Caterers urged to enter GBPFA 2011

Pub caterers are being urged not to miss the opportunity to raise the profile of their pub's food offer by entering the Great British Pub Food Awards (GBPFA) 2011.

There is a month left to enter awards celebrating pubs' curry, steak and pizza offers.

The search is on for pubs hosting quality steak, curry or Italian food nights or who have a big focus on these styles of food on their pub's main menu.

Peter Saxon, owner of the Swan Inn/Indian Harvest in Alderton, Suffolk, and winner of Indian Food Pub of the Year 2010, said: "The awards were great PR for the business and really help you stand out in the crowd.

"I would definitely recommend entering."

This year's awards are also seeking pubs with a strong all-day food offer, serving dishes including breakfast, morning coffee and pastries and afternoon tea in the All-Day Dining Pub of the Year award. The judging process for the food pub awards includes a paper judging of entries by a panel of industry experts.

Three finalists will be selected in each category who will have their site visited by judges to taste their offer and find out more about its contribution to the pub's success.

Visits will take place in late January and February 2011.

The winners will be announced at the GBPFA 2011 at Plaisterers' Hall, City of London, on 10 March.

Meanwhile, entries are sought for the Pub Chef of the Year 2011 competition.

Categories include seafood, meat, desserts, game, team, fish and chips, roast and young pub chef.

Each category is judged through cook-off finals where three finalists cook their nominated dishes in front of judges.

There is also a pie award in association with British Pie Week, and a Pub Pie Champion is being sought. For details on entering this category visit www.britishpieweek.co.uk​

Entry forms for the Steak Pub of the Year, Italian Food Pub of the Year, Indian Food Pub and All-day Dining Pub can be downloaded at www.greatbritishpubfoodawards.co.uk​ or call 01293 610238 for more information.

Closing date for entries to the GBPFA is 23 November and 11 November for the Pub Chef of the Year contest.