Leisure

Chesterfield remembers the fallen

7th November 2017

Chesterfield residents can remember those who have lost their lives in war at a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

On Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November, the national two-minute silence will be marked with an event at the war memorial, Rose Hill opposite Chesterfield Town Hall at 11am.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event where the service will be marked by the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille. People wishing to take part should be in place by 10.45am.

The silence will be marked in other Chesterfield Borough Council buildings including the Customer Service Centre in New Square, Chesterfield Market Hall, Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square, Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley.

Other shops and businesses will also mark the silence.

The annual Remembrance Sunday service takes place at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’ on Sunday 12 November at 2.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend but people are asked to be seated by 2pm as the church becomes full quickly.

Following the service, a civic parade with the mayor and other civic representatives, the Royal British Legion, members of armed forces’ organisations and uniformed and voluntary organisations will head to the war memorial at Rose Hill for the wreath laying ceremony.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said:-

“Events to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are the most solemn in our calendar.

“Everyone is welcome to come and join our events to remember those who have died in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.”

A service organised by Staveley Town Council will take place at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, at the Memorial Gardens, Staveley.

Other remembrance events will also be held in the borough.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield announced as a host venue for UEFA European Under-17 Championships 2017

30th October 2017

UEFA and The Football Association have named the venues which will host the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament in May next year.
Chesterfield, Burton Albion,Loughborough University, Rotherham United, St. George’s Park and Walsall have all been selected to host the annual UEFA tournament.

The competition for Europe’s 16 elite nations will be played at venues across the Midlands and South Yorkshire with St. George’s Park at its heart.

Chesterfield will host the opening game and Rotherham United will stage the final, with fixtures taking place between 4-20 May.

Tickets will go on sale in January with the final draw taking place at St. George’s Park in April.

Wayne Rooney, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Mario Götze are some of the famous names to have appeared at this level in the past with the competition acting as the perfect platform for young players to showcase their talents. England who won the European Under-17 title in 2010 and 2014, and also finished runners- up to Spain in 2017, qualified automatically for the tournament as hosts.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:
“The European Under-17 Championship gives football fans an early opportunity to watch talented young footballers as they start out on what they hope will be successful careers in the game.

The competition also provides the youngsters with an ideal chance to perform on an international football stage.
I am very happy that the finals are being staged in England. The Football Association are experienced hosts of major football events, and we are all looking forward to an exciting and entertaining tournament.”

England U17s head coach Steve Cooper added:

“We are very proud to be hosting the men’s European Under-17 finals next summer.”
“St. George’s Park will be at the heart of training and matches and all six venues will give the players an opportunity to perform at different stadiums.”
“Rotherham and Walsall have hosted a number of England development and women’s team fixtures in the past while Burton Albion and Chesterfield are fantastic venues.”

“Loughborough University is a world-renowned sports and educational establishment.”

“The tournament gives the towns and regions an opportunity to see the best young talent from across the continent and we are very much looking forward to the challenge.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Local runner wins Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

26th October 2017

A local runner has become the first person to cross the finish line at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – and was one of a number from the region to triumph in the race.

Charlie Baker, a member of Hallamshire Harriers running club, crossed the line with an impressive time of 1:18:52. Runner-up, John Sanderson from North Derbyshire RC clocked a time of 1:21:08, followed by Marcus Nicholson in third with a time of 1:22:33.

When accepting his trophy, Charlie said: “I’m feeling very pleased with myself, the most difficult part was one of the hills towards the end, and constantly running into the wind, but I’m very happy to have completed it and to cross the finish line in first place.”

Ashleigh Barron from the Steel City Striders was the first female to cross the line with a remarkable time of 1:30:15, followed by, Sheffield based TeamGB Duathlon and Triathlon athlete, Fiona Kesteven, who ran in 1:31:22. Deborah Lock rounded off the top three females running in a time of 1:31:33.

Ashleigh explained how she got through the miles: “I just kept having a word with myself, saying to keep going, that I have put all this hard work in and not to give up, I’m out in the storm, just go for it.”

Just under 1,000 people took to the streets of Chesterfield last weekend to take part in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and the Peak FM Fun Run to raise money for their chosen charity.

The half marathon course started in Queen’s Park, went through the town centre visiting Hasland, then returned to Chesterfield via Brampton and Ashgate before returning to Queen’s Park.

The race was held in aid of local and regional worthy causes, primarily supporting event charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.

