Oliver Awards 2022: Everything you need to know about the Leeds food and drink awards as entries close in two weeks

Highlighting the best the city's food and drink scene has to offer, in what has been a turbulent year for hospitality businesses, the awards are the 13th hosted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

This year, there are exciting new categories - including the Best Use of Outdoor Space and Best Takeaway Offering to recognise venues that have adapted to Covid restrictions.

Businesses can enter at www.oliverawards.co.uk before entries close on Friday February 18.

Here's everything you need to know about the awards:

How do the Oliver Awards work?

The Oliver Awards were launched in 2008 to tell the world about the flourishing Leeds' dining scene and all it has to offer.

Businesses can enter across a range of categories, telling us why they deserve to win. Entries close on Friday February 18.

Industry experts then have the unenviable task of judging the entries, picking a shortlist of finalists for each category - and the winner.

All the finalists will be invited to a ceremony at Queens Hotel on March 28, where the winners will be announced.

The businesses that come up tops will be eligible for Overall Restaurant of the Year - the ultimate accolade.

What are the categories?

The 16 categories are as follows:

- Best Cafe/Deli

- Best Pub or Brewery

- Best Brunch

- Best Local Produce

- Best Bar

- Best Speciality

- Best Family Friendly

- Best Use of Outdoor Space - NEW

- Sustainability

- Best Customer Service

- Newcomer of the Year

- Best Takeaway Offering - NEW

- Best Fine Dining Experience

- Chef of the Year

- Outstanding Contribution

- Overall Restaurant of the Year (all restaurants awarded at ceremony eligible)

Which businesses can apply?

Any food or drink business with an LS postcode, or within the Leeds City Council district, is eligible to enter.

Can businesses enter into more than one?

Yes - businesses can enter across as many categories as they like.

I'm not a business owner but I know someone who should be nominated for an award. Can I enter them?

While most of the entries must be made by owners, staff or chefs, the Outstanding Contribution award is open to the public.

This category is a chance for us to single out someone special in the food and drink sector for praise - whether they have overcome personal difficulty, helped others during the pandemic or achieved something out of the ordinary.

And we'd love you to encourage your favourite restaurant, bar, pub, cafe or takeaway to enter, by dropping them a message, tagging them on Facebook or letting your server know about the awards while you're enjoying your meal.

Who are the judges?

Chef consultant Stephanie Moon, wine writer Christin Austin and award-winning blogger Stanley Dru will join YEP business and lifestyle reporter Abbey Maclure in reviewing the entries.

You can find out more about them here.

How can I get tickets?

Tickets are now open for the Oliver Awards ceremony at Queens Hotel, City Square, on March 28.

Yorkshire treasure and former BBC presenter Harry Gration will host the event, running from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, announcing the winners as drinks are poured for guests.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United. With a digital subscription, you'll see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.