A HOST of top chefs and eateries will be honoured when the Glasgow Restaurant Awards winners are announced at a sell-out ceremony.

The ceremony will be held at the Citizens Theatre on Monday and will be hosted by Evening Times' columnist Michelle McManus.

This year's awards have eight categories open specifically to the trade, including Best Kitchen Porter, Best Use Of Social Media and Greenest Restaurant.

Glasgow's industry figures showed their support, with a greater number of entries submitted this year from more than 55 restaurants nominating those in the industry most deserving of an award.

A total of 15 restaurants made the final three in each of the trade categories after careful consideration from the awards committee – a panel of high-profile figures from the food and hospitality sectors.

Finalists include Glasgow institutions such as Chardon D'or, as well as Arisaig and Pipers Tryst.

This year, the awards are also looking for Aspiring Front Of House Manager and Young Apprentice Chef.

To select the three finalists for each award, a series of heats was held at City Of Glasgow College.

The young chefs were challenged to a MasterChef-style cook-off, while the front of house managers were tasked with managing a day's service at the bustling Scholars restaurant, situated within the college.

Judging each heat was a prestigious panel of industry leaders, including City Of Glasgow College, the category sponsor Unilever, the Federation of Scottish Chefs, and Graeme Cheevers, head chef of Martin Wishart's Loch Lomond.

Ryan James, chairman of The Glasgow Restaurants Association, said: "Glasgow has incredible culinary talent, and it is fantastic to see so many in the trade getting involved and showing support.

"The restaurant industry accounts for thousands of jobs in Glasgow, and it is important the city's talent is recognised and rewarded

"It is great to see so many young professionals in the final who are so passionate about what they do."

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, who is also chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "The city is regularly commended by international travel guides for its extensive culinary choice and value and it is important that the staff, venues and restaurateurs are acknowledged for their hard work."

This year's awards, organised by the Glasgow Restaurant Association in partnership with Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, are bigger than the inaugural 2010 event, with 19 categories in total, 11 of which were open to the public and eight to the trade.

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk