visiting chesterfield

Partnership to encourage more car-free journeys into the Peak District

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has announced a new Strategic Partnership with bus operator Stagecoach as part of its ongoing mission to encourage visitors to go ‘car-free’ when visiting the destination.

The organisations will work together to highlight the benefits of travelling by bus and promote car-free days out – giving visitors a practical way to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and do their bit to protect local landscapes at the same time.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Strategic Partners are an influential network of key tourism-related businesses who share its core aims to grow the value of the area’s visitor economy and build a brighter, more sustainable future.

Through the new Strategic Partnership, Stagecoach is highlighting its commitment to working alongside the destination’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) to champion the long-term success of the area’s tourism industry and the communities it supports.

Stagecoach is Britain’s largest bus operator and its network incorporates some of the most popular visitor spots in the Peak District and Derbyshire. Local services include the recently-extended X17 which runs from Barnsley to Wirksworth via Sheffield, Chesterfield and Matlock, and the 65 which runs from Sheffield to Buxton via Tideswell – and is often called ‘one of the most scenic bus routes in Britain’.

Stagecoach also operates the Peak Sightseer hop-on, hop-off service which connects the historic market towns of Bakewell and Chesterfield with key tourist attractions including Chatsworth and Hassop Station for visiting the Monsal Trail.

The Strategic Partnership strengthens Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s long-term mission to encourage more visitors to choose sustainable transport methods, and the organisations will work together to produce ‘car-free’ content and itineraries that encourage both tourists and residents to enjoy all the area has to offer without increasing pollution and congestion in towns, villages and the countryside.

The news follows the launch of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Sustainable Tourism Action Plan, which has been produced in partnership with local stakeholders including the Peak District National Park Authority and the National Forest and sets out the destination’s vision to lead the way in green tourism, active travel and transport connectivity.

Tourism contributed £2.59bn to the Peak District and Derbyshire’s economy in 2022, supporting thousands of jobs and driving prosperity in local communities.

Matt Kitchin, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, says: “We are really excited to be partnering with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to promote bus travel to the fantastic tourist attractions in the area, reducing the pressure caused by cars and congestion on the local environment.

“Buses in our network such as the Peak Sightseer open top bus, the X17 and the 65 make visiting the Peak District more accessible and affordable and have proven to boost the local economy through an increased number of tourists.

“We look forward to working with the team at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to encourage more people to opt for sustainable methods of travel and enjoy a car-free day out in the countryside.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We are delighted to announce our Strategic Partnership with Stagecoach, a company that shares our commitment to encouraging car-free travel for visitors and residents alike.

“Our Strategic Partners are a core network of organisations who want to support us in our role as one of England’s leading LVEPs, growing the value of the county’s tourism sector in a sustainable way.

“Stagecoach’s buses offer an easy and accessible way to reach and enjoy the historic landmarks of our destination and the glorious scenery of Britain’s original National Park. As well as supporting the strategic aims highlighted in our Sustainable Tourism Action Plan, partnerships such as this will help to lessen the impact of cars on fragile locations, reducing congestion and pollution and helping us develop more sustainable travel choices for those who live, work and visit here.”

Stagecoach joins existing Strategic Partners Northern, Breedon Group, the Institute of Quarrying and Severn Trent.

Businesses interested in becoming a Strategic Partner of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire should contact Lisa Woolhouse, Membership & Sales Manager, at lisa.woolhouse@visitpeakdistrict.com.

Details of Stagecoach services across the Peak District and Derbyshire can be found at: www.stagecoachbus.com.

Chesterfield is the perfect base to explore the Peak District and Derbyshire. Find out more about visiting our town here.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Matt Kitchin, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

New radio studio forms part of expansion for Chesterfield record store

A record store in Chesterfield has announced an exciting expansion, which includes a new independent radio station for local DJs to follow their passion for music.

Vanishing Point Records, based in Theatre Yard in the town centre, has become a popular spot for music lovers selling pre-loved vinyl records across many genres.

The businesses, which began in 2017 had previously expanded in 2019. However in 2023, the shop took up a neighbouring unit which enabled further growth.

Acquiring the extra space has given Vanishing Point Records the opportunity to showcase its huge 12″ single collection, which is thought to be one of the biggest in the East Midlands with a collection of around 5000. On top of this, the store has also been able to build a new radio studio.

The studio is now a home for Radio Free Matlock, which is a station that Vanishing Point Owner, Corey Lavender was already heavily involved in prior to the store’s expansion.

Corey takes up the story, commenting: “On our second ever day of trading I met a guy who ran an ultra local radio station in Matlock, named “Radio Free Smedley Street”. From that day onwards I got involved with the station, firstly as a listener and then when that guy left the station, I along with a few of the other DJs decided to take over the running of it.

“We renamed it Radio Free Matlock (RFM for short) and we started recruiting DJs wherever we could find them. I met loads of our DJs when they came into the store for a browse. They left with or without a vinyl record but also a radio show!

“So, when I took on the extra unit in Theatre Yard It was always my intention that part of it would be devoted to some ‘radio’ space. Building this was daunting anyway, I had zero experience in building radio studios, but we were doing it on zero budget, just with stuff we had in our various home studios.

Vanishing point radio studio

“Luckily I could call on my RFM colleagues Ash Bird and Lucie De Lacy to help! By September 2023 we had a set up in the studio that we liked. We had two vinyl decks for proper DJs to come and play a set, a mixing desk with 4 mics hooked up, a CD player and the ability to input from a laptop. All held together with a old (ish) Mac kindly donated by Lucie.”

“In October our debut ‘LIVE’ radio show was broadcast, it was called The Monthly Jam hosted by Ash and Lucie and we had a special guest Emzae, a pop artist from Derby  who came in for a chat and to sign copies of her latest album.

“Since then we have done weekly live radio shows on Saturday afternoons from 12 till 2pm with a rotation of shows and DJs, and they are brilliant. People come in to watch the shows, to listen to the shows and customers quite often get involved too, and every single one has been brilliant with the vibe on Saturdays being fantastic.”

Corey added that the success of the new radio station has also led to further success for Vanishing Point Records in terms of sales. All five of its best ever trading months have come since the expansion and the studio addition.

Speaking of his love for owning a business in Chesterfield, he added: “Having grown up in Chesterfield, and loving the town (and the football club) It is a dream to be able to do my favorite thing in my favorite place. It’s also a privilege to have so many fellow indie traders in town too, who are on hand to help out with advice and encouragement.

“We really do have a great opportunity to make ourselves successful in this new era of destination shopping. The internet has changed everything  but we have loads of unique shops, cafes and bars who might not be able to spend a ton on advertising to let you know they’re there like the old major chains can. But if anyone hasn’t been to town for a while, maybe go and you might just find your new favorite place.”

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield.

Vanishing Point

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms remains in the UK’s top 10 according to TripAdvisor

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has retained its place in the top 10 escape room attractions across the country, according to TripAdvisor.

The business, which boasts several exciting escape games for people of all ages, has now been in the top 10 list for two years running, making it stand out as one of the best attractions of its type in the country.

Belle Fox, Manager of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, commented: “We are so proud of our whole team that we have managed to remain in the 10 top escape rooms in the country for the second year running.

“We have a massive focus on customer service and customer satisfaction, we want people to really immerse themselves in the experience, most of our games offer some form of interaction with one off our game’s masters, this means we can really get people involved and give them an unforgettable experience.

Since the opening of the venue in 2021, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has grown from originally hosting 3 different games, to now having 7 games to choose from.

Belle continued: “Because we have such a young workforce it’s brilliant to have such an achievement like being in the top 10 in the UK, it shows the team what all their hard work goes towards and what they have achieved.

“We love being a part of the town and hopefully we are bringing something new and fun that everyone can play, we have children as young as 4 play all the way up to 92 years old. Our games really offer something for everyone.

“We head into our 3rd birthday this year so we are celebrating by opening our doors and giving 35 different Charites, schools, organisations and clubs and chance to come and play a game with us completely free on May 19th .”

Find out more about family-friendly activities in Chesterfield and plan your day out in the town here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/family/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Female in black t-shirt stood behind branded Chesterfield Escape Rooms counter

Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Chesterfield town centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Refurbishment completed at Chesterfield town centre pub

A pub in the heart of Chesterfield, sitting next to the town’s historic market has undergone a refurbishment, with owners saying the venue looks ‘unrecognisable’ from its previous layout.

