Latest news with #BritishRestaurantAwards
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Derbyshire restaurant loved by Louis Theroux fending off some of the UK's fanciest in national competition
A fancy Peak District restaurant recently visited by Louis Theroux is well and truly putting little old Derbyshire on the map as it looks to fend off some of the biggest names in the restaurant scene. It comes after Deacon's Bank, a stunningly restored bank in Chapel-en-le-Frith, was named as a finalist for 'Restaurant of the Year' at the national British Restaurant Awards. It joins the famed Ritz in Mayfair, The Ledbury in Notting Hill, Azzurra in Chelsea and Happy Bar and Grill in Soho, as well as fellow Northerners at Moor Hall in Lancashire and the Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye. It is the sixth edition of the awards and looks to shine a spotlight on the UK's best restaurants and food vendors across the UK, with categories including best new restaurant, best chef, best luxury restaurant and best hospitality team - among many more. Nestled on Market Street in Chapel-en-le-Frith, and just over an hour's drive from Derby, the restaurant is housed in a majestic Grade II-listed building that stood empty for four years before being transformed into Deacon's Bank. Although only opening in 2023, the restaurant quickly gained recognition, bagging two AA Rosettes and a mention in the coveted Michelin Guide within its first year. READ MORE: The longstanding Chaddesden takeaway where customers ask the boss to put the prices up READ MORE: Dozens of arts, crafts, food and drink stalls set for Denby Pottery Village event this weekend Helmed by proprietor Tom Gouldburn, with head chef Simon Harrison leading the culinary creativity, Deacon's Bank prides itself on a dedication to seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Patrons can indulge in dishes such as braised lamb shoulder, halibut, prosciutto wrapped pork fillet, After Eight mousse and white chocolate parfait. Renowned documentary maker Louis Theroux visited the Peak District restaurant earlier this year, with a spokesperson for the restaurant saying, "Had a special visitor for dinner last night. @officiallouistheroux popped in for a meal on this cold, snowy January weekend." The restaurant staff expressed their excitement online, posting: "Hope you all enjoyed your meal, we certainly enjoyed serving you. We have braved the snow and are open today if you fancy a lovely roast dinner or even just a few drinks." As you'd expect, Deacon's Bank has a catalogue of glowing reviews online, with a 4.9/5-star rating on Tripadvisor, from almost 100 reviews. One recent visitor, Alan G, called it a "wonderful experience", adding: "Being talked through the dishes and the preparation that goes into producing truly exceptional food made for a fabulous evening. "Simon, the chef, and the rest of the staff made our evening very special. We could have chatted for hours. "Good food is hard to come by, and a great dining experience is even harder. Don't miss this place, the food is simply amazing." User Rebbux, giving five stars, said: "Wonderful Sunday lunch, had three courses and all absolutely gorgeous. The parfait was so nice on a bed of tomatoes and herb reduction was the nicest starter I've had for ages. "The guys had roast cod with shellfish reduction which they said was fab and I had a great roast lamb dinner. My son had the caramel tart and said it's the best pudding he's ever had, and the cheeseboard was great too. Would recommend, service was friendly and smooth and the wines were good too." The restaurant will be flying the Derbyshire flag high at the British Restaurant Awards ceremony on Monday, August 18. A spokesperson for the awards said: "From Michelin-starred establishments to beloved local gems, the British Restaurant Awards shines a spotlight on the culinary talent shaping the future of food and dining culture. Join us as we honour excellence, taste the extraordinary, and network with leading voices in hospitality, media, and entertainment."
The South African
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
South African chef nominated for 'Best Chef' at British Restaurant Awards
Capetonian chef Ash Valenzuela‑Heeger's star continues to rise with her latest nomination, which honours top chefs across the United Kingdom. Valenzuela‑Heeger is the founder of Riverine Rabbit, a restaurant that originally began as a pop-up in Cape Town before finding a permanent home in Birmingham during the pandemic. Her food reflects a bold and personal blend of South African heritage and British seasonal produce, writes the Birmingham Wire . Valenzuela‑Heeger is a Silwood-trained chef who cut her teeth under Luke Dale Roberts at top Cape Town kitchens La Colombe and The Test Kitchen. She gained further international experience at renowned UK restaurants, including The Ledbury in Notting Hill, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Carters of Moseley. She then returned to Cape Town to start her own ventures – first ASH Restaurant in 2016, and later Riverine Rabbit in 2018. According to British Restaurant Awards judges, the Eastern Cape-born chef weaves South African culinary heritage into her menu. Her Birmingham-based Riverine Rabbit has since become a celebrated name in the city's food scene. Among its offerings are spice-infused small plates, crab toast, and honey-cured beef, using seasonal British ingredients. This distinctive SA-UK mix earned Riverine Rabbit a Michelin Bib Gourmand earlier this year, while Valenzuela‑Heeger was the recipient of the Michelin Guide's Young Chef Award for 2025. 'I'm not surprised that Ash has been awarded,' said Eat Out Culinary Director Abigail Donnelly after Valenzuela‑Heeger's Michelin Award. 'I've followed her for many years – particularly when she was at The Test Kitchen. She's just a powerhouse.' 'Her flavours are unique – powerful and packed full of flavour.' Valenzuela‑Heeger also starred on the Netflix series The Final Table – a reality cooking show that featured 24 recognised chefs from around the world. The British Restaurant Awards shortlist will be officially revealed on 10 September. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London later this year. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
