence in the clothes they wear and the service we offer really is exceptional.”

The new store can be found at 270 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, S40 2BH. Master Debonair is also available to order online via their website. You can also find them on social media.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

‘Chesterfield in Lockdown’ exhibition looking for contributions

Chesterfield Museum is currently working with a number of local organisations in order to put together an exhibition that conveys different experiences of ‘Chesterfield in Lockdown’.

The Museum team are appealing to the local community to get in touch with stories, memories, images and items that express their experiences during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers hope that by working with local people, community groups and organisations, residents can come together to share memories of lockdown and isolation.

They are also keen to include the stories of key workers who have kept Chesterfield and the UK going during this unprecedented crisis.

There are three main areas of the upcoming exhibition which the team are seeking submissions for:

Photographs

  • Images that you’ve taken on your mobile or with your camera during this time or anything that you feel is an image of ‘Lockdown in Chesterfield’ (signs, queues, empty parks or streets)
  • Images of what has helped you cope with Lockdown (nature, your garden, cooking, reading, screenshots of chats with friends and family online).

Items & Keepsakes

  • Artworks, pictures, paintings, models, textiles – any projects that you’ve embraced and focused on. For example, all the rainbows created.
  • Items and objects that will always remind you of this time / period such as home-made mask, walking shoes, toilet roll, bottle of hand gel

Stories and Thoughts

  • Your thoughts about the past six months and ‘Lockdown’ expressed through diary extracts, blogs, poems, letters, emails.
  • Anecdotes & little stories of some of the things you’ve experienced.

If you would like to contribute to this exhibition please contact the Museum Collections Team via museum.collections@chesterfield.gov.uk or rachel.fannen@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Shortlist revealed for 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards

The very best shops, market stalls, events, projects and businesses on Chesterfield’s high streets have been revealed by Destination Chesterfield.

Thirty-six finalists have been named in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards. Postponed since March, the finalist line-up and confirmed awards ceremony date, now come at a time when it is more important than ever to shop locally.

The High Street Awards have never been more relevant. Previously known as the Retail Awards, the Chesterfield High Street Awards recognise the exceptional businesses, people, events and regeneration projects in the town centre, Chatsworth Road, Whittington Moor, Staveley and Hasland that are working together to overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

This year, two new categories have been introduced to the awards line up – High Street Business of the Year and the Future High Street Award – recognising the contribution that non-retail businesses, projects, initiatives and developments make to the modern high street.

Members of the public nominated from December to February. The nominations have now been counted and online reviews have been assessed by Destination Chesterfield, resulting in a 36-strong shortlist across 12 categories.

At the awards ceremony, one of the 27 shortlisted retailers will take the overall top title of Retailer of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

To ensure the safety of both finalists and guests, Destination Chesterfield will host a virtual awards ceremony later in the year. The winners of the Chesterfield High Street Awards will be announced live on the evening of Wednesday 21 October, and everyone is invited to watch.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator said: “The people behind the town’s high street businesses have shown such resilience during challenging times, and we could not be more proud of them. The team at Destination Chesterfield is pleased to have adapted by taking the awards ceremony online. An advantage of taking the ceremony online is that we are able to welcome many more guests to recognise the achievements of high street businesses. ”

“After months of lockdown, never have high street businesses needed our support more than in the current trading conditions. The ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to them and show all high street businesses our ongoing support.”

Chesterfield High Street Awards

Winners of the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2019

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

High Street Business of the Year
Chatsworth Travel
Pinewood Properties
Strada Estate Agents

Future High Street Award
Flexible Leasing at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre
Premier Inn, Elder Way
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Big Screen

Best Town Centre Event
1940s Chesterfield Flea Market
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
Chesterfield Motorfest

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods
Crazy about Cakecraft
Tallbird Records

Best New Store
Nana B Baby & Children’s Wear
Shop Indie
The Wool Cabin

National / Multiple Retailer of the Year
Marks and Spencer
Warhammer
Waterstones

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery
Chesterfield Craft
Love Brewing

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Charles Hedley
Dotique
Ingmans

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie
Fifty Shades of Beauty
One Nine Three Hair and Beauty

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers
Huckleberry Willow
Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Market Trader of the Year
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Simon Harding’s Fruit and Veg
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery
H&F
Little White Dress

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, JP Fire Safety Solutions, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Peak FM, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

Destination Chesterfield has a few sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the high street please click here or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Something Special Bridal received two awards at the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2019

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Chesterfield Borough Council adopts ambitious plan to rebuild economy

Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild Chesterfield’s economy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan, which was approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 14 July, outlines what the council, with the backing of other partner agencies, will do to support the town’s businesses to bounce back and help restore business and consumer confidence.

