2018 Food and Drink Awards finalists announced

The nominations are in and the finalists for the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have been announced, with three eateries vying for the overall title of Restaurant of the Year.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, and sponsored by Chesterfield College, the prestigious awards return for the sixth year and recognise the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector.

A total of 27 businesses have been shortlisted across 10 categories, with Blu Bistro & Coffee House, Bottle & Thyme and Cocina at Casa Hotel all hoping to take the top title.

This year 7 of the businesses have been nominated for the first time and 8 are hoping to defend their 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards titles.

As well as some of Chesterfield’s best loved venues, three of Chesterfield’s newer cafes, restaurants and pubs are also shortlisted for one of the coveted awards.  Ciuri Ciuri, Crafty Dog and Pump & Grind are all recognised in the Best Newcomer category.

All of the shortlisted businesses were nominated by members of the public earlier this year. A panel of judges will now visit each shortlisted business to sample food, drinks and service in order to determine the winner in each category.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:-

“The people of Chesterfield really got behind the nomination stage to enable us to recognise more businesses than ever in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“The variety of businesses both nominated and shortlisted each year is a reflection of how the sector is not only growing but thriving.”

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by celebrity chef Lesley Waters, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on 31 October later this year.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

• Blu Bistro & Coffee House
• Bottle & Thyme
• Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

• The Lilypad Café
• Qoozies
• Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year 

• The Market Pub
• The Fox & Goose Inn
• The Rectory

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

• Chesterfield Arms
• Junction Bar
• Rose & Crown at Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

• Ciuri Ciuri
• The Crafty Dog
• Pump & Grind

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

• Bottle & Thyme
• Junction Bar
• Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

• The Devonshire, Upper Langwith
• Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross
• The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross
• The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

• Dehli 41
• Einstein’s
• Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

• Chesters
• Mason’s Coffee Lounge
• The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year 

• Casa Hotel
• Proact Stadium
• Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

At the awards in October, winners of a further five categories will also be announced, including Food Producer, Young Chef, Food Hero and two new categories – Apprentice and Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Other supporters of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Hoods Florist, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections.