The Sticky Beak Blog

The Pepperpot in Derby Awarded Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence in Under 2 Years


Tuesday 17 Feb 2026 by a Content Contributor
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The Pepperpot, one of Derby’s most exciting dining destinations, is proud to announce it has been awarded Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, an exceptional achievement reached in under two years since opening its doors.



The AA Rosette scheme is one of the UK’s most respected and longstanding benchmarks for restaurant quality. To be awarded two rosettes places The Pepperpot among an elite group of establishments recognised for creativity, consistency, and excellence at a national level.


This latest accolade signals the next step in The Pepperpot’s rapid rise. After opening on Valentine’s Day 2024, the restaurant quickly earned its first AA Rosette just over a year later, and has now progressed to two rosettes in record time, underscoring its ambition and unwavering commitment to quality.


“We are incredibly proud to have achieved Two AA Rosettes in under two years,” said Dan Fincher, Head Chef at The Pepperpot. “From day one, our goal was to create something truly special for Derby — a restaurant that champions outstanding ingredients, refined technique, and warm hospitality. This recognition reflects the passion, discipline, and creativity of our entire team. We are immensely grateful to our guests, our suppliers, and the local community for their continued support.”


The award builds on an extraordinary period of recognition and growth for the Nightingale Quarter restaurant.


In 2024, The Pepperpot received the Innovation Award at the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards, highlighting its fresh approach to contemporary dining. The following year, it was named Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards, cementing its status as one of the region’s leading culinary destinations.


Further recognition has come through Head Chef Dan Fincher’s acceptance into the prestigious Master Chefs of Great Britain, an honour reserved for chefs demonstrating exceptional culinary skill and influence within the industry. The restaurant’s growing reputation has also led to national media attention, including being featured in The Observer, placing The Pepperpot firmly on the wider UK dining map.


Located in the recently developed Nightingale Quarter on London Road, The Pepperpot has become a vibrant all-day dining destination, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Alongside its elegant main dining space, the restaurant boasts a spacious sun terrace for alfresco dining and The Nightingale, a stylish first-floor private dining and corporate event space.


Achieving Two AA Rosettes in under two years represents not just a milestone, but a statement of intent. The Pepperpot continues to raise the bar for Derby’s dining scene and looks forward to building on this success in the years ahead.


For reservations or more information:
Email: info@pepperpotderby.co.uk


Phone: 01332 321260
Website: www.pepperpotderby.co.uk



This article was supplied by a third party and was not written by the Sticky Beak Blog.

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