chesterfield restaurants

Chesterfield chef featured on BBC’s Great British Menu

A Chesterfield chef has been wowing audiences on national television this week, serving up a number of signature dishes on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

The popular cookery show sees some of the UK’s top chefs battle it out to create a dish for the final banquet in the series finale.

Mark Aisthorpe, head chef and owner of The Bulls Head in Holymoorside, Chesterfield explained how he felt about being selected for the show: “I was so excited and terrified all at once, but totally honoured to be asked to be one of the chefs .

“It was a bit like a dream come true. I suppose every chef wants to showcase their work and WOW what a platform.”

While being showcased on a national platform, Mark added that he was excited to showcase some of the amazing produce North Derbyshire has to offer.

He said: “Our location in my opinion is one of the best in the country.  We have such amazing local suppliers and a variety of independent farmers just on our doorstep. Highfield Farm’s amazing Derbyshire Lamb, farmed just minutes from the restaurant.

“Foraging in the local woods which are rich in ingredients all make our food at The Bulls Head what it is today and gives me inspiration for my menus.”

Mark described competing amongst the nation’s best chefs was both ‘fun and stressful,’ adding: “Competing anywhere is hard but in a different kitchen, you don’t know and against amazingly talented Chefs is even harder.”

With recruitment proving a challenge in hospitality at the moment, Mark had encouraging words for those considering a career in the industry: “It’s hard work, long hours but I feel it one of the most rewarding jobs.  Taking one thing and making it into something that is enjoyed by people is such a good feeling.  The satisfaction you get from positive comments and reviews is amazing.”

In terms of future potential TV appearances, Mark added that he would be open to further opportunites to showcase the pub’s locally sourced produce: “My aim is to continue making The Bulls Head as good as it can be. I would love to get recognition what we are doing there.  The Bulls Head is my main priority but never say never to further opportunities.”

Chesterfield boasts award winning restaurants that are attracting national media recognition, and independent coffee shops and pubs with a belief in local produce. Find out more about dining out in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/

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Popular fish and chip restaurant confirms expansion to Markham Vale

Popular fish & chip restaurant and takeaway Chesters is set to expand it’s presence even further across North Derbyshire, with plans moving forward to open a new restaurant at Markham Vale.

Chesters has been trading from it’s original base on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield for more than a decade, picking up a number of awards and positive reviews from customers in the process.

Now, owner Chris Ioannides is excited to expand the business to another site in the area. He said: “We are ecstatic & proud that we can be expanding in this current climate.

“It’s a struggle and very challenging but like others we are battling through and although our date has been pushed back we can’t wait to open and to be able to offer our services to the other side of Chesterfield.

“It’s been 10 years of hard work with some weeks working up to to 60 hours to establish our branch on Sheffield road. This has created us a successful brand name in the industry and won us local and national awards which has helped build out reputation to what it is today.

“This along with all our hard work and the great support of people of chesterfield has now helped us to expand.”

The new Chester’s will combine a restaurant, takeaway & drive through. The building will have tall vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass bi-fold doors and windows, which will make it a great dining experience in the summer. A reclaimed boat, man-made sea huts and huge reclaimed walls with artistic drawing will also make up the impressive décor.

The team is hoping to open the new premises in June, despite a few setbacks in the building process caused by Covid-19 and other factors.

Chris continued: “Being local ourselves and being that it’s the people of chesterfield that have supported us over the decade it certainly makes us want to expand our branch within chesterfield & surrounding areas. This gives our community something back by providing many jobs and opportunities for the people of chesterfield. When we are mentioned nationally we are proud to put chesterfield on the map.”

Chesters

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Rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield

Residents in Chesterfield are encouraged to get together this half-term and rediscover everything that’s great about the borough.

Whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new, residents are being urged to seek out shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that are unique to the borough – and the October half-term break is the perfect chance for the whole family to get together and rediscover what’s great about Chesterfield.

As well as supporting local businesses, there’s also plenty to keep the whole family entertained this half-term, including the return of the popular 1940’s market on Thursday 28 October.

Families can also enjoy a trip to Chesterfield Museum where they will have a final chance to check out the popular ‘Put That Light Out’ Exhibition and discover what life in Chesterfield was like during World War Two. There’s also a chance to explore the stories, experiences and contributions of the African and Caribbean Community in Chesterfield in the latest exhibition, ‘Chesterfield Black Stories’ which is presented in partnership with ACCA.

More information on events during half-term can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/half-term-in-chesterfield.

The ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign was launched earlier this year by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions eased, to encourage residents to celebrate Chesterfield’s local businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There’s lots to love here in Chesterfield and we love shining the spotlight on our local businesses. Since the launch of our Love Chesterfield campaign earlier this year, and as restrictions eased, we’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and we’re urging everyone to continue shopping locally and safely.

“The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for our local businesses so it’s important that we continue to support them as much as we can.

“In the town centre alone, there are around 200 independent retailers where you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products that you simply wouldn’t find anywhere else. Add to these to the numerous markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone to discover.

“And not forgetting the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available, Chesterfield has a quiet food revolution happening so you’ll be spoilt for choice when dining out in the borough.”

More information on dining out in Chesterfield can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s a very exciting time for the town in its recovery from the pandemic. The Love Chesterfield campaign is a great opportunity for people to rediscover the town centre and all that it has to offer.

“With lockdown restrictions lifted and Christmas only weeks away there has never been a better time to get out and about and support local businesses in their recovery. From places to eat and drink to major retailers and quirky independents shops and market stalls, there is a multitude of reasons for people to Love Chesterfield as a place to shop and socialise.”

As part of the Love Chesterfield campaign, businesses are being supported to boost their profile. Independent shops, bars and eateries are among the businesses encouraged to take advantage of a new #LoveChesterfield support pack, featuring a range of free marketing materials which they can use to collectively celebrate the unique products and experiences available in the borough.

The pack includes a range of customisable images and resources for businesses to use on their social media, posters and window vinyl designs – all of which can be downloaded for free at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/business-support-pack.

The Love Chesterfield awards took place on Wednesday 20 October. The awards celebrate the town’s favourite food, drink and retail businesses, and also recognise outstanding local entrepreneurs, regeneration work, business contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability. More information including details of the winners can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

 

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Chesterfield’s hospitality sector gears up for full reopening

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector is gearing up for the full re-opening of indoor dining and drinking venues under step three of the easing of lockdown.

Thanks to takeaway, delivery and, more recently, outdoor seating, a limited number of pubs, cafés and restaurants have been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic. However, with the lifting of restrictions to allow indoor dining and drinking, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are set to completely re-open from Monday 17 May.

Delighted to be finally fully re-opening Douglas Daniels, owner of The Market Pub commented: “We’re greatly looking forward to getting back, as are the whole team. We’ve really missed all of our customers and can’t wait to welcome them back into The Market Pub.

“Independent businesses give towns and cities their unique character and help to offer an alternative to the national chains. They’re also usually the first to reflect new trends and attitudes. We’ve got many new things on the way and we look forward to showcasing them soon.”

Tracey Wallis, Owner of The Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We are really looking forward to being back, it’s been such a long time and we’ve missed our wonderful customers. We’re already taking plenty of bookings, so it shows that people have missed us too!

“The last 14 months have been a struggle to say the least, but I am positive that Chesterfield’s independent businesses and the hospitality sector will bounce back with a vengeance.

“Roll on 17 May when we can begin serving our much-loved range of Northern Tea Merchants’ teas and coffees again, alongside freshly prepared breakfast favourites, light lunches and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and scones.”

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands and Owner of Casa Hotel added: “Every time we have been closed, we’ve been determined to come back bigger and better and now is no different. Although we have been closed, we have been very busy! We have built the new Oak Room extension to our wedding venue, extended the terrace and built a brand-new kitchen at Peak Edge Hotel.

“At Casa, we are refurbishing the Cocina Restaurant with luxurious new booths and décor. The bar will be extensively refurbished with an amazing new design and concept – it will be the place to be in the town.

“The love everyone has shown us throughout the last year has been keeping us going. We have in fact remained open throughout the entire pandemic by supporting the NHS with free accommodation and food and, more recently, the vaccine centre here at Casa. Let us hope this is us opening for good and for an amazing summer ahead.”

During lockdown, the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield supported the hospitality sector by dedicated a full page on its website, pointing customers to where they could access both takeaway and delivery services.

The page – https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/ has details of restaurants, with sub-pages for cafés, pubs, bars and tea rooms in and around Chesterfield that have continued to operate by adapting to meet the needs of the community.

The page will continue to be updated and live until all businesses in the sector are fully operational.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Eating and drinking out, especially in Chesterfield, is all about great customer service and a fantastic product. Takeaway and delivery services have been wonderful throughout the pandemic and we’re all grateful for the hard work it took the businesses to adapt overnight and deliver this.

“But I think the town is now ready to get back into our favourite pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants to enjoy the warm atmosphere and see those familiar, friendly faces once more. We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and support our local businesses in what’s such a crucial time for the hospitality sector.”

To find out more about eating and drinking out in Chesterfield, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Love Chesterfield

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

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