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By K Futur LOCALWhen the public votes were counted for the TRENDИG Awards Derby 2026, one result stood out clearly. Lorentes, the Spanish tapas restaurant that has become a beloved part of Derby’s dining scene, received a significantly higher number of votes than any other nominee in the Best Independent Eatery category.
For Lorena Molina-Leonar, Co-Founder of the Lorentes Group, the moment was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“We felt incredibly grateful and honestly a little overwhelmed,” she says. “Knowing that so many people took the time to vote for us means a lot because those votes come directly from our guests-the people who dine with us, celebrate with us, and support us week after week.”
That strong public backing reflects something that Lorentes has quietly built over the years: a genuine connection with the Derby community. In a city where independent food venues help shape the personality of neighbourhoods and high streets alike, Lorentes has become one of the restaurants people return to again and again.
“Running independent restaurants is incredibly demanding, so moments like this remind us why we do it,” she explains. “It feels like the community of Derby is telling us that what we are building here matters to them.”
While Lorentes has received awards before, this particular recognition carries a different kind of weight.
“Every award is special, but this one feels particularly meaningful because it comes directly from the public,” Molina-Leonar says. “It reflects the loyalty of our guests and the strong connection we’ve built with the Derby community over the years.”
From the beginning, Lorentes was never just about opening restaurants. The vision was to create welcoming spaces where people could gather, relax and enjoy food together in a way that mirrors the social culture of Spain.
“We wanted to create places where people can relax, share food and enjoy great moments together.”
That philosophy is rooted in the essence of Spanish dining. Tapas culture revolves around conversation, shared plates and long meals enjoyed among friends and family. Bringing that atmosphere to Derby has been central to the Lorentes identity since its early days.
Authenticity, Molina-Leonar says, has always been the guiding principle.
“Spanish food is about sharing, conversation and enjoying simple ingredients done well. We wanted to bring that spirit to Derby.”
With locations in Derby city centre and the historic surroundings of Darley Abbey Mills, Lorentes has introduced thousands of diners to the rhythms of Spanish tapas. But the experience extends beyond the dishes themselves. The team places just as much importance on hospitality, warmth and atmosphere.
“Our menus are inspired by traditional Spanish recipes, but the experience goes beyond the food,” Molina-Leonar explains. “We want guests to feel the warmth and hospitality you would find in Spain-long meals, lively tables and a relaxed atmosphere where people enjoy time together.”
Part of the restaurant’s success lies in consistency. Regular guests know what they will find when they walk through the door: quality food, attentive service and an atmosphere that feels both lively and comfortable.
According to Molina-Leonar, the team behind the restaurant is a crucial part of that experience.
“I believe it’s a combination of consistency, atmosphere and the incredible team that works with us. Our staff genuinely care about the guest experience, and that makes a big difference.”
Over time, those experiences build relationships.
“Many of our guests have been visiting us for years,” she says. “They celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions with us, and over time the restaurant becomes part of their lives.”
That sense of familiarity and belonging often defines the most successful independent eateries. They become more than places to eat-they become part of the rhythm of a city.
Derby’s independent food scene has grown steadily in recent years, with restaurants, cafés and bars bringing creativity and personality to the local landscape. Lorentes has become one of the standout contributors to that culture.
“Derby has a fantastic independent food scene, and we feel very proud to be part of it,” Molina-Leonar says. “Independent restaurants bring creativity, personality and diversity to a city, and that’s what makes places vibrant and interesting.”
“Over the years we’ve built strong relationships with local suppliers and other businesses, and we believe that supporting each other helps the whole community thrive.”
Winning Best Independent Eatery at the TRENDИG Awards 2026 marks another milestone for the restaurant, but it also points towards what comes next.
For Lorentes, the future is focused on evolution rather than reinvention.
“2026 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us,” Molina-Leonar says. “We’re continuing to develop our menus with new seasonal tapas and dishes inspired by different regions of Spain.”
Alongside new dishes, the team is also expanding its programme.
“We are planning more themed evenings and events celebrating Spanish food, wine and culture, which our guests really enjoy.”
Despite the plans and expansions, the core philosophy remains the same: focusing on the fundamentals that made Lorentes successful in the first place.
“Our focus remains on constantly improving what we already do-great food, great service and memorable experiences for everyone who visits Lorentes.”
For a restaurant built on shared plates and shared moments, the TRENDИG Awards 2026 win feels especially fitting. It is, after all, an award shaped by the people who dine there-the guests who return again and again, bringing friends, family and celebrations with them.
And for Molina-Leonar and the Lorentes team, that support is the greatest reward of all.
“Winning this award motivates us even more to keep raising the bar and making Lorentes a place Derby can feel proud of.”
