It’s a cafe in the day and an impressive restaurant in the evening – and the head chef spent 10 years in Spain refining her skills
The former Ram has paired with his old childhood pal (Image: El Camino)
A former Derby County star is enjoying life after opening his own restaurant with his childhood friend.
Ex-Ram Ben Osbourne, along with his long-term pal Harry Steare, opened the doors to El Camino in Victoria Avenue, Borrowash, back in January following the success of the pair’s first venture into hospitality at the Lonely Boy Bar a few doors down.
It acts as a cafe on Mondays and Wednesdays (it’s closed on Tuesdays), offering high-quality coffee, cakes and snacks, before focusing on small plates and Mediterranean-inspired specials from Wednesday evening to Saturday.
Picture fresh seafood and roasted vegetables accompanied by fine wines and extraordinary cocktails – that’s El Camino in a nutshell.
The name El Camino pays a subtle nod to Lonely Boy, with the latter being the first track on The Black Keys’ El Camino album – a go-to tune on Ben and Harry’s karaoke nights from the years gone by.
But El Camino is also a network of historic pilgrimage routes in northwestern Spain – reflecting the sort of food and experience on offer.
El Camino’s menus change frequently to align with the seasons, and they are already on their 59th food menu of the year.
“We don’t have chips, we don’t have burgers, we don’t have pizza, we don’t have curry, all that kind of stuff. It’s just freshly grilled meat and fish with some nice vegetables on the side,” said Harry.
At the moment, the main menu includes roasted carrots with cumin, spicy honey and whipped ricotta, or marinated artichokes with tetilla cheese.
Customers can also enjoy sirloin and rump steaks with a choice of chimichurri or burnt spring onion and pepper butter, as well as a range of creative house salads, sides, and desserts.
The cocktails are incredibly labour-intensive, involving 48-to-72 hour processes like sous-viding (water bathing) and fat-washing ingredients – such as infusing vodka with used coffee grounds to make a clear espresso martini.
“This is not just chucking a few things from a bottle into a shaker and pouring it. This is a 48 to sometimes a 72-hour process to make some of our cocktails,” Harry continued.
The idea for El Camino sprouted from locals asking for more diverse, healthier food options, specifically seafood – and Ben’s time living in Nottingham, Sheffield and Manchester during his career inspired the choice to bring the business to the suburbs, rather than the city centre.
“When I was living in Sheffield while playing for Sheffield United, I noticed there were streets on the outskirts of town that were filled with vibrant bars and impressive restaurants, and I don’t think we have enough of that in Derby, let alone in Borrowash,” said Ben, who is currently without a club after spending last season on loan at Stockport County from the Rams.
“Not only is it important to run a successful business, but it’s also about giving back to the community.
“I grew up in Spondon around the corner, and Harry grew up in Borrowash, so it means a lot to bring a great restaurant experience to the place we grew up.
“We employ more than two-dozen people from the local area which is also great, hospitality jobs are incredibly important for young people.”
Ben, 31, and Harry, 32, have led very different careers since growing up together.
Harry worked at Mercedes-Benz for many years and sold cars to the rich and famous while working in the VIP department, but found an escape from the “toxic lifestyle” and moved into hospitality – something he joked was “just as toxic”.
But Harry has followed Ben’s footballing career closely, which began on the wrong side of the River Erewash at Nottingham Forest, before spending two seasons with Sheffield United in the Premier League, also helping the Blades return to the top flight in the 2022/23 season.
He then moved to the Rams when they returned to the Championship in 2024, and spent last season on loan at Stockport – where he notably scored a last-minute winner in the first leg of the Play Off Semi Final against Stevenage.
Unfortunately, The Hatters missed out on promotion, losing to Bolton at Wembley.
El Camino is one of three Derbyshire restaurants shortlisted in the ‘best restaurant’ category in our Derbyshire Dines Awards 2026, featuring alongside Limas in Long Eaton and Nourish at No44 in Belper.
Speaking on the nomination, Ben added: “It really does mean a lot, we work so hard to make this restaurant the best it can be, so to be recognised shows that all the hard work is worth it.”
Harry said: “Doing something like this puts a bit of a smile on mine and Ben’s face to say the least. The general public have recognised that a little neighborhood bistro, a nice little meet up for people, is something that’s positive for the local area.
“Thank you to everyone who voted, and anyone who hasn’t had the chance to visit us yet is more than welcome to book a table any time – we’ll do everything we can to look after you.”
The power to crown the winner lies firmly in your hands – only one establishment can be crowned Derbyshire’s finest.
The shortlist for the best restaurant category is:
Limas in Long EatonNourish at No.44 in BelperEl Camino Bar in Borrowash
Each shortlisted venue will be profiled on Derbyshire Live over the coming weeks to help inform your decision.
How to vote
You can vote for your favourite now from our shortlist using the form below. Votes left in the comments on social media or on our website will not be counted.
Dining and Cooking