The UK's best takeaways and restaurants have been officially named at the Just Eat Restaurant Awards. Returning for a seventh year, the awards, formerly the British Takeaway Awards, were hosted by TV presenter and comedian Joel Dommett.
Celebrity guests included First Dates maître d Fred Sirieix; Love Island stars Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page, and TV personalities and podcasters - Oliver Proudlock and Emma Connolly. Th judges were fashion guru-turned-TV chef - Gok Wan, chef and Great British Menu judge Andi Oliver and Michelin-trained, TikTok sensation Poppy O'Toole.
Locally-loved takeaways and restaurant brands from across the UK were recognised at the ceremony.
Yorkshire-based, Munchies, scooped the highest accolade - ‘The Best Takeaway In Britain’ Award. The restaurant is locally famous for its premium smash burgers and legendary shakes, which impressed the public and judges alongside its dedicated charity work and support for its staff. Since owner, Shafkat Khan Mohammas, founded the restaurant six years ago, he and his team have supported both local and international charities.
A further 11 restaurants were recognised regionally, including East Midland winner June Plum Food, loved for its modern Jamaican dishes. The restaurant, owned by Jodi Jenny, also employs former local prisoners to help them build skills and re-integrate with the world of work. Pizza Guyz, was Northern Ireland’s winner. Serving fresh, handcrafted pizza, it is one the most highly-rated restaurants on Just Eat. In his spare time, owner Ciaran Kelly teaches children with special needs how to make pizza and is committed to running a sustainable business, having recently planted a thousand trees to offset the restaurant’s carbon emissions.
Exclusive to this year’s awards, Chris’s Fish and Chips was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for consistently delivering exceptional food and customer service, even during times of personal hardship. What’s more, seeing the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic to people close to him, owner Strad Kyriacou embarked on a mental health course so he could better support not only his family, but also recognise when his customers might be struggling too.
Also new to this year were special award categories to recognise even more of the nation’s most-loved restaurants as decided by a public vote. Those awarded include: naturally fast food restaurant Leon (Best Breakfast); Manchester-based burger brand, Archie’s, (Best Newcomer [on Just Eat]), popular burrito bar, Chipotle (Best Lunch, sponsored by Just Eat For Business) and vegan hog roast eatery Hogless Roast (Best Vegan). The judges also had the tasty task of trying London’s Favourite Dish and commended South London crispy fried chicken brand, Other Side Fried for “having the best vegan chicken burger” they’ve ever tasted.
Andrew Kenny, Chief Commercial Officer at Just Eat, said: “The Just Eat Restaurant Awards rightly shine a spotlight on the incredible people who not only deliver unforgettable food, but go above and beyond to make an invaluable contribution to our local community and the UK economy. Despite facing sky-high inflation, soaring food and energy bills and continued staff shortages from Brexit and Covid, these restaurants have demonstrated unparalleled resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and grit. Congratulations to all this year's winners and finalists".
Award winners are selected by a judging panel following a rigorous process comprising a public vote, written submission, and mystery shopping. Regional winners each receive a £1,000 cash prize and a special Just Eat Restaurant Award trophy. Meanwhile, the overall ‘Best Takeaway in Britain’ winner will receive a further £5,000.
Regional Awards:
- Best Takeaway in Central London - Chilli Tuk Tuk
- Best Takeaway in Greater London - The Souvlaki
- Best Takeaway in South East - Cookies & Cones
- Best Takeaway in South West - The Arjee Bhajee
- Best Takeaway in East Midlands - June Plum Food
- Best Takeaway in West Midlands - Pizza Pazzo
- Best Takeaway in North East - My Delhi
- Best Takeaway in North West - Vegan Food House Ltd
- Best Takeaway in Yorkshire - Munchies
- Best Takeaway in Scotland - Chicken Union
- Best Takeaway in Wales - O My Cod Bridge End
- Best Takeaway in Northern Ireland - Pizza Guyz
- Best Takeaway in Britain - Munchies
- Outstanding Achievement Award - Chris’ Fish & Chips
Judges’ Award:
- Best Newcomer - Archie’s
- Best Breakfast - LEON
- Best Lunch - Chipotle
- London’s Favourite Dish - Other Side Food
- Best Vegan - Hogless Roast - Vegan Hog Roast
