New rules for Nottingham awards

Nottingham's second annual restaurant awards were launched last week, with a change in voting procedures and two new categories.

In a change to last year, the Nottingham public will be asked to vote for their favourite venue in each of 11 categories, but the winner will be decided from the top four by a panel of judges consisting of food and drink journalists, chefs and representative from sponsors.

There are also two new categories - Best Out of Town Restaurant and Best Small Restaurant (under 50 covers).

Jocelyn Platt, founder of the awards, said that the changes were made after talking to restaurateurs and considering lessons learnt from the previous year. She said: "Last year we kept it small so we could do a good job. But this year we're including all restaurants with a Nottingham postcode."

Votes can be cast throughout April via a dedicated website, www.nottinghamrestaurantawards.co.uk, or using voting slips placed in the new Nottingham Restaurant Directory, FHP Magazine or via coupons in the Nottingham Evening Post. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 9 June.