Winners of the 2026 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards crowned

The winners of the 2026 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards have been crowned.

Last night, the city’s very best places to eat and drink were honoured at an awards ceremony held at Derby City Council’s Derby Market Hall.

A total of 11 awards were handed out, with Lorentes’ Darley Abbey restaurant winning the prestigious Restaurant of the Year title.

Christopher Tebbs, inward investment executive and Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards lead, said: “Huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists.

“This year, we once again received over 5,000 nominations, which just shows the high regard in which these awards are held.

“We were particularly delighted to crown a number of first-time winners, alongside familiar names who consistently deliver a brilliant food and drink experience.”

Designed to shine a light on Derby’s food and drink businesses, the awards aim to recognise and celebrate the very best places to eat and drink across the city.

Over 5,000 nominations were received from members of the public, business leaders and food and drink establishment owners.

These were then whittled down to three finalists per category, whom the judges visited to decide on a winner.

The winners and runners-up are:

MARKETING DERBY RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2026

WINNER: Lorentes (Darley Abbey)

Runners-up: The Pepperpot, Compamigos

BEST CAFÉ

WINNER: Nourish at No.44

Runners-up: The Book Café (Derby), Café BLANC

BEST CURRY

WINNER: Lotus Indian Kitchen

Runners-up: Anoki (London Road), Hen & Chickens

BEST NEWCOMER

WINNER: The Spirit Run

Runners-up: Strutt Bakehouse, Bentley’s (Chellaston)

BEST INTERNATIONAL

WINNER: La Burrata

Runners-up: OMOMO, Lorentes (Friar Gate)

BEST COUNTRY PUB / RESTAURANT

WINNER: The Palfrey

Runners-up: The Elephant and Peacock, The Devonshire

BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE

WINNER: Yassou Greek (Little Eaton)

Runners-up: The Engine Room, Dovecote Restaurant at Morley Hayes

BEST BAR

WINNER: Belong Bar

Runners-up: Bouquet Wine Cellar (Little Eaton), Darley Abbey Wines

BEST PUB

WINNER: The Exeter Arms

Runners-up: The Silk Mill, The Royal Standard

MARKETING DERBY INNOVATION AWARD

WINNER: Bustler Market (for its vibrant new location at St James Yard and unique offer, which is driving footfall to the city centre)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

WINNER: Bistrot Pierre (the longest standing restaurant in the city centre, which is celebrating 30 years in business)

Marketing Derby congratulates all the winners and finalists and thanks everyone involved in the 2026 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards.

Particular thanks go to our sponsors: SEGRO plc, Catering24, Derby College Group, trentbarton, Edwards, Flint Bishop, Leonardo, The Locally We Do… Group, Royal Crown Derby, HUUB and the University of Derby.