Popular pub and restaurant just outside Chesterfield left “overwhelmed” after being awarded three AA rosettes at prestigious ceremony

The Bulls Head at New Road, Holymoorside revealed today that it had secured three AA Rosettes – with just a handful of Derbyshire restaurants holding that accolade.

The Bulls Head, Holymoorside, Derbyshire, was awarded 3 coveted AA Rosettes at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards in London last night (25th September).

The glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House was hosted by much-loved TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them.

One of the industry’s most prestigious and highly anticipated events, the AA Hospitality Awards span 15 categories, honouring the best hotels, restaurants, and spas across the UK, and celebrating individuals with awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award, Chefs’ Chef Award and more.

Mark Aisthorpe, chef patron at the Bulls Head, shot to fame in 2022 after appearing on hit BBC show Great British Menu.

He said: “I would like to thank the AA for this award and we fully respect the trust that has been placed upon us. This prestigious award is a supreme accolade for The Bulls Head. I am so proud of what the Bulls Head stands for and the magnificent efforts of each and every member of the team.”

Mark, 31, cut his teeth as part of the University of Sheffield catering team, before going on to complete spells at Cliveden House and Pétrus (2*) under Marcus Wareing.

In 2016, he managed to scrape together enough funding to fulfil his lifelong ambition of opening his very own pub restaurant in Derbyshire, using locally sourced produce wherever possible. When cooking, Mark’s aim is “to give traditional British food the elegance of a contemporary fine dining experience”.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “Every year we present awards to the very best AA-rated hotels, restaurants, spas and their teams across the UK. We introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and are honoured to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals and establishments who consistently deliver excellence to their guests.”