CHAMPIONS COLUMN: Chesterfield will continue to evolve at a rapid pace

I’ve lived in Chesterfield since I was about nine, I’m now 39 and I live here with my partner, Rachel.

Throughout my career I’ve worked in some of the UK’s best restaurants in London and Cornwall, but there’s nothing better than being back in my home village of Barlow with my own restaurant.

I couldn’t believe my luck when my old local came up for sale – so I established The Tickled Trout earlier this year in March bringing the country drinking hole into a stunning dining pub that the village can feel proud of.

We now have a dedicated team of around 30 people who all believe in using great ingredients sourced from local suppliers they know and trust.

1 - What do you like best about living in Chesterfield and why?

I love being on the doorstep of the wonderful Peak District and the fact that Chesterfield is situated in the perfect location - making it an easy place to commute to and from.

2 - What are your favourite ways to spend your free time in Derbyshire?

In my spare time I like to go walking with Rachel in the stunning Derbyshire countryside.

I also enjoy wildlife photography in the Peaks and bringing friends to Derbyshire to see what they are missing.

3 - Where is your favourite place to eat out locally and why?

We both love Thai food so my favourite place to eat has to be Siam Corner in the town centre, not just for the great food but also for the whole experience.

4 - What are the positives about running a business here?

Chesterfield has changed so much over the last few years and some great businesses are now based here.

When establishing my own business I wanted to create a dining experience that everybody can enjoy.

I’m passionate about supporting local businesses and have sourced some amazing local suppliers.

We are very lucky to have so much on our doorstep here in Chesterfield.

5 - How do you see the future for Chesterfield and its small businesses?

I think Chesterfield will continue to evolve at a rapid pace.

I feel as a new independent business owner that I and many other small business owners have brought something different into the area making it somewhere to be proud of.

6 - If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you do to improve Chesterfield?

If I had a magic wand I’d keep moving Chesterfield forward in the 21st Century, but also keep a sense of community.

I feel a lot of places have lost their sense of community over the last few years, but Chesterfield hasn’t.

7 - What three words best sum up Chesterfield?

Cobbles, Crooked, Improving.