A Yorkshire-based Japanese restaurant has been named Best Takeaway in Britain at the British Takeaway Awards.
The star-studded event, commonly known as ‘the Oscars of the takeaway world’ was held in Old Billingsgate, London last night and saw 12 restaurants across the UK named the best in their region.
Sakushi in Sheffield won the gong for the top prize, with a humble curry house in south London and a Fish and Chip shop in Belfast being named among the best their regions.
A prominent figure of Japanese cuisine in Yorkshire, the local takeaway impressed judges with its extensive vegan and vegetarian menu and community initiatives including raising funds to support the NHS and LGBTQI+ community.
The judges included Nisha Katona a Restaurateur and TV chef, Asma Khan a restaurateur who appeared on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, James Hacon, a Hospitality Commentato and Andrew Kenny, the Managing Director of Just Eat.
A Yorkshire-based Japanese restaurant has been named Best Takeaway in Britain at the British Takeaway Awards
Despite an unimposing exterior, the restaurant is a favourite among Sheffield locals and serves the likes of ‘Japanese Tapas’ as well as classics like Mixed Nigiri, California Rolls, bao buns and ramen.
The highly-acclaimed restaurant has previously been named the best takeaway in Sheffield and the best Japanese takeaway in the UK, but this will be its biggest prize to date.
The awards, now in its sixth year are sponsored by Just Eat, and recognise the local takeaways across the country. The restaurants are judged not only delivered delicious food, but worked to reduce their environmental impact, supported those in need and catered to the ever changing consumer diets, including vegan cuisine and healthier alternatives.
This year, more than ever before, local food businesses have been a lifeline to communities during the pandemic.
Despite an unimposing exterior, the restaurant is a favourite among Sheffield locals and serves the likes of ‘Japanese Tapas’ as well as classics like Mixed Nigiri, California Rolls, bao buns and ramen
Two new awards for this year, the Good Deed Hero Award and New to Delivery Award, were given to British Raj Express (Good Deed Hero) and Chickenish (New to Delivery Award).
Passed down through generations, British Raj Express is a treasured member of the community in Royston, Hertfordshire.
In memory of his late grandfather Owner Safwaan Choudhury launched the #1000MealsInMemoryOfMrChoudhury campaign, ultimately leading to over 3000 meals being delivered to hospitals, GPs, care homes and the East of England Ambulance HQ, and Safwaan receiving the Hero of Hertfordshire commendation.
The highly-acclaimed restaurant has previously been named the best takeaway in Sheffield and the best Japanese takeaway in the UK, but this will be its biggest prize to date.
Hackney-Wick based Chickenish is a new addition to the British Takeaway Awards, which is reimagining the classing fried chicken shop as a plant-based experience.
Former Just Eat employee Danny created the vegan eatery with Robbie Rees after noting a lack of vegan restaurants available. Their signature CHKN drumsticks are made from soy protein and ‘tofu skin’ to give it a realistic look, complete with wooden bone.
Andrew Kenny, Managing Director of Just Eat commented: ‘Takeaway food is a massive part of our British culture and this year more than ever we wanted to recognise the local takeaways that kept the nation fed, while also making an immeasurable contribution to their local communities and the UK economy.
‘From delivering a taste of normality when communities needed it most to providing healthier options we want to congratulate all of the deserving winners for continuing to bring the nation the food they love.’
British Takeaway Award winners are selected by a judging panel following a rigorous process comprising a public vote, written submission, and mystery shopping.
Category winners each receive a £1,000 cash prize, £200 per site to spend at the Just Eat shop and an exclusive British Takeaway Awards trophy, while the overall, Best Takeaway in Britain winner will receive a further £5,000 and a media support package courtesy of Just Eat.
Winners of the Judges Awards will also be the recipients of £200 per site to spend at Just Eat shop & an exclusive British Takeaway Awards trophy as well as a £3000 cash prize for the Good Deed Hero, New to Delivery and Best Takeaway Chef in Britain awards, while the Best Small Chain Restaurant recipients will win £5000 in cash.
The star studded ceremony held at Old Billingsgate in London was hosted by TV presenter comedian Paddy McGuinness and attended by celebrity guests including Daisy Lowe, Pixie Lott, Oliver Cheshire, Lucy Mecklenburgh, Chris Kamara and John Barnes. Judges including restaurateur and TV chef Nisha Katona and Asma Khan from Netflix’s Chef’s Table also joined the celebrations.