Ladies and gents, it’s that time of year again. The Derby Food and Drink Awards are around the corner, and with over 2,200 nominations received from the public, Marketing Derby are pleased to announce the finalists of the eighth annual awards ceremony.
The finalists were shortlisted from the quality and content of the public nominations, as well as the establishment’s hygiene ratings and TripAdvisor scores. Each establishment will be visited by mystery judges, who will critique them on food, drinks, overall atmosphere and customer service. The winners will be announced at a ceremony, to be held at The Roundhouse on Monday 10th October.
John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “Every year the number of nominations increases, and this year was our most difficult task, in whittling down from over 2,200 nominations into a shortlist. This year’s finalists reflect the diversity and quality of Derby’s food and drink scene.
“The judges will have a difficult, albeit enjoyable, time picking a winner. We have asked them to take a rounded view, looking for excellence in customer service, with knowledgeable staff who seem to care, appropriate ambience, as well as, of course, an excellent food and drink offer.”
Here are details of the finalists, did your favourite eatery make the list?
Best International – Sponsored by Riverlights Derby
Finalist – Lorentes
Finalist – Shalimar Gold
Finalist– The Spice Lounge
Best Café – Sponsored by Zest Produce
Finalist – The Coffee House at Derby Museums
Finalist – Grand Café Caruso
Finalist – Heavenly Desserts
Best Bar – Sponsor tbc
Finalist – Pitcher and Piano
Finalist – Mansion
Finalist– Hopgate
Best Pub – Sponsor tbc
Finalist – The Greyhound
Finalist – New Zealand Arms
Finalist – The Exeter Arms
Best Newcomer – Sponsored by University of Derby Business School
Finalist – The Cosy Club
Finalist – Oliver’s
Finalist – Lisa Jean at Bennetts Brasserie
Best Out of Town – Sponsored by Xcel Energy
Finalist – Dovecote at Morley Hayes
Finalist – Anoki Burton
Finalist – Fox and Hounds, Coxbench
Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Marketing Derby Bondholders
Finalist – Iberico
Finalist – Hide
Finalist – Masa
Finalist – Restaurant Zest
Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Derby Telegraph
Finalist – Anoki (Derby)
Finalist – Dovecote Restaurant, Morley Hayes
Finalist – Grand Café Caruso
Finalist – Mansion
Finalist – Hide
Finalist– The Spice Lounge
Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Marketing Derby Bondholders
Finalist – Iberico
Finalist – Hide
Finalist – Masa
Finalist – Restaurant Zest
I wish good luck to all, may you continue to serve most excellent food and delight diners from Derbyshire and beyond.
Love RAxx