Head chef shares his top Derby restaurants including one that serves the ‘best sushi in the UK’

We have found one of the best ways to discover cool spaces serving great food is to go straight to the source - which are chefs in the know.

As part of our Top Chefs Recommendation series, we speak to local chefs in Derby cooking up a storm in their own kitchens, and who have respect for fellow chefs and the dishes they create.

It is part of an uplifting, feel-good series because one of the highest compliments a restaurant can get is pure and wholesome appreciation from those who rate good food.

The chef in the hot seat with us today is Joe Wood, who has been in the industry since the age of 18-years-old.

His stellar cooking skills have seen him lead the acclaimed supper club Incognito Dining, and work as head chef at Breadsall Priory and Cottonworks Bistro.

He started as head chef at The Pepperpot Derby, one of the city’s newest eateries that focuses on providing a luxe dining experience. 

Meet Joe Wood

Joe, 28-years-old, from Derby, enjoys creating dishes with flair.

Inspiration comes to him from all angles, including food from memories past, to what he sees will be in season.

He is meticulous about using seasonal produce in his 120-cover restaurant The Pepperpot and will change the menu frequently, every few weeks to “keep things fresh and in season.” 

Citing food heroes Gordon Ramsay and Simon Rogan at Michelin starred restaurants, Joe is keen to shout out about local talent too.

Here are three Derby restaurants rated by Joe Wood, one of the hottest chefs in Derby

Ebi Sushi - ‘stunning sushi in the whole of the UK’

This unassuming restaurant that initially opened to cater to the Japanese community near the Toyota plant in Derby, has fans from all over the country.

Joe has high praise for the quality of the fish. He said: “The fish is amazing, they [chefs] smash out the best sushi in the UK.

“Each piece catches you unawares, it really is stunning, the best in town.”

Address: Ebi Sushi, 59 Abbey Street, Derby DE22 3SJ

BEAR - ‘best brunch in Derby’

This coffee shop channelling cosy-casual vibes is in Joe’s top three list. 

Serving cocktails, light suppers and brunch, this independent eatery has seven stores across the county.

Joe said: “BEAR is great. Their brunch offering is always spot on and I always have a good time there.”

One of the city centre’s branches details are as follows.

Address: BEAR,  7 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3FJ

The Old Dog - ‘great beer garden and brilliant summer hotspot’

This unfussy country pub is thought to be a fabulous pitstop enjoyed by hikers on the Tissington Trail and wider Derbyshire.

Joe said: “The pub has a really good menu including a very tasty Sunday lunch.

"There's a great beer garden, which is a brilliant hotspot in the summer, it gets really busy with walkers in the area too.”

The Old Dog is rated number one on Tripadvisor under the ‘Quick Bite in Thorpe’ category, so this may even be a good place to grab a bite to eat before heading out on a long ramble. 

Address: The Old Dog, Spend Lane, Thorpe, Ashbourne DE6 2AT

Honourable mentions for Derbyshire suppliers

Having the right tools - or ingredients - for the job, and being in the know about who is the best food supplier, is part and parcel of being a head chef. 

Joe is keen to mention two suppliers that he says ‘always deliver.’

They are Owen Taylor, an Alfreton-based family butchers, and Chefs Cut Butchery in Long Eaton.

If you are a chef reading this article and would like to be a part of our exciting series where you share insider knowledge of personal top restaurants, then please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]