Visiting

Cocina takes Restaurant of the Year title for the second year running

Cocina at Casa Hotel has taken the top title in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards for the second year running.

The 2 Rosette, 4-star restaurant was one of 13 winners announced at the town’s fourth annual Food and Drink Awards, which were held on Wednesday 26 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Judges described their dining experience at Cocina as ‘a great experience and a fantastic meal.  The professional staff offered good customer service.  Food was presented with flare and creative style that worked well and the menu was innovative with great choice.’

In addition to the prestigious Chesterfield Restaurant of the Year title the four-star hotel, which is owned by local entrepreneur Steve Perez, also scooped the Conference Venue of the Year title at the glittering awards ceremony.

Other winners to retain their title at the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include, Delhi 41 which has been Best International Restaurant of the Year in 2014. 2015 and 2016, and The Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel which retained its Gastro Pub of the Year title for a second year running.

Simon Davidson of R P Davidson cheese Factor took the coveted Food Hero title at this year’s awards. Simon joined the family business based in Chesterfield Market Hall 30 years ago after leaving the army. He remains there today where he now runs the business and is a familiar face and voice on the market as well as in the town.

In total 14 food and drink establishments, producers and individuals were named as Chesterfield’s finest at the sell-out awards ceremony hosted by celebrity chef and couture cake maker to royalty and the stars, Mich Turner.

Mich Turner said: “There is clearly a cornucopia of food talent in Chesterfield, and the Food and Drink Awards brought us a banquet!  I was thrilled to see the emerging taskforce in the town’s food and drink sector actively involved in the awards ceremony as well as those who have established family businesses. What a wonderful awards ceremony – an inspiration and celebration of the past, present and future.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with Chesterfield College, more than 100 hospitality students prepared and served the food on the evening for 250 guests at the events which, once again, was a complete sell-out.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the talent and commitment that goes into making our local gastronomic industry great. Every year this celebration helps us to inspire our catering and hospitality students and apprentices to become future award winners. Their involvement in competing for young chef of the year or cooking and serving guests at the event allows them to showcase what they are capable of to the best employers in the area.”

Organiser of the awards Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards were a runaway success. This year we had more nominations than previous years and also more businesses put forward for the awards, which is testament to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene.  The support across Chesterfield has been phenomenal, with people keen to see the town, and the businesses and people working within its hospitality sector succeed and grow.”

 Check out the full list of winners

Casa Hotel

 

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

Saltergate multi-storey refurbishment begins as part of £20 million Northern Gateway Scheme

The work being carried out is preparatory work before a full refurbishment of the Saltergate multi-storey car park begins early next year.

Users of Saltergate multi-storey car park should expect some disruption as essential work takes place.

The work will begin at the Chesterfield Borough Council car park on Monday 7 November and is expected to last for three weeks.  There will be fewer spaces on offer while the work takes place and floors will be closed during the period.

Spaces will be available for blue badge holders during the work.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “We are sorry for the disruption that will be caused while the essential work is carried out at Saltergate multi-storey car park.

“It is essential that the work is carried out as soon as possible. We have made every effort to keep the car park open and this work will be complete to allow shoppers to park there in the run up to Christmas.  “We will contact permit holders to make them aware of alternative parking options.”

The  full refurbishment in the new year will increase the number of spaces from 408 to 529 as well as to make the building more appealing for use by shoppers and commuters as part of the Northern Gateway scheme.

This is the first stage of the £19.9 million revised project that seeks to regenerate the northern part of the town centre and will see environmental improvements to Elder Way and part of Knifesmithgate and the building of a new enterprise centre on the site of Holywell Cross car park.

The scheme also includes the £10.5 million redevelopment of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way by Central England Co-operative and developers Jomast.

Northern Gateway Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Development, Leisure, Visiting

New retailer opens on Chatsworth Road

Cockayne’s Gift Emporium has recently opened on Chatsworth Road.

The new shop is all about local, home made, hand made products with 26 stockist in total from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire including items such as clocks, jewellery, art, clothing and furniture.

Opened by local artist Matt Cockayne, who runs Goo Design which creates unique art of local places in and around Sheffield and recently created the Henderson’s Relish Elephant for the Herd of Sheffield which sold for £11,300.

All the  fixtures and fittings were bought from Ashgate Hospice and they donated nearly £1000 in total as they wanted to support a local charity.

Matt said “I’m hoping to get my art recognised in Chesterfield as it has in Sheffield and thought the best way to do this was to open a shop as I have lived here for 7 years now and settled into town life.”

“Cockayne’s is all about making shopping an experience rather than a chore, all our stock is home made by local people and you can enjoy a hot drink and some homemade cake while you browse what’s on offer from a large selection of stockist.”

goo

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Visiting

Frozen Meets Fireworks at Chatsworth’s Bonfire Night

A special children’s fireworks display set to Disney classics will open the annual Chatsworth Bonfire and Fireworks Nights on November 5 and 6 2016.

Along with music from Disney’s Frozen and other well-known family friendly songs, there will be a magical feel to this year’s annual event with live ice-carving by the award-winning company which created a huge ice installation for the hit TV series Game of Thrones.

The lighting of the bonfire and the children’s firework display takes place at 7.30pm with the main firework display with its show-stopping grand finale following at 8.45pm.

Along with tasty bonfire food and drink, live bands and stilt walkers, this ticketed event has plenty to offer before the all important countdown to the fireworks.

Chatsworth Fireworks

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Join the fun of the market festival

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield are invited to join in the fun at the town’s annual market festival.

There is a host of fun events to suit all ages in the festival, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The festival takes place from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 October.

The popular 1940s and flea market takes place on Thursday 27 October. There will be 1940s music and exhibits, stall holders in fancy dress and the usual Thursday flea market. As part of the 1940s theme, people can  get advice on upcycling their clothes with the make do and mend demonstrations. Entertainment will be provided by the Kalamazoo Dance Band who will be performing in New Square. As well as performing hits from the 1940s they will also be teaching Swing dance steps allowing shoppers to join in.

The general market takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October with the music in the market event on the Saturday showcasing a variety of music styles by local entertainers across the town centre.

The monthly artisan market held in association with The Market Co. will be held on Sunday 30 October with some of the finest produce and gifts from a variety of local suppliers.

The festival has lots for younger visitors to enjoy: there is a pumpkin hunt from Saturday 22 October to Saturday 29 October. Entry forms will be available from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre. Youngsters taking part can follow the clues to find the hidden pumpkins across the town centre.

Chesterfield Museum hosts a Gladiators event on Thursday 27 October. Families can hear stories from a Gladiator and Gladiatrix and find out what life was like in the Roman arena.

The museum will open specially on the evening of Thursday 27 October from 5.30pm to 7pm for an interactive story telling workshop exploring unusual tales suitable for children up to 12 years old.

The museum also holds a creative crafts day on Friday 28 October with the chance to make some fun Halloween crafts.

There is a children’s fun day in the market place on Friday 28 October with children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, disco and fun fair rides as well as a children’s art competition with judging taking place at 2pm.

There is a young persons’ market on Sunday 30 October from 11am to 3pm. Stalls are free but need to be pre-booked through the Visitor Information Centre or by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/childrensmarketbookingform.aspx.

Also taking place during the festival: visitors can receive a guided tour of the tower of the ‘Crooked Spire’ from Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 October. Tours are £5 for adults and £3 for children.

There are ghost walks of the town at 6.30pm on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October. Tickets cost £4 for adults and £2 for children and are available from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.

The Chesterfield & District CAMRA beer festival also takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October in the Market Hall assembly rooms. Tickets are available from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy said:-

“Each year, thousands of people come to Chesterfield for our annual market festival.

“We stage the festival as part of our commitment to providing fun, community events and I’m proud to say there is something happening for all age groups and it’s a perfect way for families to spend time together.”

Chesterfield Market Festival and '40s market 2014.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Halloween Spooky Spectacular at Chatsworth this Half Term

Halloween Hoot at Chatsworth has fearful fun in store for little monsters throughout half term in the house, garden and farmyard.

