Entries open for the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2026

Entries for the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2026 are now open!

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.

Nominations are now being accepted for the awards, which culminate in a vibrant ceremony inside a stunning new venue – Derby City Council’s Derby Market Hall – on Monday 12 October.

Last year, more than 5,000 nominations were received – and now nominations are being accepted for 2026.

Christopher Tebbs, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Food and Drink Awards lead, said: “We are delighted to launch the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2026.

“The city is home to an ever-growing list of quality food and drink establishments.

“It is now time to put your favourites forward and give them the recognition they so richly deserve.”

Featuring 11 categories, the awards have been designed to allow as many food and drink businesses as possible to enter.

This year’s categories include Best Café, Best Pub, Best Bar and Best Country Pub / Restaurant – and, of course, Restaurant of the Year.

There will once again be an Innovation Award, chosen by Marketing Derby, and an award presented on the night recognising Outstanding Achievement.

An updated Food and Drink Guide will also be produced, which will include all the 2026 winners.

This year, the public, the business community and the food and drink outlets themselves are invited to make nominations.

Once the nomination period closes on 31 July, judges will round them down to a shortlist of finalists, who will be announced in August.

The winners will then be revealed at the awards ceremony in October.

To nominate click here.