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The Lily Pad celebrates refurbishment and extended Friday night opening hours

The Lily Pad Café and Restaurant, located on Soresby Street in Chesterfield, are celebrating an extensive refurbishment and exciting changes to their menu. They welcomed customers to enjoy the new Friday night dinner menu last week.

The refurbishment brings a new look, a new menu and new opening hours to this popular town-centre eatery which recently won the accolade of the Café / Tea Room of the Year at the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards 2019.

Head Chef and Manager, Ryan Purrington said: “It is wonderful to welcome our customers back through our doors and we are really pleased to be able to offer our new dinner menu on a Friday evening too. I hope everyone is as impressed with our new look as we are.”

“Our new menu includes some of the old favourites which we know people love us for, but we’ve also developed the menu to include some exciting new additions. We have a much more extensive selection for vegetarians and vegans too. There are a whole host of new features and food and drinks specials for people to try which we are really excited about.”

The Chesterfield College Group own the business and has invested in the refurbishment process. They work with the dedicated front of house and kitchen team at the Lily Pad to help them develop the business.

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business and Professional Services at Chesterfield College said: “The Lily Pad not only offers local diners an amazing choice of menu options, it also has a unique atmosphere which comes from the passion of the team. They work tirelessly to keep their customers happy. When we invested in this business we saw how the passion of this relatively young team created a popular eatery and how apprentices are supported to grow into key roles in the organisation.”

“We also saw the potential to support this town-centre business in its development. It has been a pleasure working with Ryan and his team over the last few months. I hope both new and existing customers will be as pleased with the results of the refurbishment as we are.”

The Lily Pad is now open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Sunday (closed all day Wednesdays) as well as now serving evening meals on Friday evenings.

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

Dog-friendly bar to open at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to announce the opening of a brand new, dog-friendly, pop-up bar in the Centre, in the run up to Christmas.

The Cap and Whippet is the brainchild of the owner of local, award-winning bar ‘Brimming with Beer’ which is already a firm favourite with locals. Brimming with Beer was set up in the Summer of 2016 and this year was awarded ‘Chesterfield CAMRA Pub of the Season-Summer 2019’ as well as being entered into the Good Beer Guide.

The Cap and Whippet will serve up a thirst-quenching menu of beers and spirits, all produced at Derbyshire breweries and distilleries. Customers will also find a range of Christmas gifts to purchase and take home.

The Cap and Whippet is named after owner Ben’s Whippet called ‘Tan’ and her favourite flat cap. The bar will be open from 10am – 10pm (midnight at the weekend), 6 days a week from 29th November until Christmas Eve.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really excited to welcome The Cap and Whippet to Vicar Lane this festive season. The dog-friendly bar will offer a thirst-quenching drink to warm the cockles in the approach to Christmas, as well as providing a great venue for friends, colleagues and their dogs to enjoy after work drinks or a night out in Chesterfield.’’

Find out what else is happening at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre this festive season here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Win a tasty Window at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to continue their new competition that gives customers the chance to win a new prize every month.

‘Win the Window’ continues with a brand new competition starting on Thursday 14th November and running until Thursday 5th December. This month’s prize up for grabs is a tasty £20 voucher from Quoozies. The prize is displayed in the winning window, located opposite F. Hinds at Vicar Lane.

This competition follows the first which saw the popular Chesterfield shopping centre giving away a generous £30 F. Hinds gift card and the second which saw one lucky person winning a giant teddy from Holmes Amusements.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “‘Win the Window’ is all about giving customers something new and exciting to look forward to each month. We plan to give away a variety of fabulous prizes throughout the year, so there’s something for everyone.’’

For the chance to win the latest prize, customers should simply visit the Centre’s winning window opposite F. Hinds and follow the simple instructions, or comment on the official competition post on Facebook. Terms and conditions apply.

