On stage at the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2023

As a Derby marketing agency with extensive team experience in the bar, restaurant and hospitality sectors, Balls2 Marketing keeps a close eye on the incredible collection of eateries and drink-eries we have on our doorstep. This week, we rushed to raise a glass with the best of the bunch at the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2023 and took to the stage as judges of the Best Pub category, which this year went to The Exeter Arms.  

Other winners on the night were The Tasting Club for Restaurant of the Year; Café Villabella for Best Café; Darley Abbey Wines for Best Bar; The Barley Mow for Best Country Pub/Restaurant; The Binary for Best Newcomer; Roosters Bar for Most Family-Friendly; Lorentes for Best International, and Anoki for both Excellence in Customer Service and Best Overall Experience. A special Anniversary Award was collected by Dovecote Restaurant and Derby Brewing picked up the plaque for Outstanding Achievement. 

Held at the eclectic Bustler at The Chocolate Factory, this year marked the 15th Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards, and a record 5,000-plus nominations from the public, business leaders and venue owners. Opening the awards and demonstrating his clear passion for the city, managing director of Marketing Derby John Forkin said: “The appetite for these awards has never been higher – likewise the standard of places to eat and drink in Derby.” 

“Marketing Derby’s Food and Drink Awards are a chance to really shout about the exceptional establishments and businesses we have in the city and its surrounds,” says Balls2 Marketing Senior Account Manager Sarah Dufton, who presented our category at this year’s event.   
“We truly live and breathe our clients’ highs and lows, and the awards give us the chance to celebrate alongside Derby’s food and drink scene. The hospitality sector has navigated a tough market in 2023, and the skilled Balls2 Marketing team is committed to throwing our support and expertise behind making it fly.” 

Are you a bar, restaurant or food and drink-centric brand looking to mix up your marketing in 2024? Contact our expert team, pop in for a cuppa, and let’s cook up something special.  

B2M with the Best Pub winners, The Exeter Arms, at the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2023

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