The Crown and Cushion has been revamped and transformed in the space of just six days, with visitors giving rave reviews to the pub for its new look.

After changing the exterior with a new coat of paint and signage last year, work has now taken place to brighten up the interior of the pub too.

The pub has been brightened up with much lighter pastel colours used throughout, complemented by feminine fabrics and patterns and lots of on-trend foliage with graffiti that incorporates features from the magnificent history of the market town.

Managers of the Crown and Cushion, Gill and Diane told us: “It’s such an amazing pub, with so much history and deserves the love that has been put into it with this makeover. We’ve seen lots of new faces at our launch party as well as the regulars returning, and everyone is absolutely loving the pub and what the company have done with it!

Crown and Cushion-bar area

The owners are also looking forward to the year ahead, with further plans to host entertainment and fun for guests.

They added: “We’ve got loads of exciting plans coming for 2024, with some great entertainment. Fun and friendly is our vibe – and that’s what this year is going to be all about.

“Head to the Crown and Cushion to see the transformation, and be sure to say hi!”

To find out more about the pub, head over to the Crown and Cushion Facebook page.

With plenty of unique ways to create a memorable night out, there is something for everyone in Chesterfield – no matter what you enjoy. Check out our visiting page for some great ideas and activities in the town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Crown and Cushion interior

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

New pottery painting shop enables Chesterfield residents to unleash their creativity

A new pottery shop, which enables customers to paint their own pots has opened in Chesterfield.

Peel Pottery is now up and running in the Old Mill building of H&F on New Beetwell Street in the town centre.

The store offers a pot ceramic studio suitable for all ages and abilities, whether for the lone painter, a group of friends, work colleagues or special occasions. The shop also specialises in children’s birthday parties, hen parties and team building sessions.

Owner, Louise Peel explains where the idea for the new store came from:

“I have been learning the art of pottery for a few years now, and feel that Chesterfield deserves a lovely space for any individual to come and unleash their creativity. So I have spent some time creating an area at our shop, ready for ‘paint a pot’ and we are also in the process of setting up evening classes in pottery and other arts. I have friends willing to come down and teach jewellery making, Painting tutorials and more.

“The ceramic studio is located on the first floor of H&F and can accommodate up to 24 people, and it has a kitchen area providing light refreshments whilst you create your ceramic masterpiece.

“As a local person I feel that we need a hub that offers several independent services. The building of H&F in January will offer a café and restaurant area at the rear (Devil’s Depot), our handcrafted furniture and accessories at H&F in the main building, and our ceramic studio and workshop on the first floor. This should offer a little something for everyone all under one roof. So please pop down and visit us”

Find out more about the new centre at: www.peelpottery.co.uk or www.handf.co.uk

Visit Chesterfield for a great day out or to stay. Our town is brilliantly located in the centre of the UK, with a great range of entertainment for all ages and interests. For more information, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

peel pottery 2

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield welcomes more than 17,000 visitors to annual Christmas lights switch-on

More than 17,000 visitors got into the festive spirit in Chesterfield last weekend, according to data from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

The town officially switched on its Christmas Lights on Sunday, 19th November to mark the beginning of the Christmas period. In total, 17,313 came along to see the town lit up.

The weekend saw numerous attractions in the town centre, including a festive market, street entertainers, Santa’s grottos, fairground rides, and the annual Festival of Christmas Trees at the Crooked Spire.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We were thrilled to welcome so many visitors to Vicar Lane for the lights switch on. It was fantastic to see everyone getting into the Christmas spirit. We hope families will enjoy the upcoming festive activities we have planned including visiting Santa and our Festive Fun Day this weekend”.

After a successful opening weekend, the Christmas fun certainly isn’t stopping in Chesterfield. Santa is being kept busy, offering children the chance to meet him before the big day at a number of locations across the town.

This Saturday (25th November), between 10am to 4pm, there will be a day of festive fun at Vicar Lane. Visitors are sure to have a ‘bear-y’ merry time as Snowy the polar bear will be roaming around the centre ready to spread festive cheer throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to take part in the personalised bauble workshop. The workshop will be located next to Waterstones and no advance booking is required. Subject to availability.

On specified dates in December, between 11am-4pm, Vicar Lane is inviting families to come along to Santa’s workshop to get writing their letters to Santa. Plus, there will be lots of Christmas crafts for all to get involved in.  Santa’s elf workshop will be located next to Waterstones.

Vicar Lane’s very own Elf Training Academy will also be open on Saturday 16th December and Friday 22nd December between 11am to 4pm. This will be located next to Waterstones.

For a full guide to your perfect Christmas in Chesterfield, including events and acivities, local guides to the best gifts, food and drink, where to meet Santa, an much more, head over to our Christmas in Chesterfield page.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

christmas lights new square

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield to be lit up for Christmas this weekend

Residents and visitors are invited to attend the Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On and Market on Sunday 19 November.

The event is being held in Chesterfield’s town centre, and crowds can enjoy a range of street entertainment from 12pm.

This is a fantastic free event for all the family to enjoy – whether you want to sing along to some Christmas carols, listen to a steel band, be entertained by the National Elf Service, or simply see the festive lights being turned on across the town, there is something for everyone.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “If you want to get into the festive spirit, what better way to do this than to attend our Christmas Lights Switch On event. Come along with your family and friends to enjoy all of the free street entertainment, as well as having the opportunity to do some shopping in the town centre and by visiting our festive market stalls.

“Shopping local is a fantastic way to support our local economy and there are some incredible independent traders across the town centre.”

This year’s special guest appearing in Rykneld Square is Paddington™. He will be appearing outside the Visitor Information Centre at intervals between 12pm and 3.30pm check the website for more information. Don’t forget to bring your phones or cameras to take photos of Paddington during your visit.

The stage show will be held in New Square from 3.30pm with carol singing Christmas Crackers, Directions Theatre Arts dance school and a stunning light show with juggling and hula-hoops.

Stars of the Aladdin Pantomime including Anne Hegerty, Nigel Clarke, Tony Rudd and more will also be taking to the stage to join the celebration and host a ticket giveaway. The lights will be officially switched on at 4.45pm.

A market will be held alongside the event and the Market Hall will be open – making it a fantastic opportunity to support local independent businesses and start preparing for Christmas. Chesterfield residents will be able to park for free with their free resident’s pass.

What’s happening when and where?

Location: Rykneld Square (Outside Visitor Information Centre)

  • Paddington 12pm – 12.30pm, 1pm – 1.30pm, 2pm – 2.30pm, 3pm – 3.30pm.

Location: Market Place

  • Chesterfield Studios (festive singers)1.05pm – 1.30pm and 2.20pm – 2.45pm.

Location: Central Pavement

  • Phoenix Concert Band 12.30pm – 12.50pm, 2pm – 2.20pm and 3pm – 3.20pm.

Location: New Square

Jon Hicks (Artist in action) 12pm – 12.15pm, 12.45pm – 1pm, 1.30pm – 1.45pm and 2.15pm – 2.30pm

Location: Walkabout Entertainment Around the Market Area

  • The Halo Glow Show 2pm – 2.20pm and 3.30pm – 3.50pm.
  • Carol Singing Christmas Crackers 12.40pm – 1.10pm and 4.50pm – 5.20pm.
  • Jacks of Frost 12pm – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 2pm and 3pm – 3.30pm.
  • Sid Bowfin’s Christmas Classics 1.50pm – 2.20pm and 4pm – 4.30pm.
  • National Elf Service 1pm – 1.30pm, 2.30pm – 3pm and 4.30pm – 5pm.

Location: Pavements Shopping Centre

  • Chesterfield Museum – 12pm – 4.30 pm (Old Massarella’s Unit)

Location: Outside old Marks & Spencer

  • Pantonic All Stars Steel Band 12pm – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 2pm  and 3.30pm – 4pm.

Location: Crooked Spire Church

  • A Festival of Christmas Trees 12pm – 5.30pm.

Please note: this programme is subject to last minute changes.

For more information, activities and guides to your perfect Christmas, visit our Christmas in Chesterfield page. 

Christmas Lights Switch On Chesterfield

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Spectacular new light show announced to mark 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade

The Bolsover Lantern Parade is set to return for its 30th year, and a new light show is coming to Bolsover Castle to mark the milestone this December.

Bright Winter Nights is an immersive light experience that will take place within the castle’s walls on Friday 1st December, the day before the lantern parade. Light projections, images and sounds from the last three decades will bring the castle walls to life, featuring the stories of local people and their lantern parade experiences.

Visitors can also view a newly commissioned community film as part of the magical evening, which has been created using stories and memories from local people.

The event is being organised in partnership with local Bolsover-based charity, the Freedom Project and English Heritage.

There will be 750 tickets available, costing £2 per child and £3 for adults.

Emily Bowman, Managing Director at Junction Arts said: “Bolsover is very close to our hearts and so we’re delighted to be bringing another exciting event to the town, to mark the 30th year of the lantern parade.

“Bright Winter Nights promises to shine a light on the amazing community spirit and creativity that exists in Bolsover, telling the story of the last three decades within the walls of the famous Bolsover Castle.”

Mark North, Freedom Founder and CEO said: “The Lantern Parade has been an important part of our community for the last 30 years. It has given us a sense of togetherness and excitement and we look forward to Bright Winter Nights and taking in the memories of other members of the Bolsover Community and beyond”.

A spokesperson for Bolsover Castle said: “We always love playing a part in the Lantern Parade so when Junction Arts asked us to work with them to celebrate its 30th anniversary, we jumped at the chance. We want the Castle to be at the centre of the community in Bolsover, for residents to really connect with their heritage and to use the space to celebrate the amazing talent we have in the town.

“It will be a night to remember as the Castle comes to life not only with our fantastic illuminations but the creativity and passion of the Bolsover community.”

The first Bolsover Lantern Parade took place on Saturday 26th November 1994 as part of the Bolsover Victorian Festival. Organised by Junction Arts in partnership with community partners, the event has become a cultural tradition for generations of people. Growing year-on-year, the Bolsover Lantern Parade is now one of the UK’s biggest and oldest light parades.

Bright Winter Nights, The Bolsover Christmas Market and the Bolsover Lantern Parade are all part of the NEW Bolsover Winter Festival – a weekend of festive fun that marks the start of the winter season. More information about all the events taking place can be found on the Visit Bolsover website: https://www.visitbolsover.co.uk/events/bwf/

You can view the light show event listing here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/bright-winter-nights-light-show/ and the lantern parade here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-lantern-parade-2021/

To book tickets for the event: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-bright-winter-nights-1-dec-23/

Find out more about the wide range of local events for all ages and interests taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

bolsover lantern parade junction arts

 

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Plans for the regeneration of Staveley town centre released as additional funding confirmed

Revised proposals for the multi-million-pound regeneration of Staveley town centre have been released by Chesterfield Borough Council, following Government approval to allocate additional funding to the project.

The six-million-pound Staveley 21 project has been in development over the last year following publication of the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021.

The proposals – which are funded through the Staveley Town Deal – were shared at a meeting of Staveley Town Council on Tuesday night.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know everyone has been keen to see the council’s proposals for Staveley town centre and I’m delighted that we are now able to share these. As a package the proposals seek to enhance the town centre – opening it up for new uses that will encourage more people to visit whilst also supporting existing retailers, market traders and high street businesses.”

A range of visuals have been prepared to bring the proposals to life with a particular focus on the new pavilion building and how the marketplace will look and could be used by different audiences.

Staveley Pavilion Building artist impression

The new pavilion building sits between the Staveley Miners Welfare building and Staveley High Street. Of modern design but one that is also reflective of Staveley’s heritage, the building will form a striking new focal point in the heart of the town centre. Several uses for the building are currently being considered including as a potential site for Derbyshire County Council’s relocation of Staveley library and also for retail, leisure, and business start-up uses.

As an enlarged public open space, the marketplace will be designed as a flexible environment to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Tiered outdoor seating will be introduced to support outdoor theatre and open-air cinema screenings, and play equipment installed to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.

New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

Staveley town centre regeneration artist impression

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, continued: “Town centres across the country are changing and our proposals reflect this need to adapt. We have already secured a main contractor to deliver the project and our aim is to achieve planning permission in Spring 2024. In line with the Government’s requirements, we plan to be on site in Autumn 2024 and for all of the construction work to have been completed by the end of 2025.

“Ahead of this, we are committed to carrying out extensive engagement on the proposals to ensure that we capture the views of all stakeholders and make appropriate adjustments ahead of submitting the necessary planning application.”

“We’re also still seeking applications for the shop front grant scheme which we launched in February. A total sum of £600k is available to support shop owners and landlords to make improvements to their premises.”

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The delivery of the Staveley 21 project is a big first step towards realising the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021. It’s exciting to see Chesterfield Borough Council move the project forward move into this next phase, which reflects the Staveley Town Deal Board’s vision and ambition for Staveley town centre. These are significant proposals which will ensure Staveley town centre is a place where local people and visitors will want to spend time whilst also supporting local businesses to grow not only now but in the future.”

Updates about the Staveley 21 project, details about drop-in sessions for residents and businesses, and information on the Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme will be available on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-21

Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal.

Chesterfield is perfectly located, with excellent transport links to enable your business to grow. To find out more about available opportunities in the area, go to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

Staveley town centre regeneration plans from above artist impression

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield gastro pub awarded 3 AA rosettes

A pub in the picturesque village of Holymoorside, on the outskirts of Chesterfield has won 3 coveted AA Rosettes at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards.

The Bulls Head was crowned with the accolade at a glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, hosted by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman.

The prestigious awards span 15 categories, and is one of the industry’s most highly anticipated events, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them.

The Bulls Head is set on the edge of the Peak District National Park and has a widespread reputation for fine dining. Their overall aim is to provide a high-quality dining experience using produce that is fresh, seasonal and locally sourced.

The Bulls Head has roots dating back to 1881 and great care has been taken during recent renovation of the rooms to preserve the building’s original features, such as stone walls and wooden beams

Mark Aisthorpe, patron, aged 31, who shot to fame in 2022 after appearing on hit BBC show Great British Menu, said: “I would like to thank the AA for this award and we fully respect the trust that has been placed upon us. This prestigious award is a supreme accolade for The Bulls Head. I am so proud of what the Bulls Head stands for and the magnificent efforts of each and every member of the team.”

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media said: “Every year we present awards to the very best AA-rated hotels, restaurants, spas and their teams across the UK. We introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and are honoured to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals and establishments who consistently deliver excellence to their guests.”

Chesterfield has a quiet food revolution happening – with award-winning restaurants that are attracting national media recognition, and independent coffee shops and pubs with a belief in local produce.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Top marks for Chesterfield in regional ‘In Bloom’ competition

Chesterfield has scored top marks in the East Midlands In Bloom competition.

The town has once again won the Best Small City category, alongside a Gold Award – improving its score from last year.

As well as winning the overall Small City category, the town also won a number of other awards including a Judge’s Discretionary Award for Hunloke Allotments, Least Littered Community, a Gold Award for the Britannia Inn and Best New Permanent Landscape for the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Representatives from the Chesterfield In Bloom committee and Chesterfield Borough Council were presented with the award at a ceremony on Wednesday 20 September.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is absolutely brilliant that we have managed to win this competitive category once again and the other awards are also a fantastic victory for our borough. I want to thank all the volunteers and officers who put their time and effort into supporting our entry every year.

“Awards like this are important because they help raise the profile of our town but also recognise the way in which fantastic green spaces can have a positive impact in our community.”

Chris Turner, chair of the Chesterfield In Bloom committee, said: “There is a lot of preparation from many different community groups and the council to ensure the borough is looking its best in time for judging. I’m delighted that we’ve won this award again, it’s fantastic to be recognised for our efforts.”

Judging for East Midlands In Bloom took place in July and the judges were taken on a tour of the borough, starting in Queen’s Park, they visited the town centre, the Dementia Awareness Garden, the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, the Britannia Inn, Hunloke Allotments, Brimington community garden and the pocket park on Edinburgh Road Park.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield – a great day out or to stay, located in the centre of the UK.

Chesterfield in Bloom July 2023

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

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