Pictured above:  Rupert Rowley, head chef at Fischer's and Rowley's (second from left), receives Taste Derbyshire accreditation from Councillor Andrew Lewer, Leader of Derbyshire County Council (second from right), watched by David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (right) and Andrew Pugh, Chairman of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (left)

Michelin-starred Fischer's Baslow Hall has added yet another feather to its culinary cap by becoming the first venue in Derbyshire to receive a new quality mark promoting the best possible standards in eating out across the county.

Rupert Rowley, head chef at Fischer's and sister business Rowley's, was the proud recipient of the first-ever Taste Derbyshire accreditation to be awarded, at the scheme's official launch at Chatsworth last night (Wednesday September 29), hosted by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

The official tourist board is introducing the scheme as part of a nationwide campaign to encourage eating out venues to raise their game and boost consumer confidence.

"We are delighted to be the first restaurant to receive this new accreditation," said Rupert. "It is always rewarding to be acknowledged for our commitment to delivering high quality dishes using fantastic Derbyshire produce." 

Added David James, the tourist board's Chief Executive: "All aspects of quality food and drink - from prime produce sourced in and around the area to customer service - are key ingredients for everything from a satisfying holiday to a night out for local people in the Peak District & Derbyshire, and Taste Derbyshire recognizes the important role it plays.

"It's especially fitting that Fischer's Baslow Hall has been selected as the first recipient, given the restaurant's long-standing emphasis on using local food wherever possible and achieving exemplary standards of excellence.

"Now we'd like eating out venues of all kinds - right from fine dining establishments to fish and chip shops - to take part in the Taste Derbyshire assessment to reassure customers that they can count on an overall quality experience whenever and wherever they see the distinctive logo."

Taste Derbyshire - the first scheme of its kind in the East Midlands - aims to encourage businesses ranging from take away food shops to large hotels to offer quality service in key areas such as use of local food and suppliers, menu, presentation, customer service, staff knowledge and facilities.

Premises - including everything from bistros and bars to pubs, tearooms and restaurants - are assessed during an independent 'mystery shop'. At the end of the visit, the assessor introduces himself or herself and reveals the rating that will be awarded, followed by a written report pinpointing where standards can be maintained or improved.

Businesses achieving more than 80 per cent receive a Highest Quality Assured Award, while those scoring between 60 and 79 per cent qualify for a Quality Assured Award.

To celebrate its launch, Taste Derbyshire assessments are being used in the judging process for Derbyshire County Council's annual Food and Drink Awards. Shortlisted venues in the Restaurant of the Year, Best International Restaurant and Gastro Pub of the Year categories will receive Taste Derbyshire accreditation.

The scheme follows hot on the heels of a project involving five counties including Lancashire, piloted by Quality in Tourism, which operates the national star rating scheme for tourist board VisitBritain. Hopes are high that Taste Derbyshire will follow in Lancashire's successful footsteps - offering prize-winning places to eat, special events, food trails, local recipes and much more.