Categories and Entry Criteria
There are nine categories in the 2016 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.
KEY DATES:
Nomination Period: 18th July-19th August (5pm)
23rd Aug-23rd September (5pm) for Customer Service
Finalists announced: Thursday 25th August
Ceremony: 10th October
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 19h August at 5pm for all Awards except the Derby Telegraph Customer
Service Award, 23rd September (5pm). To nominate an establishment, you can use the online
nomination form or download and print the Nomination Form 2016.
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.