Vicar Lane with festive cheer from 11am until 3.30pm on Sunday 17th November for the Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On. Enjoy a live brass band filling the air with festive nostalgia, plus free festive face painting for the little ones to get you in the spirit of the season before the big switch on.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Fun for all the family at Chesterfield Christmas lights event

Chesterfield residents and visitors can enjoy the town’s annual Christmas lights-switch on, which offers fun for all the family.

Taking place on Sunday 17 November, the event will see children’s favourite Peter Rabbit  appearing in Rykneld Square outside Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre from noon to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.

There will be a market from noon in the market place with stalls offering some great Christmas gift ideas, games and fairground rides.

Many local shops will also be open on the day with a variety of Christmas gifts allowing people to shop local. Chesterfield Market Café in the Market Hall will also be open offering a hot drink and refreshments for visitors.

The stage show will get underway in New Square from 3.30pm with Peak FM providing the fun as presenters, including breakfast presenters Ricky and Becky, take to the stage.

There will also be opportunities for everyone to join in the fun with games and prize giveaways courtesy of Peak FM.

As well as a host of local acts, stars from Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre, will also perform on stage. They will be joined by Peter Rabbit for the big switch-on, which takes place at 4.45pm.

Alyson Barnes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Tourism, Museums and Events Manager, said: “The Christmas lights switch on event is one of the biggest in Chesterfield’s annual calendar of events attracting thousands of people each year. I would encourage families to come along to enjoy the day and also to shop local and support our market and local shops.”

Chesterfield residents can use their free parking pass to park at the following council-run car parks:

  • Albion Road
  • Derbyshire Times
  • Devonshire Street
  • Durrant Road
  • Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
  • Holywell Cross (the ‘Donut’)
  • Queens Park (North and South)
  • Spa Lane
  • Station Road
  • St Mary’s Gate
  • Theatre Lane

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to stand up comedy and from gigs to musical concerts.

Find out more about what’s coming up as part of Christmas in Chesterfield here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Peak Pharmacy branch launches 24/7 prescription collection service

Peak Pharmacy, owned by PCT Healthcare, has officially launched its 24/7 automated prescription collection system at its pharmacy at Ashgate Medical Centre in Chesterfield.

At an opening ceremony on Friday 8th November, Oliver Atkinson (right), a Year 6 student at Brockwell Primary School, cut the opening ribbon after pupils entered a competition to name the new machine. Oliver’s winning entry ‘Medi-Tron’ was revealed by Joe Cattee, Director of PCT Healthcare. A sign with the new name will be soon be displayed near the machine. Oliver was joined by Florence Rix (Year 3), Noah Rix (Year 5) and Holly Bradbury (Year 5). The pupils received a small gift for taking part and were the first to try the new machine.

The machine is the first of its type in the area and one of only a few devices in the country that offers 24 hour a day prescription collection for patients with regular repeat prescriptions, giving patients the convenience of being able to collect their medication whenever suits them.

Patients simply need to let the team know they want to use the collection point, then arrange for their doctor to send their prescription directly to the pharmacy. Peak Pharmacy will then dispense the prescription in advance and package securely ready for collection from the collection point. Customers will receive a text message to let them know that their prescription is ready for collection and can be collected whenever they wish – with no more waiting in queue’s or having to arrive within normal trading hours.

Darryl Dethick, Head of Business Development said: “We believe this additional option for collecting prescriptions makes life easier for our customers and shows our continual commitment to ensuring we offer the best possible prescription service in the area. If anyone would like to find out more details then please call our pharmacy on 01246 208647 or pop in and see us at Ashgate Medical Centre.”

The collection point is conveniently located at the Peak Pharmacy on Ashgate Road, which offers ample free parking, and allows pre-dispensed prescriptions to be collected even when the pharmacy isn’t open.

Holly Bradbury (Year 5), Noah Rix (Year 5), Florence Rix (Year 3) and Oliver Atkinson (Year 6) were invited to the opening by Joe Cattee, Director of PCT Healthcare.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire County Cricket Club set to celebrate 150th anniversary

With their 150th anniversary just one year away, Derbyshire County Cricket Club is preparing to celebrate with a host of commemorative events in 2020.

Next year will mark a century-and-a-half since the club was founded by Walter Boden on 4 November 1870, with Derbyshire eager to recognise the achievements of each generation.

Players past and present will be involved to help the club celebrate its 150th year, with a number of celebratory events set to be announced.

The club is working closely with former stars to organise a legends team for a special match during the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, the details of which will be announced in due course (subject to fixture list).

There will be a service held at Derby Cathedral, while parts of the club’s heritage will be preserved in a time capsule.

A special gala dinner will be held to mark the special year, while there are numerous other events planned throughout Derby, giving Members the chance to be a part of a historic 2020 for the club.

A variety of limited edition merchandise, such as clothing and badges, will also be produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary.

It promises to be an exciting year, and you can experience it all and be a part of history in 2020 with Club Membership, available for just £169 before 01.02.2020.

Members will gain admission to all regular-season home cricket, as well as a host of additional benefits including free guest passes, exclusive use of the Pattonair Members’ Lounge and discounts, all for less than £4.50 per matchday.

T20 Blast

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Celebrating the town’s food and drink scene and relaunching Made in Chesterfield

I have to kick off this month by congratulating everybody that was involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2019. I look forward to these sell-out awards every year as it involves a room full of people invested not only in their industry, but in its success in our town.

The black-tie event, held at the historic Winding Wheel Theatre this year, brings the celebration into the heart of the town, where darker evenings are soon to be illuminated by the stunning Christmas lights which are to be switched on on the 17 November.

At the 2019 Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards, Chris Mapp, Head Chef and Owner of The Tickled Trout, was awarded the prestigious Chesterfield Food Hero award.

There are few things that bring people together quite like Christmas. It’s all too easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and put things like family time to one side, but Christmas is a great reason to make time especially around a dinner table.

Chesterfield has a plethora of places to eat and drink that we have never had before. Real ale pubs, gastro pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, Italian, Indian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, French… you name it – Chesterfield’s food and drink scene has it.

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Variety, as they say, is the spice of life and as the town grows, we are able to offer more job roles and career opportunities to young people. Nowhere is this more evident than in our manufacturing and engineering sector.

Once again, we’ll be raising awareness of the breadth of jobs and roles in this sector with the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign in November. The programme brings together schools and businesses in the sector in order to open young people’s eyes to the opportunities in the local area – something increasing in importance with increased local developments, investment and, of course, Brexit.

There’s lots going on in the area, festive and otherwise. Let’s fully embrace the community and Christmas spirit and come together to talk up the town. There are fantastic things happening around us that can be easy to dismiss in our day-to-day lives. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate them as 2019 draws to a close (already!).

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and delivered in association with the University of Derby.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield to remember the fallen

Chesterfield residents have the opportunity to pause and remember those who have died in battle this month.

The annual service of remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 10 November, will take place at 2.30pm at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’.

The service will remember all those killed in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.

Everyone is welcome to attend but residents are advised to be seated by 2pm as the church becomes very full.

The service will be followed by a parade from the church, through Burlington Street, High Street, Glumangate onto Rose Hill allowing those taking part to see the poppy displays in the town centre.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the parade which will include Chesterfield’s mayor and mayoress and other local dignitaries.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial from approximately 3.30pm with the poppy cascade created last year to mark the centenary of the First World War as a backdrop. This features 16,000 poppies donated by people from across the world.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance said: “Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are two of the most solemn dates in our calendar as we come together to remember the fallen.

“I would like to invite everyone to take part in the events to remember those killed across the borough.”

There will be the usual parish mass at the Crooked Spire church at 10.30am on Sunday 10 November during which a wreath will be laid at the war memorial outside the church at 11am.

Staveley Town Council will hold an event in Staveley at 11am on Sunday 11 November at the war memorial.

Brimington Parish Council will hold a parade and service in Brimington at 3pm.

Residents are also invited to attend a short service at the war memorial, Rose Hill on Monday 11 November from 10.45am. The service will include the national two minute silence at 11am.

The silence will also be held in other council buildings.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Engaging the community on climate change

A working group set up to tackle climate change in Chesterfield met for the first time last week.

Chesterfield Borough Council agreed to set up the group made up of local volunteers after declaring a climate emergency at a meeting of full council meeting in July (right).

Councillor Amanda Serjeant (below), Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “We were bowled over with the response we received to our request to volunteers to take part in our working group on climate change.”

“There will also be a wider consultative group of people from different backgrounds and experiences that will help inform the actions taken by the council.”

“Individuals included in the working group have interests or experience in this area so this will be very useful in helping us to shape our plans for the future.”

The working group will explore how both the council and borough can work towards becoming carbon neutral.

The working group will develop a fully costed action plan that will be presented to a meeting of full council by March 2020.

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

Records broken as Redbrik Half enjoys successful third outing

The 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been hailed a success by organisers, event partners and participants after enjoying a record-breaking third outing.

More than 1,500 people registered for the event’s three elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford UK Fun Run – with new course records also set by both the female and male Redbrik Half winners.

Richard Start, from Wingerworth in Chesterfield and of North Derbyshire Running Club, was the first to cross the Redbrik Half finish line with a record time of 1:11:52, with Leeds’ Susan Lewis, of Roundhay Runners, the first female to finish in a time of 1:24:29 – also a new record for the current Redbrik Half course.

The Redbrik Half’s oldest participant was 79-year-old Dave Onion, from Nottingham, with Daniel Lowe, from Ashgate in Chesterfield, the youngest at 17.

The first male and female to cross the line of the Peak FM Five Mile Run were Rob Shoreson, from Whitwell, in 29:59, and Clowne’s Louise Cocking in 33:11 – with Louise also setting a new female Peak FM Five Mile run record.

Logan Fairey was the winner of the 1KM Blachford Fun Run, which took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

Around 15 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s events.

The event also helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, with £40,000 pledged in 2019 for charities including the main charity partner, Ashgate Hospicecare, and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The event was also hailed a huge success online – with people taking to social media to heap praise on the Redbrik Half.

Facebook user Phill Young said: “Be proud of yourself Chesterfield – fantastic event today. Brilliant stewards, brilliant support, brilliant sponsors. Well done.”

Shannon Robyn commented: “Finally got to complete this today with my partner David. An amazingly well-supported race with plenty of water stations. All the marshals were fab. Great event!”

Following the 2019 event, John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with what was a record sign-up total for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – and I’d also like to congratulate Richard and Susan on breaking both the male and female course records.”

“It is truly amazing to see how many people turned out to support the event, both in Queen’s Park at the start/finish line and out on route.”

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event a success once more – including event partners and sponsors, and of course all those who took part.”

“A special mention must go to all the volunteers who helped out on race day – who gave up their Sunday morning to help keep everything running smoothly, to assist runners and to help the general public. Without them, this event simply would not be possible, so a big thank you to everyone who helped out.”

“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.”

“Most importantly, however, the money raised by this event will go a long way to helping good causes like Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which do so much fantastic work in the local community.”

Mark Ross, Managing Director of headline sponsor Redbrik and who took part in the Peak FM Five Mile Run, said: “The 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half was without doubt the best Redbrik Half yet.”

“We are very proud to have been involved in the event’s success again this year – supporting the local community and giving back to the people who have helped make our business such a success since our establishment in 2013 is part of our ethos.”

“It was fantastic to see so many people turn out for great causes, which at the end of the day is what this event is all about.”

“We love this town and we want to see it thrive. Events such as the Redbrik Half Marathon help to do that, with huge numbers of people coming to Chesterfield from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. We can’t wait until 2020 already!”

For more information on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, visit www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com.

Side photo credit: Charles Whitton Photography
Main photo credit: Paul Horton Photography
Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Lombardi’s named as Chesterfield’s top restaurant

One of Chesterfield’s oldest Italian restaurants, Lombardi’s has been named as the town’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the seventh annual Food and Drink Awards.

Established in 2002 and based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, Lombardi’s succeeded in scooping the coveted title after being shortlisted for the top award in 2017. Since then the family-owned Italian restaurant has continued to impress diners with its ‘authentic rustic Italian dishes bursting with flavour, cooked with passion.’

Accepting the award at the glittering awards evening, which was hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner, Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.

“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”

Lombardis Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2019

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony was this year held at the Winding Wheel Theatre.  Recognising the very best people, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and food producers, the awards have been a highlight in the town’s food and drink sector since 2013.

In addition to Lombardi’s, 14 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals also scooped an accolade across 15 categories at the ceremony.

Congratulating all the winners, Brian Turner said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Whether a winner or runner up everyone should be proud of themselves.”

Other headline winners on the night included Casa Hotel, which scooped two awards – International Restaurant of the Year and Conference Venue of the Year.

Town centre-based Sorbo Lounge was also named as Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer. Based in the former Post Office building in Market Place, Sorbo Lounge embodies Chesterfield’s drive to evolve and create a modern town centre environment.

More than 260 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. The awards are also a hands-on learning experience for headline sponsor, Chesterfield College’s hospitality students, who served canapés to guests at the venue.

Brian Turner added: “The hospitality industry is demanding but hugely enjoyable and for all young people on the brink of a career within it, work experience is critical. It is great to see Chesterfield College and its students involved with the awards. Involvement in the Young Chef competition and the practical involvement of the hospitality students serving the canapés on the night deliver invaluable work experience to young people, which will benefit them in their future careers in the industry.”

Young and upcoming talent in the sector was also put under the spotlight at the awards with Chesterfield College student, Jake Parkin being named as the Young Chef of the Year.

Young Chef - Chesterfield food and Drink Awards 2019

David Malone, Chief Operations Officer from Chesterfield College Group said: “It was fantastic to be part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards again this year. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees. It is inspiring to see so many people from the local industry gather to celebrate the success of established businesses and those who are just starting out. It’s wonderful to see the next generation of catering and hospitality experts being recognised too. I hope we will see the finalists and winners of the Apprentice and Young Chef of the Year play a part in this thriving sector in the future.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards ceremony has been a huge success with more people nominating and more businesses and individuals being shortlisted than previous years. The year-on-year growth of the awards is a direct reflection of how the town’s food and drink sector is continuing to grow.

“There is a great sense of community in the sector with businesses and individuals committed to its success, and this was reflected at the awards ceremony. It was a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to everyone.”

The winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant

Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.

“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Ryan Purrington, Head Chef and Manager at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant said: “It feels incredible to win. We have worked hard all year for this. We are innovative and make a point of doing our own thing to stand out from the crowd. At the minute we are undergoing a huge refurb and re-opening on 3 November with some exciting things to come.”

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

The Rectory

Rebecca Walker, General Manager of The Rectory, said: “This is the third time we’ve been nominated for the award but the first year we have won, and it feels absolutely amazing. Over the last year we have really pushed the boundaries with our menu and worked hard to find out what Chesterfield wants and it’s paid off.”.

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by the University of Derby

Pump + Grind

Oliver Perez, Operations Director of Pump + Grind said: “It feels fantastic to win the award. We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last two years and it’s great to be recognised for this. People like Pump + Grind because we try to do things differently. We take our inspiration from the big towns and cities and bring it to Chesterfield. It’s a great town to go out in and has a brilliant food and drink scene, which we love being part of and are looking to do more as we develop our food menu further.”

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Sorbo Lounge

Caleb Wilkes, Assistant Manager at Sorbo Lounge said: “A massive thank you to everyone in Chesterfield who helped us win this award. We’ve worked hard to make Sorbo Lounge a place where everyone feels welcome and this award tell us that we have achieved that. And we want to do even more. Next year we have lots of things planned to fundraise for the charity we’re supporting – The Tom Henson Charity and Defib Map. It’s going to be very exciting for all the team and our customers.”

