Voting has begun for this year’s St Albans and Harpenden Food and Drink Awards.

The deadline for voting is midnight on Sunday, August 16, and the winner will be announced during St Albans and Harpenden Food and Drink Festival 2015 which runs from Tuesday, September 22 to Monday, October 5.

The awards are organised by St Albans City and District Council with the support of an independent steering group of advisors.

There are ten categories in which people can vote in, and votes will then be used to create a top three in each category.

A winner for each category will then be selected by the independent steering group.

There will also be a special Food and Drink Champion award.

Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism for St Albans City and District Council, said: “Residents and visitors to St Albans and Harpenden can enjoy an extremely high standard of food and drink.

“These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses that make our City and District a great food and drink destination for visitors.

“I encourage everyone to vote now for your favourite local restaurant, café, pub, takeaway and food producer.”

The shortlist for each voted category will be revealed at the end of August. All the award winners will be announced at the Food and Drink Awards’ Dinner at Sopwell House on Monday 5 October.

To vote, and to find more information about the St Albans Harpenden Food and Drink Awards, visit www.enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink.