Uber Eats has today revealed the shortlist for its inaugural UK & Ireland Restaurant of the Year Awards, judged by a panel including Prue Leith. The first-ever awards from the food delivery app will see the winner of the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ win £100,000
Earlier this year the public nominated some of their favourite local spots across the UK and Ireland and today the shortlist has been unveiled, representing the most highly rated and most popular restaurants that each area has to offer. The shortlist features restaurants specialising in a wide range of cuisines, from sushi burritos to Asian fusion and plant-based burgers. The list also shows a trend toward a more diverse range of food delivery, suggesting consumer habits have evolved from more solely traditional takeaway fare. From newly discovered spots to established local favourites, the list represents the diverse range of restaurants available across Uber Eats.
For the next stage in the voting process, customers can view the shortlist and vote for their favourite restaurants from across the UK and Ireland from today until 16 June at ubereatsawards.com The top restaurant from each region will then be invited to take part in a judging day, where their food will be tasted by the panel of judges, including Prue Leith, restaurateur and TV host, and Rachel Ama, vegan chef.
Mathew Price, Uber Eats General Manager, Mark Lewis, Chief Executive at Hospitality Action, Lorraine Copes, Head of Procurement at Be Inclusive Hospitality, and Joseph Denison Carey, TV chef, will also contribute their wide-ranging expertise to the judging panel.
Matthew Price, Uber Eats General Manager, said: “There are so many amazing independent restaurants on Uber Eats and the shortlist really demonstrates the vast amount of options and cuisines available across the UK and Ireland. I can’t wait to see the fantastic stories that are brought to light, try some of the best food available on our high streets up and down the country and recognise the pioneers and innovators shaping the future of our restaurant industry.”
Dame Prue Leith, cook, restaurateur, TV presenter and author, said: “Opening your own restaurant is desperately hard work, nerve-wracking and expensive. But there are few things as exciting and satisfying. I’m delighted to work with Uber Eats to crown their first Restaurant of the Year and shine a light on some extraordinary people and restaurants. They are the future of the industry. I’m looking forward to discovering pioneers across the UK and Ireland and of course to eating some amazing food.”
Beyond the grand prize category, the wider awards will also highlight the trailblazers in the industry who are leading the way after a turbulent few years for restaurants and the hospitality industry.
These Pioneer Awards include:
Female Chef of the Year
Black-owned Restaurant
Sustainable Restaurant
Health-focused Restaurant
Community/Social Impact Restaurant
