Voting information

Here is the list of this year's categories. Please note you can only vote once for each of them. Click on selected category to see its brief description and follow the link below the description to view restaurants nominated in that category.

An esteemed panel of critics have been chosen to judge the North East Restaurant of the Year 2009. A number of judges have been chosen from the local press and have visited the shortlist over the past few months. The winner will be awarded the prestigious prize of “Restaurant of the Year”.

Please note this award is not voted for by the public and nominations cannot be placed for this category.

Restaurant of the Year 2009 Sponsored by Crosby's and Schonwald is sponsored by:

Established in 1990, Crosby's are the specialists in supplying crockery, cutlery, glass, light and heavy duty kitchen equipment, furniture and kitchen design to the catering and hospitality industry.

Based in the North East, we offer fast and efficient delivery, a very personalised service at very competitive prices.

Being nominated distributors for all major catering products we offer manufacturing expertise, customer commitment and support in a user friendly manner

From cafe to work's canteen whether your project is a small restaurant, a national chain or a civic authority, Crosby's can provide a tailor made catering solution to match your requirements.

The restaurant scene in Newcastle and North Tyneside, including Whitley Bay and Tynemouth has significantly grown in recent years. Every taste is catered for and every cuisine imaginable can be found in this region. From small cafés to national chains; rural pubs to chic urban bistros, each has their own particular charm. Your favourite restaurant needs your vote!

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside is sponsored by:

NewcastleGateshead Initiative is the destination marketing agency for NewcastleGateshead, which promotes the area as a world class and culturally vibrant place to live, learn, work and visit.

The twin cities of Gateshead and Newcastle have joined as a single cultural and business destination. The reason is simple – there is a strong sense of regional identity drawing them together which has forged a united vision to promote the twin cities as a vibrant European regional capital.

Now, nearly 20 million visitors flock to NewcastleGateshead from all over the world; to see the sights; absorb the heritage and history of this area; to explore the wonderful beaches and countryside of the surrounding region and to engage in the cultural events and festivals which run 365 days a year.

The past decade has seen the development of world-class cultural events and icons with NewcastleGateshead now boasting one of the most recognised international cityscapes, including The Sage Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North, which stands as a beacon of progress and ambition.

There is much to look forward to and the journey has only just begun. The long-awaited Great North Museum is working towards a grand opening this spring and will be a vital addition to our already plentiful cultural product.

The future looks bright ... and bold.

Durham may be a small city in our region but it contains some real gems in its local dining scene. This category covers the whole of County Durham so even the most rural of restaurants could walk away with this award.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Durham is sponsored by:

We have over fifteen years experience in buying, renovating and letting properties in the North East and have extensive knowledge of the local property market.

We are totally committed to providing the best service in the area to both tenants and landlords with our experienced team of letting agents, maintenance and repair managers and technical professionals.

By keeping our overheads to a minimum we are able to provide an efficient service at a cost that is lower than our competitors:
We offer full management fees of 8% to landlords and no admin fees to tenants.

Middlesbrough and its outlying areas have a growing number of great restaurants to choose from largely due to the ongoing development of the town centre. The areas of Redcar, Stockton and Hartlepool also feature some very popular restaurants as do the outlying rural areas.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Teesside and Cleveland is sponsored by:

CBS Group is a property investment company based in Bolton, UK. We operate
in all aspects of the property market, and have a full coverage across the
UK. CBS specialises in passive investments that require little capital and
are cashflow positive.

It now employs over 40 staff and covers buy-to-let, HMO, student,
rent-to-buy and sell & rent back. It has a growing pool of wealthy
investors. For more information on CBS Group visit www.cbsinvest.co.uk

Sunderland and South Tyneside is one of our smaller areas but certainly no less significant. Sunderland has an increasing number of young professionals moving in which has an inevitable impact on the number of restaurants. It is an exciting time for the dining scene in this area and this category certainly recognises this.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Sunderland and South Tyneside is sponsored by:

iKabs is a brand new concept in Taxi Advertising. Providing a medium that targets a previously untapped audience through multimedia display screens installed in hackney cabs across the UK.

Advertisers will be able to target taxi cab passengers nationally, regionally or locally depending on their requirements and with prices starting from £16 per week iKabs is an affordable advertising option for businesses of all sizes.

This is by far our biggest county in the region but with quite a low population is often forgotten where the dining scene is concerned. Nonetheless there are some fantastic restaurants in this area, often hidden away in rural areas which only the locals are aware of so do not forget to vote for them!

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Northumberland is sponsored by:

Northumbrian Caterers based in West Moor, Newcastle upon Tyne, specialise in providing high quality outside catering from Middlesbrough in the South, Carlisle in the west and Berwick upon Tweed in the north.

