We've had a really great list of applicants so far, but to make it even bigger and better we've extended the deadline until May 31st! Apply now! Now in their sixth year, the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards stand out in the minds of restauranteurs as the ultimate celebration of Oxfordshire’s fantastic dining. The best restaurants in Oxfordshire vie for the coveted title of Restaurant of the Year, competing in subcategories including Best Gastropub, Best Café/Deli, Best Traditional Pub and Best Asian Restaurant. Fresh, locally-sourced and seasonal food is always a hit with Oxfordshire’s diners. This year, there is even more to add to the excitement – the launch of a new Sustainable Restaurant category. The Sustainable Restaurant Award, judged by Good Food Oxford, will celebrate the best the county has to offer from plot to plate. To recognise the most sustainable restaurant in Oxfordshire, the judges will be looking for the restaurant with the freshest locally-sourced and seasonal food; the best vegetarian options; excellent sustainable and ethical credentials; significant efforts on food waste reduction; and the most engaged and knowledgeable team. Last year’s overall winner of the 2015 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards, The White Hart at Fyfield, is a fantastic example of sustainability. Head Chef Mark Chandler says, “Seasonality is fundamental and brings freshness and quality to our menus. Oxfordshire is full of amazing produce and at the White Hart we make the most of it.” His words of encouragement to others: “Shout about the local produce to your customers – it is something to be proud of.” The Restaurant Awards give the discerning diner a measure of excellence, and a meal out at any of the winners is bound to be a highlight. With the Awards Ceremony coming up in November 2016, the Awards are now open for entries. Any eating establishment can enter, whether it is are a café or deli, gastro pub, Asian restaurant or fine dining restaurant. The Sustainability category can be entered on its own, or alongside the main Restaurant Awards. The deadline for entry is Friday 31st May 2016. Restaurants wishing to enter are requested to complete an entry form online at: oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk.