Culinary bosses are being reminded not to miss the chance to give their businesses a boost by entering awards which celebrate the county’s finest eateries.
Applications for Derbyshire County Council’s annual Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards are open until October 10.
Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, star of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch Programme, will present awards in 12 categories during a celebration dinner at Chesterfield Football Club’s Proact Stadium on 23 January, 2014.
Categories in the awards – which are jointly sponsored by HSKS Greenhalgh Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors and Holdsworth food specialists – are:
- Restaurant of the Year
- Gastro Pub of the Year
- Traditional Pub of the Year
- Best International Restaurant
- Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year
- Café of the Year
- Best Derbyshire Breakfast
- Best Family Friendly Venue
- Local Producer of the Year
- Best Healthy Eating Venue
- Best Newcomer
- Local Food Hero
Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: “The Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards have developed a strong reputation and are a great way for our county’s outstanding restaurants, pubs, bistros and cafes to gain the recognition they deserve.
“With a dozen categories covering the industry there really is something for everyone and I’d urge businesses to not be shy in nominating themselves.
“The awards can really raise the profile of an eatery with winners being able to display Derbyshire Food and Drink Award certification and use it for marketing purposes.”
Entries are judged on a number of criteria including quality of food and drink served, customer service, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus.
They are assessed by an independent panel of food specialists and each short-listed venue has a mystery shopper visit before final decisions are made.
Shortlisted entries in four categories – Restaurant of the Year, Gastro Pub of the Year, Best International Restaurant, and Best Newcomer – will be visited by experts from the Taste Derbyshire scheme and will be awarded bronze, silver or gold status.
Taste Derbyshire is jointly operated by the county council and the national Quality in Tourism scheme. It provides owners of eateries with an expert, independent assessment of the quality of services and facilities, and diners with an assessment they can trust. Any business can apply for Taste Derbyshire assessment. A joining fee of £41.40 is payable, with an annual participation fee of £146.40.
To apply for Taste Derbyshire accreditation contact Quality in Tourism on 01684 864 155, email qualityintourism@uk.g4s.com or visit www.qualityintourism.com
To download an application form for the Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards go to www.derbyshirefoodanddrink.co.uk or contact Stephanie Walsh: Stephanie.walsh@derbyshire.gov.uk or 01629 538464.
Source: Derbyshire County Council
