Derbyshire’s Hottest Bites – March 2024

Dishing up my monthly column of local hospitality news… admittedly very late this month. What can I say? It’s been BUSY.

[AD – contains references to paid partnerships, gifted invites and my freelance work – although opinions are my own]

Industry News

The month started with a glittering awards ceremony at the Museum of Making for the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards. Congratulations to all the winners. Of particular note to foodies, the Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Award was won by the brilliant Fischer’s Baslow Hall, followed by The Pattenmakers in Duffield (personally chuffed at this one as I wrote their application) with The Maynard scooping bronze.

Pub of the Year was won by The Prince of Wales in Baslow, followed by The Blind Bull and then The George in Hathersage (which is to re-open soon!).

Hotel of the Year was won by Wildhive Callow Hall, with Peak Edge achieving silver and The Maynard the bronze.

I’d like to publicly congratulate my client and sponsor of the blog, Pub Tours on achieving two awards, a Silver award in the New Tourism Business category and Bronze in the Experience of the Year. In addition to this, founder of the brand, Emily Williamson has just achieved a prestigious podium position in the Visit England Tourism Superstar award. This fiercely fought competition highlights exceptional people in tourism who consistently go above and beyond in giving visitors the best experience. Read why I love Pub Tours here.

Just over the border in Staffordshire, I was pleased to see The Star at Cotton win a bronze award in the Pub of Year category, having helped write the application.

New Restaurant Openings

The most exciting new opening in Derbyshire this month was definitely The Ashford Arms in Ashford in the Water near Bakewell. It’s absolutely stunning inside, all the quaint, cosiness of a traditional country pub with a light and airy dining room that wouldn’t look amiss in a glossy interiors magazine. The welcome couldn’t have been warmer and the food was divine. If you haven’t already sampled the delights, book a table immediately – or head here to read my review.

Ones to Watch

Hobbs Café are currently busy putting the finishing touches to Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium – a spellbindingly quirky room full of magical sweets, treats and artisan ice creams. Opening soon! Keep your eyes on their socials to be the first to hear when it opens.

My Derbyshire Food Diary

My first foodie assignment since my last column was a trip to Dronfield Hall Barn to create some content in advance of the launch of the new Food and Drink Trail in North East Derbyshire. A proper hidden gem, set in gorgeous gardens, the barn dates back to 1430 and is now a bustling community centre. The cakes alone are worth a visit.

A few weeks later I also attended an event to launch the trail, held at the Tickled Trout. It was so lovely to catch up with lots of industry friends, and meet restauranteurs and talented artisan producers (and snaffle the Trout’s incredible canapés – you have to try their arancini – I’m obsessed with it!)

I found it fascinating chatting to Liv at Arden Coffee about all the brilliant things they do. Did you know they run a weekly barista school? And it’s open to anyone, not just trade – maybe a perfect gift for the coffee enthusiast in your life. I also love that they are the official sponsors of Ashgate Hospice’s Care for a Cuppa fundraising events.

I’m genuinely excited about the trail and am looking forward to discovering more foodie favourites as it grows and evolves. Huge thanks to Lara Nutter for her brilliant organisation and asking me to play a part in the project. View the NEDC Food and Drink Trail here.

One of the loveliest invites I’ve received this month was to explore the revamped Farm Shop on the Chatsworth Estate. I’m a huge fan of a farm shop, and Chatsworth’s is simply the best around. I had the most delightful time having a leisurely mooch around this foodie paradise and left with a basket full of delights.

A week or so ago, I led my first ‘How to do your own PR’ workshop as part of The Loop Collective’s Recharge & Rise retreat day for women in business. This was held in the stunning setting of Lorentes in Darley Abbey where we had the yummiest tapas lunch.

I’m running an extended version of this workshop, specifically tailored to tourism businesses on behalf of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire. I was delighted with how quickly tickets for the first date went. More dates will be announced here soon.

During one of our regular co-working days with my dear friend, Dawn-Elizabeth Rudd (a brilliant PR, Marketing & Media Consultant) I enjoyed a sneak peek of The Old Rectory Kitchen, the beautiful B&B she runs with her partner Simon, in an idyllic rural village on the outskirts of Ashbourne. Dawn also runs a range of private dining services for holiday lets, picnics and parties.

I finally tried Chatsworth Road’s new coffee shop, Ninety Four Coffee located just above Nonna’s. Every bit as good as I’d hoped. Just the right amount of ‘hipster’ – gorgeous décor, proper good coffees and an exciting brunch menu – without feeling too pretentious or unwelcoming. Definitely a new favourite!

Other dining out I’ve done for leisure included a catch up with friends at the Bulls Head in East Leake (part of the same chain who run The Hunloke etc), a quick coffee at The Cupola in Stoney Middleton and a great tuna melt at the café at QUAD Derby (fantastic speedy service) and a lovely family meal for my beloved Dad’s birthday at the School House in South Normanton.

Derbyshire Foodies

The idea for this feature comes entirely from Ria Ghei, a talented food critic, journalist and reporter for National World covering Derby and Nottingham. Ria recently wrote an article for Derby World asking local chefs their favourite place to eat out which I thought was utter genius and consumed with interest.

Stella’s Kitchen, Eyam

I always love hearing the stories behind the food and meeting interesting people. This month I spent a bit of time with Stella Kisob of Stella’s Kitchen in Eyam. Stella has built a much loved reputation for her home cooked Afro-Caribbean food. She’s such a warm, friendly and fascinating character… I was hanging off every word.

Did you know that Stella started her hospitality career in Derbyshire working front of house on the breakfast service at Fischer’s? She credits her time there as a pivotal point in her career, where she soaked up everything she could learn about providing top notch hospitality. Stella spoke so incredibly fondly of Susan and Max Fischer.

Stella eventually left Fischer’s to bring up her son. When she started to set up her own business, the Fischers gifted Stella various items including a set of Wedgewood plates, chairs, and most importantly imparted her with invaluable business advice such as how to price a menu, even helping her secure her first private dining bookings.

The informal, homely style of Stella’s Kitchen is in many ways a world away from the fine dining aesthetic of Fischer’s – but both are founded on a love of great food, with good people the beating heart of the business.  

Stella’s food has appeared on numerous TV shows, and has earned her an excellent reputation with many people travelling far and wide for her cooking. Popular dishes include puff puff, roasted whole fish and goat curry.

I asked Stella where she loves to eat out when she gets the chance. The answer? The Barrel at Bretton and quintessentially English tearooms like The Eating House and at Chatsworth.

Find out more about Stella’s Kitchen here

If you’re a Chef, Restauranteur or just a passionate foodie, and you’d be happy to answer a few questions about your love of Derbyshire food – please do get in touch.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this column. If you have, why not join my Derbyshire Food Lovers Facebook group?

Got some Derbyshire food news you’d like to share? Get in touch via LinkedIn or drop me an email.

See you next month,