Culinary bosses are being reminded not to miss the chance to give their businesses a boost by entering awards which celebrate the county's finest eateries.
Applications for the annual Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards are open until October 10.
Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, star of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch Programme, will present awards in 12 categories during a celebration dinner at Chesterfield Football Club's Proact Stadium on 23 January, 2014.
Categories in the awards - which are jointly sponsored by HSKS Greenhalgh Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors and Holdsworth food specialists - are:
Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:
"The Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards have developed a strong reputation and are a great way for our county's outstanding restaurants, pubs, bistros and cafes to gain the recognition they deserve.
"With a dozen categories covering the industry there really is something for everyone and I'd urge businesses to not be shy in nominating themselves.
"The awards can really raise the profile of an eatery with winners being able to display Derbyshire Food and Drink Award certification and use it for marketing purposes."
Entries are judged on a number of criteria including quality of food and drink served, customer service, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus.
They are assessed by an independent panel of food specialists and each short-listed venue has a mystery shopper visit before final decisions are made.
Shortlisted entries in four categories - Restaurant of the Year, Gastro Pub of the Year, Best International Restaurant, and Best Newcomer - will be visited by experts from the Taste Derbyshire scheme and will be awarded bronze, silver or gold status.
To nominate an establishment and to be kept in touch with the latest award developments, CLICK HERE
