Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2026: The categories

This year, the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards feature 11 categories, which have been designed to allow as many food and drink businesses as possible a chance to enter.

They include popular categories such as Best Café, Best Pub, Best Newcomer, and, of course, the coveted Restaurant of the Year title.

There will once again be an Innovation Award, chosen by Marketing Derby, which will be given to the most innovative food and drink business in Derby.

And, as always, an award will be presented on the night recognising Outstanding Achievement.

Categories inviting nominations include:

Restaurant of the Year 2026

Best Café

Best Bar

Best Country Pub / Restaurant (outside of the city)

Best International

Best Newcomer

Best Overall Experience

Best Pub

Best Curry

Nominations, which open from today, are welcomed from members of the public, business leaders in the city and food and drink establishment owners.

Online voting closes on 31 July. The entries will then be used to select the three finalists in each category, who will be announced on 17 August.

Representatives from each sponsor will judge their category, which involves ‘mystery shopping’ at all three finalists and scoring against defined criteria.

The winners will then be announced at a ceremony at Derby Market Hall on 12 October.

The awards have attracted an enviable line-up of partners, including: SEGRO, Locally We Do, Catering24, Derby College Group, Leonardo, trentbarton, Edwards, Bloc Digital, Flint Bishop and the University of Derby.

To nominate, click here.