We are a family owned company that has been established for over 25 years. We are very proud of the fact that a vast majority of our trade is through personal recommendations.

We provide delicious food using the finest seasonal ingredients. We use local suppliers, who delivery daily and we insist produce is of the highest quality.

Whether your event is at work, at home or at a chosen venue we will design a tailor-made menu for you to suit all dietary requirements.

We also offer event support ranging from simple advice, to full event co ordination.

Often forgotten about when talking about the local restaurant scene but the choices available to complement your meal can often heavily influence your choice from the menu and hence your impression on that restaurant. Many restaurants now even employ someone to select the wines and beers to accompany their menu so it seems fitting that the North East Restaurant Awards include this award.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Drinks List is sponsored by:

Carlsberg is one of the leading brewers within the UK beer market and is committed to the On Trade with world famous brands such as Carlsberg, Carlsberg Export, Tuborg, Tetley's and San Miguel we. In addition we also wholesale over 1500 3rd party products not least our own wine brand Invenio.
Carlsberg is committed to being "Probably the best beer and beverage supplier in the UK " we aim to do this by constantly delivering more to our customers:

For more information on how Carlsberg UK can support you and your business contact us on 08456 013 432 or visit our website www.carlsberg.co.uk/trade.

Since the launch of Invenio in 2007 sales have surpassed an amazing 1 million bottles and with new editions of the Zinfandel rose from California and the South African Shiraz we now boast 17 varieties. Our wines are selected for their consistent quality ensuring each variety is vibrant, fruity, in line with consumer tastes and at a price we feel offers the best value to you, our customer.
Whether you start by offering the matching Invenio Australian pair or the clean, fresh Pinot Grigio we are confident your customers will encourage you to list more from the Invenio range.
Invenio is exclusive both to Carlsberg UK and the On Trade which means more than just quality and value. Invenio offers you that point of difference for your outlet.
To find out more about the Invenio range and the support available to you please contact us on 08456 013 432 or visit www.carlsberg.co.uk/trade

Many small restaurants are often overshadowed by the big players in the restaurant industry but are by no means less popular or well known. The North East Restaurant Awards wanted to recognise the fantastic cuisine offered by these restaurants in our region.

Restaurants eligible for this category will seat 40 or fewer.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Small Restaurant is sponsored by:

Businesslink.gov.uk helps your business save time and money by giving you instant access to clear, simple, and trustworthy information.

It is developed in partnership with subject experts within government and relevant business-support organisations to help you comply with regulations and improve your performance.

Business Link can assist any business of any size seeking to build on current levels of performance. You may already know what you want, or you may be looking for help in identifying how to take your business forward. Whatever stage you're at, Business Link offers an independent and effective service to make a difference to your business.

For further information about Business Link, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast, call 0845 600 9 006 or email: enquiries@businesslinknortheast.co.uk

Indian restaurants have been a feature of the British dining industry and there are a large number in the North East from the traditional to the contemporary. There is no doubt that Indian restaurants in our region are incredibly popular and this award recognises their reputation.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Indian is sponsored by:

Welcome to Mill Garages, the Volvo dealership for the North East and North Yorkshire.
With showrooms in Newcastle, Sunderland Hexham, Stockton and Harrogate, there’s never been a better time to buy a Volvo.

Oriental food, including Chinese, Japanese and Thai has experienced a surge in popularity over recent years and the North East has by no means been left behind. The dining scene in this region enjoys all manner of great oriental restaurants both in the cities and in outlying areas.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Oriental is sponsored by:

Aspers is the culmination of two of the world’s most successful casino
operators – Aspinalls of London and PBL of Australia. The Las Vegas style
casino has a world of entertainment on offer, packed within 45,000 square
feet.

Enjoy an extra chilled pint or a fruity cocktail at one of three bars, a tasty
meal at the restaurant, state-of-the-art gaming on live tables, great nightly
entertainment, or unwind in the Beauty Spa.

Aspers is membership free and open to those aged 18 or over. Photo ID required
if you look under 21 and to join the Aspire Loyalty Club. Please play
responsibly www.gambleaware.co.uk

Aspers is open all day every day

Long gone are the days when Italians were the only European restaurants on offer. French, Spanish, Greek and of course British feature heavily in the restaurant scene in the North East and there is by no means a shortage of cuisines on offer.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best European is sponsored by:

DFDS is a growing international shipping company with a leading market position in Northern Europe within overnight passenger shipping and freight shipping mainly based on ro-ro liner traffic.

DFDS group employs a staff of approximately 4,200 and had a turnover in 2003 of DKK 5.3 billion. DFDS operates 64 vessels, five passenger vessels operated by DFDS Seaways and 59 freight vessels operated by DFDS Tor Line. DFDS Canal Tours, also one of DFDS Seaways' activities, operates tours of the canals in Copenhagen.

