Local kebab outlets make it to the semi-final of illustrious national awards

Whilst kebab takeaways and restaurants have been significantly challenged by COVID-19 over the last year, local outlets from across the UK are celebrating after making it to semi-finals of the British Kebab Awards later in the year.

The awards, run in association with JUST EAT and supported by the Kebab Alliance, the sector’s trade body, are in their ninth year and this year have attracted record breaking entries. They recognise and champion the efforts of local kebab takeaways and restaurants across the UK.

Other sponsors also include leading household brands and major players in the kebab industry, including Unilever and its leading brands Hellmann’s and Ben & Jerry’s. Other sponsors include Cobra Beer, Big K Charcoal, Bookers, Coca-Cola, Alton and Co Accountants, Atlacarte, DD Points, Troy Digital, McCain Foods and Foodelo.

Now local people can get behind their local kebab eatery by selecting their winner at britishkebabawards.co.uk. The semi-finalists all have a chance to secure one of 18 awards at a ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge Hotel, on 26 October.

Over 1,200 guests, including Cabinet ministers and Shadow Cabinet members, usually attend the VIP-studded ceremony. Judges of the illustrious Awards this year will include: Conservative Minister Nadhim Zahawi, Labour MP Carolyn Harris, Assistant General Secretary of Unite Steve Turner, SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil, Conservative MP David Warburton and David Galman from Galliard Homes.

Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the British Kebab Awards and Director of the recently formed Kebab Alliance, commented: “Kebab eateries are a key part of the local community and it’s great to see so many entries at the end of a year that has tested every business operating in the hospitality sector. Getting to the semi-final is a real achievement given the competition across the country and all outlets should be rightly proud. We wish all semi-finalists the best of luck.”

Andrew Kenny, UK Managing Director of longstanding award sponsors Just Eat, added: “We’re delighted to continue our sponsorship of the British Kebab Awards, which recognises individuals and businesses at the forefront of the kebab industry. Not only do the longlisted restaurants and takeaways serve fantastic food, they also offer a vital source of local jobs, bring diversity to our high streets and make a significant contribution to the UK economy – particularly important at the end of a challenging year.”

Business and Industry Minister Nadhim Zahawi, who is currently serving as the Minister for the COVID Vaccine Deployment, said: “I have been a big supporter of the British Kebab Awards since 2013 and look forward to attending the 2021 event and being on the judging panel. Recognising the UK’s thriving kebab restaurant and takeaway sector is very important. I’m proud to be part of this landmark event which will showcase what the sector has to offer and reward the best businesses for their success.”

Horacio Cal, Away-from-Home CD Director at Unilever, said: “We are delighted to be part of the 2021 British Kebab Awards for the 4th year running and I want to congratulate all the semi-finalists! As our partnership grows stronger, the number of kebab independent restaurants realising the value of offering Unilever ice cream is growing every year. They provide some of our most loved ice cream brands available for every occasion: Magnum (the number one Ice Cream brand in the UK[1]) and Ben & Jerry’s (the number one dessert in the UK[2]). We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Kebab restaurant industry, as we continue to increase our knowledge of how we can better support this favourite of the British High Street.”

Lord Karan Bilimoria, the Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer said: “Cobra beer is proud to sponsor the 9th British Kebab Awards. Kebabs have become a great British institution, with over 1 million kebabs sold a day. The Kebab awards celebrate the hard work and achievement of the industry which contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy and employs over 200,000 people. I wish the Kebab Awards team, its inspirational founder Ibrahim Dogus, and all the nominees every success.”

Sponsors also include leading household brands and major players in the kebab industry, including Unilever and its leading brands Hellmann’s and Ben & Jerry’s. Other sponsors include Cobra Beer, Big K Charcoal, Bookers, Coca-Cola, Alton and Co Accountants, Atlacarte, DD Points, Troy Digital, McCain Foods and Foodelo.

Voting is now open to the general public who select their local kebab eateries at: britishkebabawards.co.uk.

ENDS