The inaugural 7UP GO Belfast Awards, held in the Europa Hotel last night, saw many of the city's hippest people picking up prizes in categories such as hotel, club and beauty salon of the year.

Host for the gala evening was Cold Feet and Murphy's Law star Jimmy Nesbitt. He was joined by ex-Snow Patrol band member and now solo artist Iain Archer, local band the Jane Bradfords, swing time artist Martin John and Blame Game comedian Jake O'Kane.

Among those who picked up prizes were The Merchant Hotel which won the Golden Gong and also took the Best Newcomer of the Year award.

Cutting edge city centre retailer Liberty Blue won Independent Retailer of the Year, while the Café of the Year gong was presented to Clements.

Best Pub award went to the Malone Road-based Botanic Inn, and the newly-revamped M Club won the club of the year prize.

And once the formal proceedings were completed, guests and celebrities partied until the small hours in the Europa's former Penthouse Suite to the sounds of highly acclaimed DJ duo Fierce Angel.

VIP guests strutting their stuff at the evening bash included Samantha Mumba, artist Terry Bradley, property guru Gary McCausland, Orlaith McAllister, Jim Corr and Gayle Williamson alongside local celebrities from the press and broadcast media, including Cool FM DJs Pete Snodden and Kirsty McMurray.

GO Belfast managing director Bill Penton said: "The Europa really was buzzing last night and we're delighted that so many guests and celebrities, some from across the water, were able to attend our first ever 7UP GO Belfast Awards.

"The good news is all profits from the awards, the party and our ballot will be donated to Barnardo's Northern Ireland for much needed projects."