The ‘best ‘ in Chesterfield have been crowned at the annual Best Bar None awards - a celebration of the work licensed venues are doing to create a safe and positive experience for everyone.
Sponsored by Global Brands and Avada Connect, the annual awards evening took place at the SMH Group Stadium on Wednesday 8 July, celebrating more than 30 venues across the borough for their commitment to safer socialising.
This year, restaurants were also invited to take part for the first time, widening the opportunity for even more venues to demonstrate high standards, responsible management and safe socialising.
A total of 37 pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants have been awarded the Best Bar None accreditation for 2026 – an increase on last year – highlighting a growing, shared effort to make sure Chesterfield remains an enjoyable place for people to get together.
The accredited venues for 2026 are: Apartment, Aruba, The Association, Beach and Groove, The Blue Bell, Bottle & Thyme, The Brampton Social Club, Bulls Head, Chandlers, Chesterfield Arms, Chesterfield Football Club, Crown & Anchor, The Crown and Cushion, The Derby Tup, The Dirty Habit, Donkey Derby, The Duke, Dunston Hall, Elder, Einstein’s, Holme Hall Inn, Junction Bar, La Dolce Vita Lambarellis, Lockoford Inn, Lombardis Restaurant, The Mile, No 10 Tea Rooms, Planet Pop, Portland Hotel, Rose and Crown, Rosie O' Leary’s, Sicily Restaurant, Sorbo Lounge, Spa Lane Vaults, The Star, Winding Wheel Theatre and Ye Royal Oak.
As well as the Best Bar None accreditation awards, six special awards were up for grabs on the night. The winners of each category were:
Best restaurant (new category for 2026)
Winner: La Dolce Vita Lambarelli’s
Runners up: Bottle & Thyme, Sicily Restaurant
Best tenanted venue
Winner: Derby Tup
Runners up: Rose and Crown, Chesterfield Arms
Best independent venue
Winner: Junction Bar
Runners up: Beach and Groove, Planet Pop
Best managed venue
Winner: Sorbo Lounge
Runners up: Holme Hall Inn, The Blue Bell
People’s Choice Award (as voted by members of the public)
Chandlers
Runners up: Holme Hall Inn, Junction Bar
Overall winner
Winner: Dunston Hall
The Best Bar None scheme - supported by the Home Office and drinks industry – was initially launched in the town in 2024 by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Best Bar None, Chesterfield Pubwatch and Derbyshire Constabulary with the aim of reducing alcohol-related crime and providing a safer night out for everyone.
The scheme is designed to build positive relationships between the licensed trade, police and local authorities and aims to champion improvements in the way venues are managed – encouraging best practice to be shared.
Since its launch, Chesterfield Borough Council has expanded the scheme, and now invites all licensed premises, including restaurants, from all across the borough to register for Best Bar None accreditation.
All accredited venues were assessed against a set criteria and demonstrate a strong commitment to championing safer socialising.
More information on the scheme.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield is a very safe place to live, socialise and visit, and while alcohol-related crime and disorder can occasionally arise - as it does in towns and cities across the country - we are committed to ensuring that Chesterfield remains safe, welcoming and fun for everyone, and the Best Bar None scheme is helping us to do just that.
“We’re lucky to have so many great bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs across the town and it is really positive to see the number of accredited venues grow from 27 to 37 over the past 12 months. It was great to see them come together for the awards ceremony and celebrate their achievements. We will continue to highlight the work they are all doing to ensure Chesterfield remains a safe place for socialising.”
A charity raffle was also held on the night, with £1,045 raised of Ashgate Hospice.
All licensed hospitality business from across the borough are being encouraged to sign up to the Best Bar None scheme too. They can find out more and sign up by contacting the council’s licensing team via email: glenn.holden@chesterfield.gov.uk or by calling 01246 345230.
