Oliver Awards Leeds: Nominations '˜flying' for YEP's ninth annual awards

The nominations for the Yokshire Evening Post’s ninth annual restaurant industry awards were launched in late September.

Winners last year included Michael O’Hare, from The Man Behind The Curtain and Thai street food mecca Zaap.

Entries can be made by restaurants themselves or members of the public via out dedicated - www.oliverawards.co.uk - website.

Last year saw 318 entries for what is the biggest and best restaurant awards ceremony of the year for Leeds and district restaurateurs.

Chef Steve Kendell, from Kendells Bistro, and wife Sharon, who runs ‘front of house’, are no stranger to the awards and last year won the Best City Centre category.

Speaking to the YEP, Steve said: “It means a lot to us, the awards are important because it’s a celebration of all that we do. A lot of people do not realise just how much effort goes into running a successful restaurant. There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes, a lot of organising and training and making sure things go right for the public. We’re very careful about who we hire and all of those people work to such a high standard. These awards recognise that.

“It’s also a great night out for the staff - we take everyone with us on the night, even the kitchen porters. We will be entering this year’s awards.”

There are 16 categories, including Best British, Best Chef, Best Suburban, Best Rural, plus two special awards for outstanding achievement. So, if you want to support the Leeds and district dining scene, cast your vote today.

CLICK HERE FOR AWARDS