The Old Post Restaurant on Holywell Street, has been crowned Chesterfield’s best restaurant of 2014 at the town’s Food and Drink Awards, which returned for the second year running on Wednesday 29 October.
The Old Post Restaurant prides itself on showcasing some of the best food in the region, prompting one judge to comment: “The quality of food, both in presentation and inventiveness, was impressive – a wide range to select from and the cooking was of a high standard.”
Chef and Proprietor Martin Clayton said: “It was a huge surprise to win. It’s a brilliant accolade for the restaurant.”
Twelve other food and drink establishments and producers were also named as Chesterfield’s finest at the sell-out awards ceremony hosted by celebrity chef and TV presenter Ainsley Harriott.
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As well as new names and faces, on the night three Chesterfield establishments retained their 2013 titles for a second year running, including Calabria, Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House and Tramway Tavern.
The 2014 awards were hailed as being bigger and better than ever before, with more than 1000 nominations from the public, the introduction of two new categories – International Restaurant of the Year and Family Friendly Award, and a sell-out awards ceremony.
Awards host Ainsley Harriott said: “Last year there was an electric atmosphere in the room and it felt like Chesterfield was on the cusp of something special. And it was! This year’s awards are testament to that – more guests, awards, nominations and winners. What a night.”
Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College, the glittering awards ceremony was also hosted at the College’s Heart Space Building. The awards are considered such a valuable learning experience for the students that the College has committed to sponsoring them until 2015.
As well as being held at the College, the awards ceremony was also catered by 30 of the College’s best students studying NVQ and BTECs in Catering and Hospitality and also trained up three of the finalists in the Young Chef of the Year category, including the winner Natasha Hart.
Natasha Hart, from Chesterfield, works part time at catering services agency, Compass Group Ltd alongside her studies at Chesterfield College.
She said: “I’ve really enjoyed developing more this year at Level 3. The dishes we are learning and getting to create are much more complex and challenging. Being named the winner is a big boost to my confidence, and makes me definitely want to stay within the industry.”
Ainsley added: “Chesterfield’s food and drink sector has a wealth of home grown talent and it is fantastic to see so many of them being recognised at the awards – from the winners to the college students who have catered the event so professionally. It really excites me to see the town getting behind its young people and giving them the opportunity to showcase themselves and build their career in this dynamic industry.”
Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “The 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards were a resounding success. These events aren’t possible without the support of our sponsors, in particular Chesterfield College. Its two year sponsorship agreement of the Food and Drink Awards has not only ensured that the event will continue into the future but also that it will continue as a real learning experience for students at the college who are the future of our thriving local food and drink industry.”
Source:Destination Chesterfield