Categories and Entry Criteria

There are nine categories in the 2015 Derby Food and Drink Awards.

Please note that judging will be based on the quality of the content in the nomination, NOT quantity of nomination forms.

Main Entry Criteria: All entrants must come from within the City Of Derby boundary (see map below) apart from the “Best Out of Town” and “Customer Service” awards which will include the City and County of Derbyshire. The over-riding criteria is the quality of both the product and service of the nominated establishment.

The shortlisting panel are especially looking for a welcoming, comfortable and exceptional experience which contributes towards making a delicious difference to Derby’s food and drink offer. The Local Authority food hygiene rating will be taken into account in decisions as will recent Trip Advisor reviews.

Terms & Conditions: All entrants who make the shortlist of the three must agree to provide complimentary meals/drinks for two judging panel members per category shortlisted on production of a voucher.

The judging visit will be made over a four-week period and will be unannounced.

The winner of the Customer Service Award will be voted by Derby Telegraph readers from a shortlist of six establishments.

Best Newcomer

This category is open to food and drink businesses that are 18 months old or younger. Whether they have come onto the Derby food and drink scene with a bang, or are still Derby’s best kept secret, this category will award food and drink businesses that have injected something new into the Derby food and drink offer.

Best Pub

Awarded to establishments that offer consistency and excellence in their drinks specialism as well as good facilities and a great ambience. The panel will judge on staff knowledge and service and the overall feel and facilities. Derby is the ‘Real Ale Capital of Britain’ so real ale should be a focus, with an acknowledgement of local micro-breweries. The panel will also be looking for good atmosphere and a friendly welcome.

Best Out of Town

Open to restaurants, pubs, bars or cafes, located outside the city of Derby but within 30 minutes travel time. This category will be awarded to the food and drink business ‘everyone is talking about’; the business that is worth driving a few miles to visit somewhere you’d take friends and family time and again.

Best Bar

The bar must have a sophisticated, stylish yet welcoming atmosphere. Judges will be looking for an original cocktail menu and range of spirits and beers. A subsidiary events/entertainment programme schedule should reflect the quality of the bar and its clientele and staff should be knowledgeable and friendly.

Derby Telegraph Excellence in Customer Service Judges will be looking for an outstanding level of customer service throughout with evidence of continuous staff training and customer feedback processes. Nominations received for this category will be shortlisted and Derby Telegraph readers will be invited to vote online for their winner!

Best Café The establishment must serve a range of teas and coffees. Judges will be looking for a selection of bites to eat, cakes as well as a welcoming, comfortable and relaxing environment.

Best International

The restaurant must specialize in world foods, offering customers the opportunity to awaken their taste buds with authentic cuisine. Judges will be looking to be transported to new cultures, with original and creative menus, where high quality, fresh ingredients are at the heart.

Outstanding Achievement

Selected by the Food and Drink Awards Steering Group, this award will hand-pick an ambassador for Derby’s food and drink offer and the winner will be announced at the ceremony.

Restaurant of the Year

The judges will be looking for an exceptional standard throughout. The menu should be carefully crafted and original, acknowledging food provenance. Service should be of an extremely high standard and staff will be judged on their knowledge of the menu and wine to complement the dishes. Bar drinks should be extensive. Generally an all-round exceptional experience.

The nomination deadline is 17th August at 5pm. To nominate an establishment, you can use the online nomination form or download and print the Nomination Form 2015.

Please note, if you use the downloadable form, please submit it to: [email protected] or post to Marketing Derby, Riverside Chambers, Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF

See map on website for the boundaries for the Derby Food and Drink Awards nominations.