Those who dare to visit can expect spooktacular surprises around every corner; from creepy crafts and reptile handling to a ghoulish trail through the house and Fright Flights into the deep, dark Warlock Wood.

Taking off on regular trips from the farmyard, the Fright Flight winds its way deep into Warlock Wood, home of the spooky Spell Weaver and her dastardly friends.

In the farmyard visitors can get up close to some creepy creatures with reptile handling sessions before turning their hand to creepy crafts in the Oak Barn.

It’s wise to watch out for cobwebs when exploring the abandoned tunnel and listening to spine-tingling stories in the garden.

Inside the house, little monsters can go on the hunt for hidden pumpkins and find fearful fun on a ghoulish trail.

Included with admission to the house, garden and farmyard, visit www.chatsworth.org for more information on dates, times and prices.

on-board-the-fright-flight-2

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Big names heading to The Proact

A host of big-name sporting personalities are heading to The Proact Stadium before Christmas to attend fundraising events.

Kevin Keegan will speak at a sporting dinner and there will also be appearances from former Manchester United stars Lee Sharpe and Norman Whiteside and ex-England cricketer Matthew Hoggard.

Keegan, who was twice named European Footballer of the Year, will attend Chesterfield Junior Blues FC’s dinner on December 1. Sharpe’s appearance, which is in aid of Espial FC, will take place on November 25. Whilst Whiteside visits the Proact on October 28 in a dinner to raise funds for New Tupton Ivanhoe FC.

Hoggard is the special guest at the Mayor of Chesterfield’s sporting dinner on Thursday, October 13, which will raise funds for the Macmillan Cancer Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Accessible Derbyshire.

Peter Clarke, Events and Hospitality Manager at The Proact, said:

“We believe our banqueting facilities are the best in the area and that is backed up by the excellent feedback we receive on a regular basis from people who attend functions at the stadium.

“We host various fundraising events for charities and grassroots football clubs, which result in many thousands of pounds being raised and repeat bookings being received.”

Chesterfield Football Club

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Lighting up Chesterfield’s skies

Chesterfield’s skies will once again be lit up at Chesterfield Borough Council’s annual firework extravaganza.

The event takes place on Thursday 3 November at Stand Road Recreation Ground in Whittington Moor.

The gates open earlier this year at 4pm with a fun fair.

Popular presenters from Peak FM with provide fun with their roadshow before the fireworks display at 7pm, one hour earlier than in previous years.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said:-

“We hold the fireworks each year as part of our commitment to staging community events.

“It is always extremely popular and this year we have listened to feedback from parents to bring the fireworks forward to 7pm to allow more families to come along and take part.”

Entry to the event will cost £2. Visitors are asked to have the correct money as change cannot be given.

There will also be refreshments available from a variety of food and drink stalls.

stand-road-2012-52

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Jessica Ennis Hill brings VitalityMove to Chatsworth

Great Britain’s heptathlon star, JESSICA ENNIS-HILL, has today stepped up her mission to help get the nation fit and healthy, by teaming up with Vitality to launch VitalityMove – two incredible events that combine her passion for running and music and her desire to encourage everyone to take achievable steps to a healthy life.

The event at Chatsworth scheduled for the 9th July is set to attract 10,000s of people and will play host to a range of great activities for families, beginners and committed runners alike. From one mile music fun runs and family races, to the more traditional 5k and 10k distances, VitalityMove represents an exciting new format for events in the UK, with a focus on encouraging people to move more by making running fun.

All of the runs will take place alongside themed music that will be specifically developed by Jessica’s friend – legendary DJ, TREVOR NELSON. Trevor will be attending both events alongside Jessica, using his music expertise combined with an understanding of what the British public run to, to help inspire the nation to get active.

Speaking about the event, Jessica said: “I have been so lucky to have got so much out of my sport – not only a career but a lifestyle. Leading a healthy and active life does not have to be a chore – it really can be enjoyable. I have teamed up with Vitality to create new events that aim to be inclusive and to appeal to as many people as possible – using music and running together to create a fun atmosphere. Whether you are a first time runner or a seasoned athlete we will cater for you – and hopefully make it a day to remember. But above all we want the experience leaving you to want to do more events.

Vitality’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives, and the partnership with Jessica to stage VitalityMove is a great way to highlight the importance of health and wellness.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Blooming marvellous – Chesterfield scoops gold awards!

Chesterfield has picked up three gongs in the annual East Midlands in Bloom awards – including two gold prizes.

It is the first time the town has picked up the top award, having held the silver gilt award for the past two years.

Judges went on a tour around the borough in July which included stops at:

  • Eastwood Park
  • Spire School
  • Rufford Close allotments
  • Britannia pub
  • Town centre
  • Holmebrook Valley Park
  • Pevensey Green Community Project
  • Ringwood Hall
  • Chesterfield and District Crematorium grounds

The East Midlands in Bloom judges have now decided to award Chesterfield a gold in the small city category and Ringwood Hall a gold in the best hotel/pub garden or display category. The Rufford Close Allotments community group picked up a special judges’ award for having a ‘very clean and well organised site’.

The tour and town’s entry into the competition was organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and the Chesterfield in Bloom committee.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:-

“We are delighted to get the gold award for the first time as we have been working towards this for several years, having previously held the silver gilt award.

“The judges were particularly impressed by the work of the Chesterfield in Bloom committee, which was set up last year to bring together residents and representatives from community groups, friends of park groups, allotment associations, councillors and council officers to work on improving the town.

“We were assessed on a variety of different criteria including bulb and tree planting, floral displays, litter collection and cleanliness, conservation work and recycling.

“The gold award is a testament to the hard work going on across the town by Chesterfield Borough Council and community groups to make our borough a clean, green and inviting place for residents and visitors alike.”

In their comments the East Midlands in Bloom judges praised the progress made in the town since their last visit in 2015.

They said:-

“The tour showcased many key areas of Chesterfield and it was great to see that the community and local businesses were working together.

“The Chesterfield in Bloom group is well supported by Chesterfield Borough Council – a combination that has taken this entry from strength to strength.

“The children we met on the tour were a real highlight and their enthusiasm was infectious. Congratulations to all involved as Chesterfield achieves its first gold award.”

Chesterfield in Bloom is a council-led project to improve the borough’s environment and forms part of the borough’s entry into the East Midlands in Bloom competition.

The award winners in this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition will be announced at an award ceremony at Ringwood Hall on Monday 26 September. The event will also celebrate the town’s success in the East Midlands in Bloom awards.

spire-shot2

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Mayor’s team to run half marathon relay

A team from Chesterfield Borough Council, led by the town’s mayor, are to run the Chesterfield Half Marathon to raise money for charity.

The four-strong group will each run around 3.3 miles each in a relay of the Chesterfield Half Marathon course on Sunday 2 October to raise money for the mayor’s two nominated charities. They are:

Calling themselves the ‘Mayor’s Relay Team’, the group will be led off by Chesterfield Borough Council Chief Executive Huw Bowen, who will pass on to Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy. She will then handover to Councillor John Dickinson before the last leg is run by the Mayor, Councillor Steve Brunt.

Councillor Brunt said:-

“During my term as mayor we are holding a series of events to raise money for these two great local causes.

“When I was asked to start the Chesterfield Half Marathon it got me thinking about whether I could also take part in some way as well.

“So I have put together a team who will run the race in relay. This will enable me to start the race for all the runners, alongside the mayoress, and then go and get changed so that I can run the last leg later on.

“I am sure it will be a lot of fun and there may be a bit of a competitive streak going on between the four of us running to see who can get the best time.”

The team have been donated a set of Mayor’s Relay Team running shirts by the Print Shack especially for the occasion.

Anyone who wishes to sponsor the Mayor’s Marathon Team can do so by sending cheques payable to the Mayor’s Appeal to the Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield, S40 1LP.

The 13.1 mile Chesterfield Half Marathon course will start and finish at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield. This year’s route has been changed in response to feedback from runners in previous years. It will start at 9am.

ready-steadyl

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting