The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) is set to launch its first national awards scheme next year.
The awards, which will be announced on 23 January, will recognise restaurants across seven categories covering all aspects of sustainability.
All restaurants having undertaken the SRA's star rating in 2011 will be considered for the awards, with five of them decided on the basis of their actual scores. These include more than 400 outlets nationwide, ranging from fine-dining establishments to neighbourhood restaurants.
Meanwhile two special awards will be presented to restaurants displaying either genuine innovation or outstanding achievement in a specific field - this year sustainable fish - chosen by the judges.
Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, said the awards presented an opportunity for restaurants to receive UK-wide recognition for their achievements.
"We are really excited that so many restaurants have put their sustainability credentials to the test over the past year. These awards are an opportunity to give restaurants maximum credit for the incredible efforts they are making to be sustainable," he said.
The seven SRA awards are:
● Most sustainable restaurant
● Most sustainable restaurant group
● SRA sourcing award
● SRA environment award
● SRA society award
● SRA innovation award
● SRA special judges' award
400 restaurants in running for SRA Star Ratings >>
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage restaurants officially the most sustainable in UK >>
By Kerstin Kühn
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