Finalists revealed for the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards

The finalists have been revealed for this year’s Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards.

After a phenomenal response to a call for nominations, of which over 3,000 were received, the judges have decided upon their shortlists for the annual celebration of the best places to eat and drink in the city.

The awards are made up of 12 categories – 10 of which were open for nominations.

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony, which is set to take place at The Chocolate Factory, on Monday 18 October.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “We were delighted to receive over 3,000 nominations and the impact of the pandemic has been obvious in the large number received for neighbourhood establishments and even so-called 'dark kitchens', which offer delivery only services.

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“Once again, the judges will have a tough, albeit thoroughly enjoyable, task.”

The Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards aim to recognise, reward and celebrate, Derby’s best food and drink businesses.

Nominations were received from members of the public, business leaders and food and drink establishment owners.

Each award, apart from Excellence in Customer Service, is judged by its category sponsor.

The Excellence in Customer Service winner will be chosen by a public vote and will be announced on the night of the awards. Voting for this has now opened and you can cast your vote by clicking here.

The overall Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards Winner for 2021, sponsored by Denby Pottery, and the award for Outstanding Achievement, sponsored by Royal Crown Derby, will also be revealed on the night.

The judges have selected three finalists per category, except for Best Newcomer, where, due to the high quality of entries, there are four.

The shortlisted finalists are:

Most Innovative – Sponsored by Derby College Group

• Anoki

• Project D

• Mezzo

Excellence in Customer Service (city and county) – Sponsored by Peak Radio

• 189 Allestree

• Anoki

• Morley Hayes

• Kava Coffee Bar

• Portobello

• Shalimar Gold

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Best for Drinking – Sponsored by Frame Fast

• Blacksmith’s Lounge

• The Blessington Carriage

• Suds & Soda

Most Family Friendly – Sponsored by MiniAperture Photography

• The Crossbar, Chellaston

• Morley Hayes

• The Coffee House at Derby Museums

Best Newcomer – Sponsored by DBC Training

• Generations Takeaway

• The Hole in the Wall, Mickleover

• Let’s Taco ‘Bout It

• Sacred Bean Coffee

Best Experience – Sponsored by University of Derby

• Darleys Restaurant and Terrace

• Lorentes

• Bustler Market

Best Country Pub / Restaurant (outside of city) – Sponsored by White Peak Distillery

• Amalfi White, Melbourne

• Arthur’s, Belper

• The Cock Inn, Mugginton

Best Café – Sponsored by CityFibre

• Just One More Café

• Milk & Honey Deli

• The River Kitchen at the Museum of Making

Best Outdoor – Sponsored by ACE Sameday Couriers

• The Bell & Castle

• Bustler Market

• The Cottonworks

Best for Sustainability – Sponsored by Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance

• PLANT Café and Bar

• Vedi

• BEAR

Attention now turns to the awards ceremony itself.

To book a place at the awards ceremony please click here.

For more information about the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards please click here.

To keep up to date with all the latest news about the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards follow @DerbyFoodAwards on Twitter.