The Watford Observer Food Awards has officially launched and is shaping up to be a wonderful celebration of food and drink in the area.

Restaurants or food-related businesses can win one of two awards, The Reader’s Choice Award and Watford Observer Favourite, but they first need to you to put them forward.

Nominations open today, giving business owners the chance to enter their venue while readers can name their favourite places in and around town.

There are six categories:

1. Butchers and delis

2. Coffee shops and cafes

3. Indian restaurants

4. Fish & chips

5. Fine dining

6. Readers’ choice (for the unusual or eclectic).

You have until midday on May 31 to enter your own business or favourite food spot. Those with the most nominations will be shortlisted for each of the six categories, and the lists will be announced on June 1.

Businesses that make the cut will have the chance to win The Reader’s Choice Award, which will be decided by a public vote, and the Watford Observer Favourite, for which we will be sending reporters out to review restaurants and meet business owners.

Winners will be announced at the end of June.

You can email nominations to mattie.laceydavidson@newsquest.co.uk , or send them in the post to Mattie Lacey-Davidson, Observer House, Caxton Way, Watford, WD18 8RJ.