Hi all, how are my fellow foodies? I was pleased to hear that Stones Restaurant (located in the heart of Matlock) has been named Restaurant of the Year in the 2015 Derbyshire Life Food & Drink Awards. Consider it the Oscars’ of the foodie world, and I offer my hearty congratulations to the team at Stones.

STONES1The announcement follows Stones being named amongst the Midlands’ top six restaurants in The Observer Food Monthly’s annual gongs. Over 100 super cool foodies and highly esteemed guests attended the inaugural Derbyshire Life Food & Drink Awards at the Casa Hotel, Chesterfield. The awards are designed to champion, highlight and showcase the good and the great from the region’s food and drink industry. One great thing about attending this event is that the awards recognise the best local producers and suppliers, chefs, restaurants, pubs and hoteliers, and people who care about the countryside and the future of their local environment.

Stones Head Chef Kevin Stones commented: “There are some superb places to eat in Derbyshire, which makes this award very pleasing. We’re very proud to receive this award, not only for the people who work hard in our restaurant but also on behalf of the superb producers and suppliers who continue to provide the wonderful seasonal ingredients we’re lucky to have right on our doorstep.”

Joy Hales, Editor at Derbyshire Life said: “Stones’ is a contemporary restaurant that occupies a picture-perfect spot with lovely views over the River Derwent. It’s intimate and tastefully decorated dining area, beautifully presented dishes and excellent attention to detail.”

Stones have also recently list an Observer Food Monthly Runner Up Award in the Midlands section. OFM described Stones as ‘a family-run restaurant serving seasonal, modern British food in a picture-perfect location with a terrace looking out on the river Derwent.’

I’m looking forward to reviewing this avant garde eatery next month. Have you been? I’d love to hear how you got on, comment below or Tweet me!

RAxx