The Plan sets outs a comprehensive set of fully funded measures that include delivering a new business start-up support programme, which will encourage entrepreneurs and workers who may have lost their jobs due to covid-19 to bring forward new business ideas. Funding and expert advice will be available as will a premises location service.

The council will also be launching a portfolio of skills delivery initiatives. The initiatives will focus on the skills and training needs of local people, particularly young people, to enhance their prospects of securing the jobs on offer. Chesterfield residents and businesses will be able to access a new virtual skills and careers information hub. Particular attention will also be paid to the establishment of initiatives to reskill and upskill the current workforce.

Innovative promotional campaigns are already being rolled out with Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to shop local and support town centre retailers and market traders. The Plan also includes a series of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of Chesterfield as a visitor destination and hub.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Rebuilding the local economy following the easing of lockdown restrictions is a top priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and we have already implemented a number of financial and promotional measures to help our businesses through these challenging times.

“We understand this will be a worrying time for business owners of all sizes and it is important that the council and its partners continue to do all we can to ensure that local businesses receive all the help they need in these most challenging of times.

“Whilst there remains a high level of uncertainty about what the future holds, the Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough.”

The council has to date paid out £25.7 million in small business grants to 2,202 Chesterfield businesses, administered business rates relief to a value of £18 million to 661 businesses and shared a further £1.05 million with 120 businesses via the Local Discretionary Grants Fund scheme.

The council has also provided expert advice and support to over 300 local businesses since mid-March and as a landlord to over 400 commercial tenants, amended rental terms including rent free periods for some and rent deferral arrangements for others.

The work done with retailers, market traders and licensees to safely and successfully re-open Chesterfield town centre has seen thousands of people return to the high street since 1 June.

The council has also not shirked from continuing to progress its ambitious £1 billion growth programme that when complete will deliver thousands of new jobs to the town and borough both during the construction phases and once works are complete. This includes the Northern Gateway Scheme where construction of the new Enterprise Centre on Holywell Cross (Donut) started on site during the lockdown period. Plans are also well advanced in progressing improvements to the public realm on Elder Way and taking forward the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project which will see a number of enhancements made to Chesterfield’s famous market grounds.

As part of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub, Chesterfield businesses can access an experienced business advisor and the council’s Economic Development team is always on hand to talk through and help develop solutions for businesses facing challenges large and small. You can contact the team by e-mail at economicdevelopment@chesterfield.gov.uk.

More information on the support that is available to businesses can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector optimistic for future

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez has praised the ‘team spirit’ of local businesses in the hospitality sector who, he says, “have shared ideas and good practice to ensure the local economy re-opens safely and successfully.”

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are feeling positive following their re-opening on Saturday 4 July. The optimism has been further boosted by Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s help for the hospitality industry which was unveiled in his summer statement.

Mr Perez commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to have an impact on the industry for the foreseeable future and whilst businesses have worked extremely hard to adapt their business models. It is a tough market and we are extremely grateful for the government initiatives including business rate reductions, eating out voucher scheme and VAT reduction.”

Destination Chesterfield sprang into action following the Chancellor’s announcement and has produced a webpage with details of businesses in and around Chesterfield that are taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The website can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/eat-out-to-help-out-in-chesterfield

One of the businesses to sign up to the scheme, includes H & F Vintage Tearooms based on New Beetwell Street. Sharon Hilton, owner and Director of H&F Vintage Tearooms which re-opened on Monday 6 July said: “I am feeling optimistic about the future. Each day since opening there has been a steady increase in business. Customers and staff have adapted well to the small changes we’ve put in place.”

H & F Vintage Tearooms is based on New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield town centre

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout shared Sharon’s optimism saying: “We’ve been busier than expected since re-opening. The safety measures we have put in place have ensured that customers feel safe and comfortable and they are confident in dining with us.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, added: “Despite the hospitality sector’s nervousness ahead of re-opening, it is great to see that people are returning to their favourite pubs, restaurants and cafes.”

Many businesses have had to reduce the seating capacity to account for social distancing, however they have made use of outdoor space which has proved popular given the recent good weather. The Tickled Trout has added a pop-up pub in the car park of the restaurant where customers can enjoy a drink.

Mr Perez added: “We are extremely grateful to have no shortage of space at both properties, indoor and outdoor. The beautiful weather has also allowed us to take advantage of our gardens, terraces and at Peak Edge Hotel the Airstream bar and live music in the bandstand, allowing a great atmosphere whilst practising social distancing.”

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout, however, has urged the general public to ensure they cancel bookings if they are unable to attend. “The hospitality industry is already operating at reduced capacity, so when a booking is a no-show this is devastating to the business. There is less opportunity for walk-ins right now, so every no-show leaves us with an empty table. Please, please ensure you show up when you have made a booking or cancel it if you are unable to attend.”

Already Chesterfield is seeing signs of the predicated staycation boom. “We have had a massive increase in bookings for our holiday cottages. They are now almost fully booked until September,” added Chris.”

Steve Perez added: “All the signs are positive for a staycation boom in the Peak District this summer. Tourism is the backbone of our local economy and it is extremely important we support each other and share best practice.”

steve perez honorary degree

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez

Dom Stevens added: “The Chancellor’s support for the sector is particularly welcome at this time however, we must all ensure we continue to support hospitality businesses beyond the eat out to help out scheme.”

“With the hospitality sector now fully re-open, the town now has a real opportunity to capitalise on the staycation boom and drive forward its economic recovery.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy added: “The re-opening of these businesses is vital for our local economy and will help ensure the longevity of the many brilliant establishments in our borough.”

Although the hospitality sector has re-opened its doors a number of businesses are continuing to operate takeaway and delivery services that were put in place during lockdown.

Chris Radford, owner of Brampton Brewery explained: “A lot of our older clientele are still very nervous about going back into pubs so for that reason we’re maintaining our free home delivery service of bottled beers.”

Details of businesses offering takeaway and delivery can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal

If you are a local food businesses that is participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and would like to be featured on the Chesterfield.co.uk website, please email info@chesterfield.co.uk

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

Local tourism businesses invited to take part in new ‘staycation’ marketing video

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is producing a new marketing video to showcase the area, and are asking for submissions from local businesses.

Local tourism and hospitality businesses are invited to film and submit clips, telling visitors all the reasons why the Peak District & Derbyshire is the perfect place for a UK ‘staycation’.

The marketing video will be part of the new ‘Time to…’ campaign by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, which shines a spotlight on the warm welcome that awaits guests to the Peak District and Derbyshire, whilst showcasing the extra safety measures that businesses have put in place in order to reopen responsibly.

The ‘Time to…’ campaign will be supported across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s digital channels and on social media. Local businesses will be encouraged to create their own images using the campaign taglines which include ‘Time to Plan’, ‘Time to Discover’ and ‘Time to Recharge’.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but our passionate, caring and resilient tourism businesses have worked exceptionally hard to put all the right measures in place to ensure we can warmly welcome visitors back.”

Here are some examples of what companies might say in a clip:

  • If you’re an activity provider you might say things like…”Our gritstone edges”, “The heights”, “Our natural landscapes”, “The bridleways”.
  • If you’re an accommodation provider you might say things like…”The comfort”, “Our rooms with a view”, “Our warm welcome”, “The cosy nights in”.
  • If you’re an attraction you might say something like… “Our friendly guides”, “The memorable experience”, “Our unique days out”.

The deadline for submitting videos is 11am on Monday 27th July.

Click here for details on how to get involved and submit your own videos.

If you have any questions regarding the filming or submission of your video, please contact danielle.sorsby@marketingpdd.com.

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