Local estate agency, Redbrik, was the headline sponsor for the 2017 event as part of the new five-year partnership deal.

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contract Ltd, organiser of the event, said: “We were thrilled with the turnout of the event despite the traditional British weather.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our entrants for taking part and completing the race in such difficult circumstances.

“I would also like to thank all those who were affected by any road disruptions across Chesterfield for their good will and co-operation throughout the day. We must thank the 200 volunteers who helped marshal the course and gave up their valuable time to ensure a successful event”.

“This event will have enabled our hospices to do more work for those most in need in our local communities and all our partners wanted to support this.”

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik Estate Agency, who also took part in the event himself, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with such a successful event – The turnout was tremendous considering the wind.

“It’s been great to really get behind such a brilliant occasion and to be the main sponsors of the event – it made us so proud to see the participants and the huge crowds that turned up to cheer on the runners, it felt like the whole town came together.”

The event also held a successful family-friendly 2.5km Peak FM Fun Run which ran tandem to the main event.

Main charity partner Ashgate Hospicecare provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice looks after children and young adults with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across North Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Blu Bistro named as Chesterfield’s top restaurant

26th October 2017

Chatsworth Road’s Blu Bistro & Coffee House has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year at the town’s 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Blu has been shortlisted for the prestigious award four years running, however 2017 has seen the family-owned restaurant finally take the top title in the annual competition which is organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Blu was one of 12 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafes and individuals to scoop an accolade across 13 categories in this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2017.

Judges described Blu as a ‘hidden gem’ which far exceeded their expectations. They added: “From the minute we were greeted to the end of the evening the whole experience was a sheer delight. A truly exciting, gastronomic journey. The cooking techniques were outstanding, as were the combinations of flavours.”

One of Chesterfield’s newest bars, Bottle & Thyme, which opened its doors in December last year, celebrated its first year in business with a double award win on the night, scooping the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service.

Delhi 41, based on Sheffield Road on Whittington Moor, also celebrated multiple success on the night when it retained the International Restaurant of the Year title for a record four consecutive years. Since the category was introduced to the awards line up in 2014, Delhi 41 has won every single year. Matlock-based restaurant Stones, also retained its title of Best Out of Town for the second consecutive year.

Celebrity baker and couture cake maker to royalty and the A List, Mich Turner MBE hosted the awards ceremony, which was held on Wednesday 25 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

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

Julie Richards, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as a finalist for the Food and Drink Awards this year and well done to all the winners. It is an honour for the college to play such a big part in this celebration of the local food and drink industry. It is a highlight in our calendar, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase the college’s catering and hospitality department and to develop the skills of the students who take part in the preparation of the food and the hospitality for the evening.”

Organiser of the awards Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards were a runaway success with more new names appearing in the winners roll alongside established names. This is a reflection of how the town’s food and drink scene is both growing and evolving, catering for everyone’s tastes, and mirroring the development of Chesterfield as a whole.”

The winners of the 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Adam Warwick, Head Chef at Blu Bistro & Coffee House: “We’ve been nominated four years running so to finally win is incredible. Teamwork is the key. Everything we do, all 15 of us, we do together. We work as a team and it’s paid off… finally.”

Café and Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Emily Chapman, owner of The Lilypad Café and Restaurant, said; “It’s amazing to win. It feels incredible – especially after winning Best Newcomer of the Year in 2016. Never being boring and keeping ahead is the key to success.”

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by arvato

The Market Pub

Demi McLuskey, Manager of The Market Pub, said: “There are seven chefs at the Market Pub who are led by head chef Tracey. We all work closely together which is important in such a small kitchen. We love what we do and we’re all massive foodies; which all helps!”

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

Junction Bar

Michael Walker, Owner of Junction Bar, said: “It’s an amazing achievement ahead of our first birthday in November. Chatsworth Road is on the up and we wanted to introduce a premium bar alongside the real ale offering in the area and it is working very well.”

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Bottle & Thyme

Gavin Grainger, joint owner of Bottle & Thyme, said: “It’s a small, family run business; even our parents are involved. Our main focus is on creating a positive, happy environment for people to come and have a good time – that’s why we have focused on customer service in our first year of opening. We hope we’ve brought something different to Chesterfield’s nightlife. We want to appeal to to a range of ages with our cocktails and live music.”

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Bottle & Thyme

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Stones Restaurant, Matlock

Kevin Stone, Owner of Stones Restaurant said: “We’re striving to do even better and give our guests the best experience. We’re a family run business that is small, approachable and we have amazing food that keeps people coming through the door.”

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – presented by The Chesterfield College Group

Teresa Lambarelli’s

Teresa Lambarelli, owner of Teresa Lambarelli’s said: “It’s fantastic to have a hat trick of wins. Started by my father more than 40 years ago, we were the first pizzeria in Chesterfield. Now we make and supply pasta sauces throughout the UK and have just opened a pasta and prosecco bar on Chatsworth Road. I enjoy what I do and I have loyal customers that return to me time and time again. I have a great team who are helping me succeed and I wouldn’t be achieving such a level of success without them all.”

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by The Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints

Hannah Turner

“The cook off was really intense! Although it went much better than I thought it would and I think that’s the best I have ever done with the dish. I love getting to know different recipes and learning different methods. That’s how I decided on my menu for the judges. I knew it would be fun to make and I would get to try out new techniques.”

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Delhi 41

Azmular Rahman, Manager of Delhi 41 said: “Every year we look forward to the competition to make sure we’re doing the right thing. The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are the benchmark of our success to ensure we’re continuing to do things well.“

Family Friendly – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway

Chris Ioannides, owner of Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway, said: “We’re a family based restaurant and are very proud to win the award. We concentrate on making families and kids feel welcome and try to make it a place where adults can enjoy a drink and children can enjoy playing.”

Conference and Banqueting – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and

Casa Hotel Business Advisers

Adam Yeomans, Casa Conferencing and Banqueting Supervisor, said: “I am delighted to win the award. Most of the success comes from behind the scenes and being attentive to the guests.”

Food Hero – sponsored by Casa Hotel

Paul Maude, Career Pathway Leader Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College Chesterfield College.

On winning his award Paul Maude, whose career has spanned nearly 40 years, said: “It’s a great honour to train the next generation of chefs and see them succeed and qualify. I am emotional and honoured to win the award.”

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, City Taxis, Owen Taylor & Sons, ra Information Systems, Franklin and Sons Ltd, Addooco, Steve Faulkner and Reflections.

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

Vintage match-day programmes on sale as part of traineeship project

24th October 2017

A range of vintage match-day programmes are going on sale at the Proact Stadium, as old as the 1970s and as recent as last season.

This project has been put together by an aspiring group of trainees working at the Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

The traineeship programme gives outstanding opportunities and experience to 16-18 year-olds not in education, employment or training.

Darren Parkinson, Chesterfield FC Community Trust Education Officer, commented:-

“The traineeship program that we offer is designed to help young people gain relevant skills and work experience.

“The vintage programme shop project has been developed by the trainees with assistance from their tutors, in order to give them experience of setting up and running a small business.”

The vintage programmes will be on sale at every home game starting from the Carlisle match on Saturday 28th October in the Ernie Moss Room at the HUB in the East Stand.

The project provides fans with the opportunity to purchase a priceless piece of Spirerites history; a perfect gift opportunity for a true town fan.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Annual value of Peak tourism tops £2 billion

23rd October 2017

Tourism’s annual economic value to the Peak District and Derbyshire has broken the £2 billion barrier.

New research reveals that its financial contribution continued on an upward curve in 2016, bringing in 39.9 million visitors. Tourism also now supports almost 28,000 full-time equivalent jobs – an average annual increase of 1.5 per cent since 2006.

The good news was revealed by Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader, Derbyshire County Council, at official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference & Exhibition at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton today (Thursday October 19).

From 2006 to 2016, tourism’s economic value to the area increased by more than a third, or by an average of three per cent year on year.

Over the same period, the number of visitors staying in hotels and B&Bs rose by more than 18 per cent, while overall spending by both staying and day visitors rose by 34 per cent.

“This solid, steady progress is great news for the local and regional economy, and for everyone who lives and works in the Peak District and Derbyshire,” said Councillor Lewis.

“It’s vital that both public and private sectors continue to work together to maximise the number of visitors, investment and high quality jobs that tourism can generate.

“We now need to maintain that strong forward momentum, and will be channelling more resources into helping tourism businesses develop, as well as supporting the food and drink and cultural and arts sectors.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, added:-

“We’re delighted that the area is performing so well and showing sustained growth over a ten-year period in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.

“This augurs well for the future and our long-term plans to develop both the domestic and overseas strands of our marketing activity.”

Keynote speaker was Ben Foster, Managing Director of Sheffield-based The SEO Works, who delivered a masterclass in digital strategies aimed at maximising businesses’ online performance.

Other speakers included Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, who outlined the Peak District National Park Management Plan and Esther Pearson, Director of the South West Coast Path Association, who shared the successes and learning experiences of the South West Coastal Path Pilot Project, part of VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund Year 1 bid.

Andrew Keeling, Director, Hotel Solutions – who completed a major study of hotel and visitor accommodation development potential for the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership in 2016 – highlighted its key findings for the Peak District and Derbyshire.

His analysis flagged up scope for action to develop glamping, pub and cyclist-friendly accommodation, as well as a longer-term strategy in Derby and the need for ongoing upgrading, expansion and innovation to improve the area’s appeal to staying visitors.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield gears up for market festival

23rd October 2017

There is fun for all ages in store as Chesterfield gears up for the annual market festival.

The popular series of events, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, takes place from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 October with a variety of activities held at Chesterfield Market, Chesterfield Market Hall and Chesterfield Museum.

The festival features the return of the ever-popular 1940s market on Thursday 26 October featuring traders in 1940s costumes, exhibits and 1940s entertainment and a Spitfire in New Square.

There will also be the usual Thursday flea market with a variety of stalls and bargains to be had.

There is a free Crack the Code event at Chesterfield Museum on Thursday 26 October allowing visitors to find out more about code breaking in World War II. Visitors also have a last chance to see the Crooked Spire exhibition at the museum celebrating the town’s parish church. The successful exhibition ends on Saturday 28 October.

The Market Beer Festival takes place in the Assembly Rooms of Chesterfield Market Hall on Friday 27 October and Saturday 28 October with more than 35 beers, ciders and country wines on offer – tickets available from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.

Friday 27 October also sees a children’s fun day in New Square with arts and crafts, and an art competition. There is also a creative crafts session at Chesterfield Museum – this month’s theme is Halloween.

The traditional market is also open on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October.

There is the chance to get into the groove with our Music @ the Market event on Saturday 28 October featuring music and dancing.

Sunday 29 October sees the return of Chesterfield young persons’ market featuring traders aged from five to 25 and also the monthly artisan market in association with The Market Co. with some of the very best produce and gift items from local suppliers.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“Each year visitors flock to Chesterfield for the market festival and I am sure this year will be no exception.

“We have a wide range of activities for all ages so it will make an ideal day out for all the family.

Chesterfield Market Festival is part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Celebrating and collaborating with archived women’s art

20th October 2017

File Under Female is a collaborative project created by award winning Chesterfield artist Bella Milroy, Artist in Residence at the Women’s Art Library Goldsmiths, University of London and is set to come to Chesterfield Library at the end of October.

The project, supported by the Women’s Art Library, Derbyshire Library Service and Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals and sponsored by Arts Council England, evolved during 2017 into an exhibition, publication and creative exchange event produced from her residency at the Women’s Art Library. It explores and celebrates the inspiring qualities of women artists’ archives made compelling by additional hand written texts and drawings found on top of, next to and along-side archived materials. Milroy’s artwork reveals how discovering such unseen elements brings fresh insight into the careers and lives of those women artists and opens new ways of thinking about her own.

The exhibition at the Kingsway Corridor, Goldsmith’s University of London 12th October – 3rd November 2017, presents Milroy’s original artworks along with publications co-produced with The White Pube and graphic designer Keir Mucklestone-Barnett.

These works explore and respond to the unique archived documentation of the diverse work of women artists from around the world held by the Women’s Art Library. The accompanying publications will also be exhibited in all public libraries in Derbyshire and distributed to be accessible to all libraries across England during national library week 9th – 14th October 2017.

The exhibition comes to Chesterfield Library on the 27 October. A representative from the project says:

“We are really excited by this Chesterfield event, seeing it as an important element of the whole project, and a way of acknowledging important regional creative work. We are interested in its continuation, extending the partnership and the possibilities that can support local creative work that might emerge from this, including the development of a local women’s art archive with a relationship to the Women’s Art Library, Goldsmiths University of London.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Vicar Lane welcomes Europe’s biggest shoe retailer

20th October 2017

Deichmann shoes, Europe’s biggest shoe retailer, will step foot in to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre on 1st November, taking over the former Morrisons unit. The new addition to the shopping centre will bring 12 permanent jobs to Chesterfield.

On 4th and 5th November, the store will host a ‘Spin to Win’ event from 12noon – 2pm where customers will be given the opportunity to Spin the Wheel to be in with the chance of winning discounts, free shoes and merchandise! Customers can also expect limited opening offers of 50% off selected women’s lines.

Shaun Brown, the Operations Manager at Vicar Lane says:-

“Deichmann will be a great addition to the tenant mix here at the centre. It’ll bring a new dynamic and offering to what is currently at the centre and I’m sure it’ll be very popular!”

To coincide with the new store opening, a competition is being held on the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Facebook page where one lucky winner can win a voucher to spend in store. Click here for more details.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

M Markovitz Ltd announced as main sponsor for Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk 2018

18th October 2017

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that Markovitz have agreed to continue their sponsorship of their flagship fundraising event, the Sparkle Night Walk.

Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event, which saw 2,563 local people walk the 10km route across the town, raised an unbelievable £202,500 for patients and their families across North Derbyshire, the High Peak and the Derbyshire Dales in 2017.

David Hopkins, CEO of the Markovitz Group, said:-

“As the main sponsor of this year’s Sparkle Night Walk we were delighted to see so many people turn out in support of such a well-run event. We were even more thrilled to hear that the night had raised well over £200,000 for Ashgate Hospicecare; such a worthy cause providing an essential service for our community. Here at Markovitz we are proud to continue our association as main sponsors with next year’s Sparkle Night Walk and we wish it every success.”

Esther Preston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We are delighted to have M Markovitz Ltd as the main sponsor for our Sparkle Night Walk for a second year running. It is only thanks to the generous support of our sponsors that we are able to put on an event of this scale and raise much needed funds to support the increasing number of people who require hospice care.”

Hundreds of local people gave fantastic feedback on the event. Eileen Lowe, from Matlock in Derbyshire, said:-

“What an amazing night. Walking down the bypass was surreal, the atmosphere was electric. Thanks to all the volunteers & public who cheered us on. Such a worthwhile cause!”

Registration for the M Markovitz Ltd Sparkle Night Walk 2018 is now open. M Markovitz Ltd are hosting a Home Improvement Show on the 20^th and 21^st October between 10am and 5pm at The Palace Hotel in Buxton where people can sign up for the Early Bird price of just £10.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Global Brand’s Steve Perez buys back the hotel his late father founded

10th October 2017

Chesterfield entrepreneur Steve Perez has bought a hotel and restaurant that was originally set up by his father and where he learnt valuable business lessons working as a waiter and chef, having left the business 40 years ago.

The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel was established in the late 60s by Santiago Perez, and for many years it was renowned as one the of region’s finest restaurants, but the family were forced to sell it when he died in 1975. Since then it had several owners and just 6 years ago added the 27-bedroom Peak Edge Hotel and orangery. It is well-known and a popular wedding venue.

Steve went on to use his catering experience to pursue a career in the drinks business. In 1997, he created the alcoholic drink VK and set up Global Brands, and is a previous CBI winner of “UK Entrepreneur of the Year”. The company has evolved from Steve selling his drinks from a van to an international outfit, to now selling their 17 drink brands in 57 countries worldwide.

Now Steve has bought his father’s hotel back in a multi-million-pound deal, his combined businesses rank amongst the region’s largest employers.

The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel isn’t Steve’s first venture as a hotelier. In 2011, he built and opened Casa, Chesterfield’s only four-star independent hotel and a regular entry in the Trip Advisor top ten hotels in the UK. Off the back of Casa’s award-winning success, the team has been on the lookout for a new property for some time.

“When I heard the Red Lion was possibly up for sale I knew I had to seize the opportunity.” Steve said, “I have many fond memories there and learnt the foundations of business from my father, which have helped me throughout my career”.

However, Steve says the decision to buy The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel wasn’t simply based on sentimental value, he said:

“It is a great personal achievement to buy back the Red Lion, but the decision was made for sound financial and business reasons and it fits perfectly with my ambition to expand my portfolio of quality hotels in Derbyshire.

“There are many synergies with the existing business and it offers lots of opportunities for staff to learn and develop their careers within the group. I’m really proud to support local job creation and career opportunities, while also investing in this great area that has so much to offer tourists and business travellers alike.”

The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel has high-quality accommodation and is renowned for having one of the most successful food offerings in the area. Steve has a passion for local produce and plans to supply food to the hotel from his own farm – something he has seen great success with at Casa.

Barclays and BRM Solicitors supported Steve with the purchase of the Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Visiting