Winners of Derby’s ‘food Oscars’ includes country pub and new ‘ingredient led’ eatery

Derby’s dining scene was celebrated in a glittering awards ceremony as winners of 2023 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards were crowned.

The event on October 9 took place at The Chocolate Factory.

A total of 12 awards were handed out on the night, with The Tasting Club carrying off the prestigious Restaurant of the Year title.

On the night, the Outstanding Achievement Award went to Derby Brewing, while a special Anniversary Award went to Morley Hayes for its Dovecote Restaurant.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “This year was a very special one for the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards as the competition celebrated its 15th year.

“We received a record number of nominations, which showed that the appetite for these awards has never been higher – likewise the standard of places to eat and drink in Derby.”

Designed to shine a light on Derby’s brilliant food and drink businesses, the awards aim to recognise and celebrate the very best places to eat and drink across the city.

This year, a record 5,000-plus nominations were received from members of the public, business leaders and food and drink establishment owners.

These were whittled down to the lucky finalists, who were then visited by the judges so they could decide on a winner.

Here is the full list of winners and runners-up.

Restaurant of the Year

Winner: The Tasting Club

Runners-up: Darley’s, Nicco’s

Best Café

Winner: Café Villabella

Runners-up: Milk & Honey, The Bookcafe

Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Anoki (London Road)

Runners-up: The Durham Ox (Ilkeston), Smalls Kitchen, Stable View Café (Ilkeston), The Devonshire (Belper), Milk & Honey

Best Bar

Winner: Darley Abbey Wines

Runners-up: Blacksmith’s Lounge, Suds and Soda

Best Pub

Winner: Exeter Arms

Runners-up: The Blessington Carriage, The Hoptimist

Best Country Pub / Restaurant

Winner: The Barley Mow (Bonsall)

Runners-up: Horse & Jockey (Wessington), The Boot (Repton)

Best Newcomer

Winner: The Binary

Runners-up: Carnivore, Mr Shaw’s House

Best Overall Experience

Winner: Anoki (London Road)

Runners-up: Kedleston Country House, Yassou

Most Family-friendly

Winner: Roosters Bar (Morley Hayes)

Runners-up: Annie’s Burger Shack, The Orangery Café (Markeaton Park)

Best International

Winner: Lorentes (Friar Gate)

Runners-up: Let’s Taco bout it, Nicco’s

Outstanding Achievement Award

Derby Brewing

Anniversary Award

Winner: Dovecote Restaurant (Morley Hayes)

Runners-up: Darley’s, Bistro Pierre