Hogg Norton, an independent producer of fruit liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages has taken two stars at the Great Taste Awards 2023.
Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food & drink accreditation scheme, with products across the world being put to the test by a panel of more than 500 experts.
Hogg Norton’s Rhubarb Liqueur and Gooseberry Liqueur have both been awarded two stars, meaning they have been rated as ‘outstanding.’
The producer has now won a total of 10 Great Taste Awards, after winning accolades in 2019, 2020 and 2021 for various products.
Michael Norton, Co-Owner at Hogg Norton commented: “We are so proud to win the awards, as it is judged by industry experts.
“Winning the awards shows that we consistently deliver a quality product which gives confidence to our customers and also makes us stand out against our competitors. Having these international awards just shows what local producers can achieve and what amazing products are produced in Chesterfield.”
“It is so important that we use local products, as all our liqueurs are made from all-natural products and are free from any additives, preservatives, colours or flavourings – so the full flavour of the fruit comes through. Being based in Chesterfield and on the edge of the Peak District gives us a fantastic location to source our products.”
Other local winners from our area include Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop, which was given a two-star ‘outstanding’ award for its Chatsworth Honey Ale, and also Global Brands, which recieved a ‘simply delicious’ rating for a number of products across its ‘Franklin & Sons’ range of drinks.
Hogg Norton supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Peak Edge Hotel has been awarded Derbyshire’s Pub of the Year in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023.
The National Pub & Bar Awards aims to put exceptional on-trade businesses across the UK in the national spotlight, showcasing the hospitality industry’s diversity, creativity, and vital importance to the UK economy.
Peak Edge Hotel, which has been selected on overall best practice across several operational categories, will be officially crowned with the accolade at a glittering celebration on the 28th June.
Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Peak Edge Hotel is an independently owned hotel and restaurant, which provides guests with a luxurious place to unwind and indulge.
Steve Perez, Chairman and Founder of Global Brands & Casa Hotels Group said: “Myself and the team at Red Lion at Peak Edge are delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Pub in the East Midlands.
“We’ve been working tirelessly at the venue, through difficult times for hospitality renovating and expanding the premises over the past five years, honouring the heritage of the building while providing a fantastic space to serve locally sourced food.
“Being shortlisted for this award really recognises how hard the staff have been working – from our brilliant Executive Chef Ben who’s always working on new seasonal menus, to Craig, the Farm Manger at our Walton Lodge Farm Estate, who supplies the high quality Dorset lamb, Belted Galloway Beef, Black Berkshires pigs, egg from our hens, honey from our bees and herbs from the garden just 1.3 miles away from the restaurant, for a true taste of the Peak District.”
Tristan O’Hana, Editor of Pub and Bar Magazine, which runs the awards, commented: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.
“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”
Peak Edge Hotel supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
A well-known Chesterfield bar and venue has undergone a major change with an entirely new name, brand and look – following an extensive refurbishment.
Formerly known as The County Music Bar, Gasoline is excited to be welcoming customers old and new to its revamped premises on Saltergate. The bar has now evolved into an American Style venue, offering a great range of food, music, sport and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Owners Phillip and Lauran Deacon have worked with their team for more than a year on the new look and feel for the venue, and hope to have created a friendly hub for people in Chesterfield and further afield to enjoy.
Phillip commented: “We wanted to create a venue that people could enjoy socially with friends. We developed the idea of an ‘American style’ bar which focuses on the social aspect of enjoying the company of friends and strangers, with multiple types of entertainment.
“We still support live music and will be launching a number of targeted events to help promote new and upcoming bands, as well as supporting local favourites with gigs. We have invested in the latest TVs and projection systems to be able to show a huge range of sporting events and films and also music related items.”
The new features don’t end there either, as Phillip confirmed a host of other games and activities to provide customers with fun and entertainment. He added: “We have arcade machines set up for friends to challenge each other, going back to the bygone age of gaming and enjoying the many retro titles we all grew up with.
“More traditionally. we have a pool table in its own dedicated area and also we have ‘smart’ darts which allow you to connect your smart phone to the board and play multiple fun versions of dart-related games.
“The ever-popular Jukebox provides millions of songs for customers to choose and can even be accessed from the comfort of their seat via smartphone. The atmosphere is relaxed, but we will be maintaining a very controlled and grown-up take on entertainment and environment. We are first and foremost and ‘American Bar,’ and our primary objective will always be the comfort and safety of our customers.”
Gasoline has also begun serving a fresh new menu of classic American dishes, with tacos and wings heading up everything from loaded nachos, loaded fries and even ‘Frickles’ (Fried Pickles). A range of vegan options are also available, including the “Philly Cheese Fake,” which has been a popular choice among guests since the bar’s relaunch.
For those brave enough, the bar is home to the “wings of regret” challenge, which requires participants to eat three blisteringly spicy hot wings in an allowed time, and then having to regret it for five minutes afterwards without relief from a drink. Those who complete the task win a gallon of beer for their table and a place on the ‘wall of flame.’
Phillip added that he hopes people in the town and beyond get behind the venture, and support Chesterfield’s independent food, drink and hospitality scene: “We believe it is hugely important that people support their local venues, but we also realised that we had to evolve to create something worth supporting.
“In this current adverse climate, we believe it’s important to give people value for money in terms of a day or night out. We can provide a great, fun environment which means your money feels like it’s going towards an experience. The community deserves exciting new businesses which will help to keep and attract the next generation to our town.
“Chesterfield has so much potential to thrive and grow. With great transport links, we can welcome visitors from outside of the area as well as local communities. We are excited to play our part in welcoming more people to the area.”
Find out more about Gasoline on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye out for the venue’s new website, which will be launching in the near future.
If you’re looking to find out more about visiting Chesterfield, from things to do with the family to great nights out, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/
Twenty businesses have made the shortlist in the 2022 awards for the first time with 11 of them being brand new businesses.
Following almost 1500 public nominations, the shortlist for the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards features a total of 34 businesses across 11 categories.
Amongst the shortlisted businesses, Chesters and Adorn Jewellers are hoping to retain their 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards titles.
Last year, Chesters was named as Restaurant of the Year while Adorn took the title of Retailer of the Year in the annual awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “While the town and the retail sector are facing their challenges, the number of nominations we received for such a huge variety of businesses in this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards paints a very positive picture for the town.”
A mystery panel of judges will now evaluate the shortlist and the winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony which is being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October 2022.
Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the popular awards return for their second year. There are a total of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards with more shortlisted businesses, projects and individuals to be announced later in the year.
Peter Currey, Chief Executive Officer of Entire FM added: “It’s great to be a part of the prestigious Love Chesterfield Awards again and it’s even better to see the support for the range of great businesses we have in Chesterfield. There’s been some tough competition this year with so many great names. On behalf of all the team at EntireFM, we wish all the finalists good luck.”
The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards include:
Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022 include the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants, Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by DBC Training and Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors.
The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by several sponsors and partners, including: Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Elder Way, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd, and Sutton McGrath Hartley.
Peter Swallow added: “We’re expecting the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards ceremony to be our best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors. We’re encouraging those who would like to show their appreciation for the town’s business community to make an enquiry about the four remaining sponsorship packages.”
If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards or ceremony, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at:
A brand-new bistro is now open in Chesterfield Town Centre, providing a relaxing, homely, family atmosphere for people in the town.
CIBO will be serving customers a range of treats, with the breakfast menu to feature luxury granola, traditional bacon sandwiches, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.
For lunch, people can enjoy home cooked meals ranging from tender beef stew, beef burgers with blue cheese and homemade slaw, toasted ciabattas, light salads with a variety of fillings and much more.
It is hoped the bistro will be made open to the public from the mid-to-late May 2022, as the finishing touches and preparations are made to the new business.
Bistro Supervisor and coordinator, Louise Spence explained how excited the team was to open their doors: “Being from chesterfield and living in the area all my life I have an affiliation with the town, having a vast experience in the hospitality sector working in Artisan cafés and a passion for food, this new venture allows me to run with my own ideas.
“We hope with the experience, enthusiasm, and work ethics we possess we can bring something truly fantastic to the people of this great market town.”
Louise added: “We believe it’s time to remind the people of chesterfield how great we can be and bring back that community spirit through hard work and determination! Already having a proven track record over the last 18 years with peacock coffee lounge we believe this will give us a winning formula to replicate with CIBO.”
A number of special dishes will be on offer at CIBO, as Louise outlined: “Our signature dishes are fantastic for couples and family sharing options based on 2 or 4 people which include British classic for the summer ploughman’s platter, antipasto platter with mixes meats, olives and dipping breads or opt to try our homemade chilli either beef or chickpea with tasty nachos topped with smashed avocado, jalapeños all served with side salads and a selection of fresh breads.
“To finish are specially selected cakes and desserts such as Belgian waffles with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit, Eton mess and luxury ice cream milkshakes.”
The team at CIBO are also looking to become a big part of the community in Chesterfield, and look forward to supporting fellow local businesses and residents in the town.
Louise said: “The past few years have been extremely tough for everyone with covid and lockdowns, however we have taken the brave decision to launch our new venture. We hope with the support of the people of chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!”
“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people. We hope the kind people of chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”
A Chesterfield chef has been wowing audiences on national television this week, serving up a number of signature dishes on the BBC’s Great British Menu.
The popular cookery show sees some of the UK’s top chefs battle it out to create a dish for the final banquet in the series finale.
Mark Aisthorpe, head chef and owner of The Bulls Head in Holymoorside, Chesterfield explained how he felt about being selected for the show: “I was so excited and terrified all at once, but totally honoured to be asked to be one of the chefs .
“It was a bit like a dream come true. I suppose every chef wants to showcase their work and WOW what a platform.”
While being showcased on a national platform, Mark added that he was excited to showcase some of the amazing produce North Derbyshire has to offer.
He said: “Our location in my opinion is one of the best in the country. We have such amazing local suppliers and a variety of independent farmers just on our doorstep. Highfield Farm’s amazing Derbyshire Lamb, farmed just minutes from the restaurant.
“Foraging in the local woods which are rich in ingredients all make our food at The Bulls Head what it is today and gives me inspiration for my menus.”
Mark described competing amongst the nation’s best chefs was both ‘fun and stressful,’ adding: “Competing anywhere is hard but in a different kitchen, you don’t know and against amazingly talented Chefs is even harder.”
With recruitment proving a challenge in hospitality at the moment, Mark had encouraging words for those considering a career in the industry: “It’s hard work, long hours but I feel it one of the most rewarding jobs. Taking one thing and making it into something that is enjoyed by people is such a good feeling. The satisfaction you get from positive comments and reviews is amazing.”
In terms of future potential TV appearances, Mark added that he would be open to further opportunites to showcase the pub’s locally sourced produce: “My aim is to continue making The Bulls Head as good as it can be. I would love to get recognition what we are doing there. The Bulls Head is my main priority but never say never to further opportunities.”
Chesterfield boasts award winning restaurants that are attracting national media recognition, and independent coffee shops and pubs with a belief in local produce. Find out more about dining out in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/
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