These ‘credit crunching’ days mean we are often searching for ways to save without having to cut back on great luxuries like eating out. Some restaurants are still experiencing busy times based on the deals they offer or the fantastic food they provide at great prices, this category celebrates such establishments.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Value for Money is sponsored by:

As one of Rick Stein's food heroes, here at George Payne Butchers we are committed to putting the taste back into food. Much of the flavoursome meat originates from Northumberland, including rare breed beef and naturally reared lamb from Great Whittington and poultry and game from Norton.

We have won awards for our succulent sausages and our burgers are 100% pure beef.

From national chains to family-run restaurants with three or four establishments there are a fantastic number of great chain restaurants in the North East. Each with their own individual charms and unique selling points these chains attract a large number of diners and are popular throughout the region.

Please note that a vote for one restaurant in a chain will be a vote for the entire chain. All votes from every restaurant within a chain will be counted and combined to come up with an overall winner.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Chain is sponsored by:

We all enjoy a nice meal… evenings out, wine and dinner friends; but it can cost us a few pounds too!

If you’ve over indulged why not make room for more? Come to David Lloyd, Newcastle and we’ll ensure that your health and fitness is as gourmet as the meals you like to enjoy. So now you really can have your cake and eat it!

Voted for by The Journal Taste team this award champions those restaurants throughout the North East that use produce from the region in their menus. The Journal is continually campaigning for the region to “Buy Local, Use Local, Eat Local” and the winner of this category will do just that. The region produces fantastic food and The North East Restaurant Awards are delighted that we can celebrate this.

The Journal Taste team will be deciding on this award, however we must obtain nominations from restaurateurs. If you would like to nominate your restaurant please click "nominate" to fill in the form and indicate which suppliers you use and why you think you should win.

Please note the general public cannot nominate in this category. Restaurateurs are welcome to submit their restaurant for this award.

This category will close for nominations on 5th January 2009.

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The Journal Taste - Best Use of Local Produce is sponsored by:

The Journal Taste Award - For Best Use of Local Produce, is seeking the restaurant, hotel, bed and breakfast, pub or cafe that has not only achieved outstanding levels of excellence with its food, but whose menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the plethora of fresh ingredients available between the Rivers Tweed and Tees.

We will be looking for the people and places that are passionate about promoting uncomplicated, local food to diners - the message at the heart of The Journal’s Taste campaign launched at the end of January to encourage consumers, retailers, restaurants and hotels to buy, use and eat local for the good of our health and the regional economy.

Nominations for this award can only be cast by food industry professionals, such as chefs and restaurant owners. Judging will be conducted by a panel put together by The Journal Taste team.

Thanks!

There are occasions when a new restaurant will crop up in the North East that everyone ‘raves about’. This category celebrates these restaurants as well as those which are less publicised but equally exciting and welcome to the scene. Often word of mouth is the key marketing technique employed with such great new restaurants which can be surprisingly effective!

Restaurants eligible for this category will have opened during 2008.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

Best New Restaurant is sponsored by:

Uniquethinking is a creative pr and marketing agency which specialises in the hospitality, catering and tourism sectors.

The firm, which is sponsoring Best New Restaurant in this year’s North East Restaurant Awards has years of experience in providing marketing support for a wide range of hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and events as well as for the food and drink sector.

Uniquethinking was awarded ‘Best PR Campaign’ from the Chartered Institute of PR and the firm aims to deliver award winning work with every new campaign.

The company’s client portfolio has included Blackfriars Restaurant, Tuscany Ristorante, Starbucks, Middleton Lodge, The Gusto Group, Lanchester Wine Cellars, Newcastle Wine School, Black Door Group and events and campaigns organised by NewcastleGateshead. Uniquethinking has also worked with restaurant chains including Schmolonksy’s in London and Le Frog in the North West.

Ambience whilst dining can make or break the restaurant experience. The North East Restaurant Awards would like to celebrate those restaurants which put great thought and effort into creating a great atmosphere in which to dine. Great interiors can vary from homely pubs to chic minimalism and everything in between.

Please browse this list or use the search facility on the right hand side to find your favourite.

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Best Interior is sponsored by:

Restaurant Design Associates (RDA) is delighted to sponsor the Best Interior Award at the North East Restaurant Awards 2009.

RDA is a family-firm providing design consultancy and installation services to the hospitality industry across the UK and is keen to raise the standards of interior design in the hospitality industry across the North East.

The Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and create a culture of pride amongst the most stylish, atmospheric and welcoming restaurants from across the region.

As a company that has worked with a range of private businesses and multi-national blue-chip firms, RDA understands the importance of creating attractive surroundings that customers will want to visit again and again.

For further information about RDA contact Judith Addyman on T el: 0191 519 7480 or visit the website: www.rdalimited.co.uk