Winners Of The 2017 Derby Food & Drink Awards
Published On Monday 9 Oct 2017 by Sticky Beak
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Derbys iconic Roundhouse was the venue for Marketing Derbys 2017 Food and Drink Awards ceremony, with between 200-250 people attending. As well as the Marketing Derby team, I think I should mention the effort put into this event by its other partners; Royal Crown Derby, Cactus Images, Promocioskodok, Derby Telegraph, and Roundhouse Events have all worked incredibly hard to make this a memorable evening. It was lovely to be able to spend a few minutes catching up with Asad from Marketing Derby; he’s such a personable young man. Before the awards ceremony got underway there was an assortment of displays and stalls to wander round and enjoy.
Darley Abbey Cider makers were there, and several of their stockists were up for awards; Suds and Soda, and Terroir Bistro to name just two. What I love about Darley Abbey Cider is the fact that 100% of the apples they use come from Derbyshire; a lot of folks donate their crops from personal allotments and orchards. At the moment they’re looking for volunteers to go and help press the apples, so if you have some free time this Saturday, get in touch with them.
One of my favourite stalls from last year, Cacao Elora, were back to showcase their amazing chocs. I couldn’t help but try two of the Chocolates on offer; the 80% cocoa variety was exceptionally smooth, which was a brilliant contrast to the earthy notes of the organic 70% cocoa Peruvian choice. These guys are one of about 20 “bean-to-bar” traders in the UK, so if you come across them, please support them.
The very handsome, charming Johnathan and Michael from The Rested Cocktail Company were also showing off their marvellous creations; old favourites Gin Martini and The Old Fashioned were going down rather well so I just had to try new kid on the block, Harvard too. Harvard is a cheeky blend of Brandy, Rosso Vermouth and Orange Bitters that is gorgeously smooth on the palate with just a nice warming effect in the belly; perfect for autumn and winter.
Heanor based business 47 degree Coffee was providing top quality cups of coffee; the Colombian blend was silky smooth with lovely caramel hints.
At this years’ awards (the ninth anniversary of them) there have been over 5,200 nominations from the public, which I think reflects how vibrant the social eating and drinking scene in Derby is fast becoming. Let’s face it though, everybody knows that us Derbyshire folk know how to kick back and enjoy ourselves; we are a very sociable bunch :)
Hygiene ratings and TA scores were also taken into consideration alongside the public nominations when winners were picked in each category. Mystery judges also went and visited the contenders, looking for excellent customer service, product knowledge, ambience, and the range of food and/or drinks available. Marketing Derbys’ M.D, John Forkin, said that the judges had enjoyed their experience of all the nominees venues and products, and none of the decisions had been easy to make.
Personally, I think this demonstrates what a fantastic culinary scene our marvellous county has to offer; long may it continue to thrive and expand! The Man Bird and I took our seats and waited to see who the lucky winners would be, along with all the other expectant guests in the room.
Nick Britten was host for the evening; for those of you not familiar with Nick he writes for The Telegraph newspaper and is also M.D of Derby based P.R agency Another Voice. With his animated, witty repartee Nick kept the proceedings trotting along smoothly. I loved the fact that he is so passionate and enthusiastic about Derby; and he’s a fellow Rams fan like My Daddy Bird :)
The first award of the evening was Best Newcomer (sponsored by Codesfr and Burnthebook) and the winner was Bustler Market. As you know, His Nibs and I have visited this innovative venue a couple of times and on both occasions it was, well, bustling. Originally planned to just run over the summer in the lower level of Riverlights, Bustler proved to be very popular and has extended its season up until Christmas. I have got all my feathers crossed that it will become a permanent fixture on the Derby scene. Read about our visit to Bustler
Next up was the award for Best International Winner. This category is sponsored by Riverlights Derby and was won by a very happy Masala team who said they “will try to do even better” over the coming year. Judges considered Masala to be” an excellent example of exquisite Indian cuisine” and they had “customer service second to none”.
The Best Cafe award (sponsored by Derby College) went to Katherines Gift and Coffee Bar and was presented to a visibly emotional team by Carol Dixon from Derby College. A couple of comments from the judges were “their staff are the key to its success” and it had a”wonderful community atmosphere”. High praise indeed for a venture that only opened in November 2016; congratulations ladies :)
The Saracens Head at Shirley were voted to be the Best Out of Town venue, much to their obvious delight. It was, as they said, “the culmination of 11 years hard work”, and Peter Dewhurst from the University of Derby was pleased to be able to give them their award.
“Best Pub” is always hotly contested because everyone has their favourite haunt, but this years’ winner of the category sponsored by The Irongate Group was The Silk Mill Ale and Cider House. The presenter was Adam Noble from the sponsors who quoted the judges as saying “consistency and excellence “were what gave this team the edge. On hearing they had won, the team gave a holler of delight and some had tears in their eyes.
IN Magazine sponsors the Best Bar award which was won by The Palfrey and Jack Williams presented the award. The Man Bird and I recently had a delicious meal here (and a couple of drinkies!) so we were thrilled for owners Amy and Sharon on their well deserved success. Sharon and Amy (who were wearing gorgeous co-ordinating boots I have to say) and their team were “incredibly humbled to be nominated in their first year” of business. Read About Our Visit To The Palfrey
The next award of the evening was Best Customer Service, a category sponsored by the Derby Telegraph and won by Derby Cathedral Cafe. This category is entirely decided by the publics’ votes and as they picked up the award from host Nick Britten they said “thank you to everyone who voted”.
One of the events partners, Royal Crown Derby, sponsors the next award; the very prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award. This went to Liv and Sarah Pritchard from Bean Caffe, whose sheer joy was clearly discernible on their faces. In their acceptance speech they praised and thanked all the finalists, which I thought was lovely and they said they were “really thrilled to be given the award” as they “absolutely love our job, every moment of it”.
All too soon the evening was coming to a close and all that remained was to announce the winner of Denby Pottery sponsored Restaurant of the Year. This much-coveted award went to Terroir Bistro and was presented by Hayley who ran Zest restaurant before going to work at Denby Pottery. The judges were impressed by the “carefully crafted, original menu” on offer at this 10 month old venture. Chef was close to tears on stage and fist-pumped the air as he said a succinct “Get In!” I think it safe to say they were a happy bunch :)
It never fails to amaze me just how much commitment all the venues teams’ put into what they do. Everyone we talked to mentioned their passion and love of their job and what they do, and the fact that they’re always striving for more. Grit and determination are qualities that Derbyshire people have in abundance; it’s in our DNA. Our friendliness, outstanding scenery, and joie-de-vivre are what keep folks coming to our great towns and cities and now, thanks to the brilliant innovators around, it’ll be our fantastic food and drink that attracts them too!
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the Ninth Marketing Derby Food and Drink awards, you were all magnificent and we at The Sticky Beak Blog wish you all continued success in your ventures :)
See all of our photos from the evening
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