LIVERPOOL'S best food and drink businesses were celebrated last night at the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival Awards, in association with the Daily Post.

The awards, held at Camp & Furnace, Liverpool city centre, were the culmination of the 10-day gastronomic festival.

More than 4,000 people cast votes as restaurants, bars and producers battled to be called the city’s best.

Puschka was crowned Liverpool’s Favourite Restaurant and 60 Hope Street won Restaurant of Overall Excellence.

Lunya won the award for Liverpool’s Favourite European Restaurant.

Peter Kinsella, owner of Lunya, said: "Winning last year had a fantastic effect for us in many ways. Being titled as one of the city’s ‘best’ is something to be proud of.

"It’s one of the only awards that are actually voted for by the public and that is one of the highest accolades possible.

"To win again is incredible and beyond what we could have ever imagined."

The Outstanding Customer Service award went to Bem Brazil and Favourite Bar or Pub award was presented to relative newcomer, the Hub Alehouse and Kitchen, on Hanover Street. Most Family Friendly Restaurant went to Yo Sushi and Favourite Independent Cafe or Coffee Shop was awarded to Bold Street Coffee.