Nominations for the Guardian Food Awards 2017 are now open.

The annual awards are shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. Business owners in East London and West Essex have the chance to enter their business and – for the first time ever – readers can nominate their favourite places.

The categories are:

  1. Butchers and delis
  2. Coffee shops and cafes
  3. Indian
  4. Fish & Chips
  5. Pie & Mash
  6. Take away
  7. Fine Dining
  8. Readers’ choice - for the unusual or eclectic

Entrants must be located in areas covered by the West Essex and East London Guardian, these include Waltham Forest, Leyton, Leytonstone, Chingford, Wanstead & Woodford, Epping Forest and Loughton.

Those who make it to the shortlist for each of the categories will then be reviewed by our reporters, with the chance to win Guardian favourite as well as reader’s favourite according to the most votes.

Voting will open in two weeks. In the meantime make sure to nominate your favourite by emailing mattie.laceydavidson@london.newsquest.co.uk

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: