They will feature 13 specially chosen categories across a broad range of subjects which will seek to recognise those businesses and individuals who have, in the eyes of our readers, helped to make a huge success of the country’s food and drink sector.
These awards will be your chance, as Scotsman readers, to shout about, and reward, those people who you feel deserve to be recognised for their hard work and dedication within the industry. To nominate, all you have to do is head along to The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards website www.scotsmanfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk, choose the category you wish to submit your chosen person or company to and give us your reasons as to why you believe we should choose them for that award.
Your nominee could be a food blogger who inspires you, your favourite place to grab a cocktail, your favourite local or the chef who always creates innovative dishes.
Your chosen nominee could be a local or national favourite. Picture: TSPL
The list of categories include Best Use of Scottish Produce, Best Scottish Spirit, Your Hidden Gem, Most Dedicated Food Blogger and Best Street Food.
Each nominee, and your reason for choosing them, will be read and judged by a panel comprising of Scotsman staff and representatives from Scotland’s Food & Drink industry, following the nomination deadline on Friday 29 September, with the finalists being announced a few weeks later.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 1 November, at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange and in a departure from the usual sit-down meal, the Awards will have a Scottish Street food theme, giving finalists, guests and sponsors the opportunity to better connect on the night.
The Scotsman editor Frank O’Donnell, who was delighted to be able to announce the launch of the new awards, said: “The Scotsman is proud to be able to highlight the success that is being made of Scotland’s vibrant food and drink scene by hard-working producers up and down the country.
"We believe that the industry is key to helping Scotland’s reputation grow not just in the UK and Europe but around the world, and it is our desire to recognise those producers, chefs, companies, restaurateurs and bar owners who are true ambassadors for Scotland and its wonderful natural larder."
He added: “These new awards are part of the Scotsman’s continuing commitment to giving as much coverage as possible to this vital industry, and will join our existing food and drink website and weekly food and drink section in our newspaper in showcasing this vital sector.”
Whether you brew your own beer or offer the most comprehensive selection of ciders in your area, we want to celebrate those who fill Scotland’s pint with the best drink in town.
Shaken ,not stirred? We want to celebrate your favourite venue so help us name the best spot for the best cocktail in Scotland.
Great ingredients make a big difference in the kitchen. We are proud to support and celebrate the best sourcing, use and promotion of Scottish local produce.
Some are perfect by themselves anxd others go well when you add a little something extra. No matter how you take yours, we want to celebrate this year’s surprises or the undefeated champion of spirits.
Secret spots, creative locations, stunning views or quirky decor; whether you like them from the mystery they’re surrounded by or the crazy lampshade hanging from the ceiling, we want to celebrate Scotland’s best surprises.
Innovation and surprising combinations can inspire the palate, we’re here to celebrate those of your who have wowed the audience and brought something new and unexpectedly good to their taste buds.
Be it Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat we want to find that one blogger that makes your mouth water with their reviews of the best spots in town.
Whether they are always on the road or have found a regular home in your city, they bring people together and offer satisfying quick bites to please people on the go.
The excitement, the preparation, the lighting, the service, the music, the wine that matches every bite of your menu selection so perfectly...nothing beats this complete dining experience. Help us celebrate the venue that has it all.
We want to celebrate the places that have transformed the eating out experience, giving us a greater choice vegetarian alternatives that leave us wanting more and more. And more.
From deep fried mars bars to bacon doughnuts, tell us who creates these crazy, delicious dishes that shouldn’t go but really, REALLY, do.
Thinking cake, coffee and some chat? Join us in the celebration of the place you go to when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth and treat yourself and friends.
Quiet or crowded? DJ or jukebox? We want to find out what your local pub is all about and how it beats the rest.
