I cannot believe time has flown by so quickly, that the Derby Food and Drink Awards are around the corner. The awards are a must for any self-respecting foodie.  Derby is a great city with a fantastic dining scene, which is why these awards are very close to my heart.

Earlier today, Marketing Derby was pleased to announce the launch of the eighth annual Derby Food and Drink Awards.  The awards celebrate the best restaurants, pubs, bars and cafés Derby and Derbyshire has to offer.

Taking place at the iconic Roundhouse complex on the 10th October, the Derby Food and Drink Awards offers the people of Derby the chance to recognise their favourite eateries. Last year over 1,600 people nominated for their favourite establishments.

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This year, there are 8 categories open for nomination which include:

  • Best Newcomer
  • Best Pub
  • Best Bar
  • Best Out of Town
  • Derby Telegraph Excellence in Customer Service
  • Best Café
  • Best International
  • Restaurant of the Year

The 2016 nomination period officially opens today (19th July).

Marketing Derby managing director John Forkin said: “Each year the Derby Food and Drink Awards go from strength to strength. They are now firmly established in Derby’s awards calendar and are keenly awaited and hotly contested.  Marketing Derby are proud to co-ordinate these awards to help shine the light on the very best that Derby has to offer.”

Nominations will close on 19th August after which finalists will be announced for each category. After this, each nominated establishment will be visited by our panel of mystery judges. Judges are looking for a welcoming, comfortable and exceptional experience which makes a delicious contribution to Derby’s Food & Drink offer. The Local Authority food hygiene rating will also be taken into account.

Winners of Restaurant of the Year 2015 were Masa (here is my original review). A spokesman for Masa said: “It’s been a great achievement and a honour to be Derby’s restaurant of the year 2015. It’s brought a lot of new customers through our doors all with an already high expectation. It’s kept us on our toes to keep improving our food and style of service, to ensure all those expectations are met.”

The winners will be announced at the prestigious ceremony on the 10th October. For more information and to make your nominations, please visit www.derbyawards.co.uk.

Media partners for the ceremony include Derby Telegraph, so expect some great coverage soon. On a personal note, please, please don’t forget to get nominating, because your favourite restaurant certainly deserves some TLC.

Rx