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

Bottle & Thyme

Third time winners at the award, owners of Bottle & Thyme, Hannah and Gavin Grainger, said: “It feels brilliant to win an award for customer service as we work so hard with the team to get it right. We have lovely customers so it’s a real pleasure; delivering great service feels really instinctive as it’s a pleasure to have a chat and catch up with them.

“Moving forward, as a business we’re going to continue to push to be more environmentally friendly. That has been a big focus for us in 2019 and will be in 2020.”

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Southgate Brasserie at Van Dyk by Wildes, Clowne

Nick Wilson, Executive Chef at Southgate Brasserie said: “It’s amazing to win and the culmination of a year’s hard work – it’s the cherry on the cake. People like us because we’re accessible and cater for all tastes from a simple roast dinner through to Rosette-winning cuisine.”

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Edge Events Management

Derbyshire Distillery

David Hemstock, Co-founder and Head Distiller of Derbyshire Distillery said: “This award means everything to us. It’s far beyond what we thought we could achieve when we established the business only 14 months ago. We’ve now got purpose-built premises at Markham Vale, which has given the business space to grow and develop even further.  Despite the growth in production, our focus will remain on quality; from the ingredients in our products to the fact that the entire gin making process is all done under one roof and by us – that’s what really sets us apart.”

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

Jake Parkin

Jake Parkin said: “When I heard my name called out, I was absolutely thrilled. I was confident I’d done well in the cooking element of the competition, but to actually win the award means the world to me. The Young Chef of the Year award is the start of my career to eventually become a head chef. The whole experience has been exciting but nerve wracking.”

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Luke Gregory, Resident Manager at Casa Hotel said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. We’re overjoyed. We pride ourselves on our service and locally sourced food to deliver an excellent experience for customers and this comes through in our customer feedback – they tell us they love Cocina’s relaxed atmosphere and quality food.”

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters said: “To win this award for the fourth time in a row feels brilliant. The whole team is so proud as we all work hard to ensure we have the best environment for families who dine with us as we know that keeping the kids entertained is the key to the whole family enjoying their meal.

“We’re hoping to give even more families a taste of Chesters soon as we’re expanding the business into Markham Vale next year with the opening of a new restaurant and drive through. Exciting times are ahead.”

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

Donna McMahon, Van Dyk by Wildes

Donna McMahon said: I am astonished to have won Apprentice of the year as I am an older apprentice and people just assume that apprenticeships are for younger people. I decided to do a business administration apprenticeship because my employer wanted to invest in me and it was an opportunity to develop myself. Everything I have learnt in the apprenticeship so far is really helping me in my job role. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, regardless of their age, who wants to develop themselves and build their knowledge.”

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Michael Nash, Operations Director at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa said: “The apprentices work really hard in the business and this award also recognises their contribution. Apprenticeships bring immeasurable value to the business and are a double-edged sword for both us and the apprentices. Everyone benefits.”

Conference Venue of the Year

Casa Hotel

Maroslava Hanatova, Conference Manager at Casa Hotel said: “We’re delighted to win the award. It is well deserved by all the team – from sales to operations. We offer the whole package – from food, passionate staff and accommodation – and I believe it is this, which really sets us apart from other venues in the area.”

Chesterfield Food Hero

Chris Mapp, Head Chef at the Tickled Trout

Chris Mapp, Head Chef and owner of The Tickled Trout said: “I am over the moon, surprised and humbled to receive this recognition. I am passionate about the industry and Chesterfield because it’s home, also because we have such fantastic produce on the doorstep in the Peak District and South Yorkshire. Youngsters beginning their career need to understand how food works – taste over presentation using locally sourced food is an excellent starting point. It’s an amazing industry to work in.”

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST 2 – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Franklins & Sons, Magnifica, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd) and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting