Latest News | 17 August 2021

Almost 2,000 nominations submitted for Food and Drink Awards

Almost 2,000 nominations have already been submitted for this year’s Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards.

Since entries started to be accepted, following the formal launch of the awards at the end of last month, there has been a flood of submissions as people put forward their favourite places to eat and drink for some well-deserved recognition.

So far, nominations have been received from members of the public, business leaders and food and drink establishment owners, who have cast their vote by clicking here.

Nominations close on Friday 27 August. The finalists will then be announced on Wednesday 8 September, with the winners being revealed at the awards ceremony, which is set to take place at The Chocolate Factory, on Monday 18 October.

The awards are made up of 12 categories – many of them new.

Out of the 12 categories, 10 are open for nominations. The winners of the overall Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards Winner for 2021 and the award for Outstanding Achievement will be revealed on the night.

Among the new awards up for grabs this year is the Country Pub/Restaurant award, which is open to pubs and restaurants based in the 'Greater Derby' area.

Sponsored by White Peak Distillery, this title will be awarded to the business that is worth driving a few miles to visit; somewhere you'd take friends and family time and again.

The judging panel will be looking for a friendly welcome, warm atmosphere and good offering of food and drink.

Another category where a warm welcome goes a long way is the Most Family Friendly award, which this year is being sponsored by MiniAperture Photography.

This category celebrates those that go the extra mile to give families an all-round great experience. The winning establishment must offer more than just a child friendly menu, highchairs and changing facilities.

Another new category for this year is Best for Sustainability, sponsored by Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance.

For this award, entrants must be able to showcase how they engage customers and food suppliers at local and regional levels to shorten the sustainable food supply chain.

They must also inspire and empower others to cut down on food waste, food miles, unnecessary packaging and create opportunities to redistribute and recycle surplus food in Derby.

This summer, many of us have been engaging in a bit of al-fresco dining (when the weather behaves!).

Best Outdoor, which is a new category for this year, aims to reward the best place to eat and drink outside.

Sponsored by ACE Sameday Couriers, the winner of this category will need to have a space which is imaginative and much more than a couple of benches on the lawn!

The full list of categories are:

Marketing Derby Food & Drink Awards Winner 2021 – Sponsored by Denby Pottery
Outstanding Achievement Award – Sponsored by Royal Crown Derby
Most Innovative – Sponsored by Derby College Group
Excellence in Customer Service (city and county) – Sponsored by Peak Radio
Best for Drinking – Sponsored by Frame Fast
Most Family Friendly – Sponsored by MiniAperture Photography
Best Newcomer – Sponsored by DBC Training
Best Experience – Sponsored by University of Derby
Best Country Pub / Restaurant (outside of city) – Sponsored by White Peak Distillery
Best Café – Sponsored by CityFibre
Best Outdoor – Sponsored by ACE Sameday Couriers
Best for Sustainability – Sponsored by Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance