2018
Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2018 Winners
The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2018 winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Chesterfield College in October.
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Bottle & Thyme – Winner
Blu Bistro & Coffee House – Finalist
Cocina at Casa Hotel – Finalist
“It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up, keeping things exciting.” Hannah Grainger, owner, Bottle and Thyme.
Café and Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House – Winner
The Lilypad Cafe & Restaurant – Finalist
Qoozies – Finalist
“It feels really good to be named the Best Cafe/Tea Room of the Year. Our customers are the ones that push us and vote for us and we get the most enjoyment out of making them happy.”
“Over the last few months, we’ve started offering our bed and breakfast service. We’ve got three luxury rooms that are open throughout the year and, to be honest, we just want to keep things going and keep pushing on.” Sam Wood, owner, Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House.
Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire Building
Control Partnership
The Market Pub – Winner
The Rectory – Finalist
The Fox & Goose Inn – Finalist
“To win Gastro Pub of the Year is incredible. What sets us apart from the competition is our quality and consistency. We always try our best to push each other to get everything out of the kitchen as fast as possible and to the highest standard.” Anthony Reid, Head Chef, The Market Pub
Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Junction Bar – Winner
Chesterfield Arms – Finalist
The Rose and Crown, Brampton – Finalist
“It feels amazing to again win the Pub/Bar of the Year award. We won it last year and we’ve worked so hard over the last year to try and win it again. I think our offering of drinks and the atmosphere in the bar really sets us apart from other places. We deliver new drinks and events to Chesterfield that other people might not think of doing. We’re looking to offer something every weekend in the future to bring something unique to the town.” Michael Walker, Owner, Junction Bar
Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants
Ciuri Ciuri – Winner
Pump & Grind – Finalist
The Crafty Dog – Finalist
“It feels very good to win the Best Newcomer award and we’re very proud of this. We are a family-run restaurant that works hard on the restaurant every single day. We love Chesterfield and we hope Chesterfield loves us!” Marrone Ugo, Owner, Ciuri Ciuri
Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
Junction Bar – Winner
Bottle & Thyme – Finalist
Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House – Finalist
“It’s amazing to win the Best Customer Service award. We like to make an impression on our customers by greeting them, taking them to the bar and offering our recommendations – it all starts there.” Michael Walker, Owner, Junction Bar
Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
The Tickled Trout, Barlow – Winner
The Devonshire, Upper Langwith – Finalists
Kathmandu Gurkha, Clay Cross – Finalists
Three Horseshoes, Clay Cross – Finalists
“We’re delighted to win the Best Out of Town award. It’s taken us a long time to get here and we’re finally getting what we feel is the recognition we deserve. We raise the bar for what people consider as a local pub, we’re constantly trying to push the boundaries.” Jack Butler, Head Chef, The Tickled Trout
Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Winster Foods
Cup and Saucer – Winner
All Things Brownie Beautiful – Finalist
Original Recipes – Finalist
“It feels great to win the Food Producer of the Year award, but totally unexpected. It was a surprise to get through to the tasting session but, to win it, is just amazing. Over the last 10 months there’s been a lot of ups and downs, but my family has supported me through it all. When I realised that people enjoy our teas, that really motivated me to just keep working hard to provide great products.” Gail Hannan, owner, Cup and Saucer
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons
Ashley-Darrah Pienaar – Winner
Callum Taylor – Finalist
Kye Homiak – Finalist
“I’m actually speechless to be crowned Young Chef of the Year. I found the whole experience amazing and my plans now are just to keep working hard and keep pushing on.” Ashley-Darrah Pienaar
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Nonnas – Winner
Delhi 41 – Finalist
Einstein’s – Finalist
“It feels great to win the award for the best International Restaurant. We really our customers and pride ourselves on being authentic and using local suppliers; all of which translates to us delivering excellent food and service.” Pasquale Pollio, Assistant Manager, Nonnas
Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design
Chesters – Winner
Mason’s Coffee Lounge – Finalist
Soulville Steakhouse – Finalist
“We’re very proud to win the Family Friendly Award. It’s the third year running, and we’re delighted. We’ve tried to develop a restaurant where, if you’ve got children, we can keep them busy for you and interact with them. It’s a place where kids can have fun while you dine out.” Chris Loannides, Owner, Chesters
Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council)
Corey Elliott – The Lilypad Café & Restaurant – Winner
Ben Forster – Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa – Finalist
Courtney Slater – Katey’s Coffee Shop – Finalist
“It feels amazing to win Apprentice of the Year. The Lilypad Café is the best place to work and, with the team pushing me as well as me pushing myself, I think I really can be the best I can be. The big plan is to someday have a restaurant of my own of that quality.” Corey Elliott
Apprentice Employer of the Year – sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)
Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House – Winner
The Rectory – Finalist
Van Dyk – Finalist
“It feels fantastic to win the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Apprentices are so important as they bring a different dynamic to the business along with enthusiasm and new ideas.” Claire Wood, Owner, Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House
Conference Venue of the Year 
Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa – Winner
Casa Hotel – Finalist
Proact Stadium – Finalist
“It’s a great feeling to win Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year in Chesterfield, it’s a fantastic achievement. We’ve always been customer-focused, but this year, receiving four stars and opening our new Garden Secret Spa, we’ve really pushed the boundaries. At our new spa, all our treatments are bespoke, and you won’t find some of them anywhere else in the country.” Rona Davies, General Manager, Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa
Chesterfield Food Hero – sponsored by Casa Hotel
Chris Radford – Brampton Brewery
“It feels amazing to win Food Hero of the Year. I look back at people that have won it in previous years and it’s truly humbling that my name has even been in the conversation, never mind winning it. The journey of Brampton Brewery has been amazing, and I never imagined we’d still be going 11 years later.” Chris Radford, Managing Director, Brampton Brewery
