​TWENTY-one of Thanet’s restaurants have been nominated for an award by diners this year.

OrderOnlineNow.co.uk has created the Kent Restaurant of the Year 2009 after becoming concerned Kent restaurants were overlooked by the industry.

Website founder Andrew Frisbee said: “We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most affluent areas of the country, surrounded by some of the finest farm produce, wild game and seafood available.

“The local restaurant scene has enjoyed a number of high-profile openings this year, as existing venues continue to improve their performance.”

Mr Frisbee has brought in some big-name judges to help them find the winner of categories from best Indian to English restaurant.

They include the former editor of BBC Vegetarian Good Food Magazine Mary Gwynn and cookery writer and editor on national women’s magazines including BBC Good Food, Women’s Weekly and Best Ann Nichol. The winners will be announced at a ceremony held at the Ashford International Hotel on Thursday, January 28.

For more information about the finalists visit http://www.kentrestaurantawards.co.uk/