A family-run bistro in Merseyside has been named Britain’s best takeaway after wowing judges with their efforts to reduce plastic and help the environment.
Brunch in Whiston, Merseyside, not only scooped the prize for the north west region for a third year in a row but also nabbed the main gong at the 2018 British Takeaway Awards.
The awards celebrate culinary prowess and customer service and also reward businesses who do their part for sustainability.
Brunch scored so highly because they eliminated single-use plastic by packaging all food in recyclable boxes and pouring all drinks into biodegradable cups.
Brunch in Whiston, Merseyside, nabbed the main restaurant of the year gong at the 2018 British Takeaway Awards
Bosses even went that extra bit further to use upcycled and second hand furniture throughout the restaurant.
Sharon Carline, owner of Brunch, said: ‘We’re still in shock. We’ve won the Best Takeaway in the North West three times, but never thought we’d go the whole way and scoop the national award.
‘It’s such a fantastic feeling to see your hard work and dedication recognised.
‘We know that sourcing food with integrity is important to our customers, and we’re also aware of the responsibility we all have to reduce our environmental impact.
‘That’s why we are committed to being as sustainable as possible whilst serving great food to our local community – this ethos sits at the heart of everything we do.’
The industry is worth nearly £10billion per year and this year’s ceremony took place at the Savoy Hotel in London in partnership with delivery service Just Eat.
Brunch won £5,000 in prize money while regional winners were given £1,000 each plus a free sign-up to Just Eat’s delivery service.
More than 300 guests attended including celebrities Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams, Frankie and Wayne Bridge, Chris Kamara, Lisa Faulkner, Georgia Toffolo, Rachel Riley and Vick Hope.
Special awards judge’s prizes were also handed out on the night, with 82-year-old Brian Loughans of Kipling’s Restaurant in Halifax, Yorkshire, winning Best Delivery Driver in Britain.
Mr Loughans took on the job three years ago following the death of his wife and has never missed a single shift, even during heavy snow.
He is also waiting to find out whether he can enter the Guinness World Records as the oldest delivery driver in the UK.
Brunch – Whiston Village – North West
Brunch has been named North West regional winner for three years in a row and have now finally won the main prize too
They’ve been regional winners for three years in a row and Brunch now claim the ultimate prize: the Best Takeaway Restaurant in Britain. They have a top notch menu and are an integral part of their community, but it’s their efforts in sustainability that really makes them stand out.
No single use plastic is used: all food is packed in recyclable boxes and all drinks (hot and cold) are served in 100% biodegradable cups. And it’s not just food – they even use upcycled and second hand furniture in the restaurant. Tasty and good for the planet.
Sharon Carline, owner of Brunch, said: ‘We’re still in shock. We’ve won the Best Takeaway in the North West three times, but never thought we’d go the whole way and scoop the national award. It’s such a fantastic feeling to see your hard work and dedication recognised.
‘We know that sourcing food with integrity is important to our customers, and we’re also aware of the responsibility we all have to reduce our environmental impact. That’s why we are committed to being as sustainable as possible whilst serving great food to our local community – this ethos sits at the heart of everything we do.’
Casa Rosa – Gateshead – North East
Casa Rosa in Gateshead was named best in the North East and is also the first UK takeaway to ever be approached for a scientific research study
Casa Rosa is the first ever UK takeaway to be approached for a scientific research study, having taken part in a research programme by Newcastle University to improve the ‘nutrient profile of takeaway menus’.
They are also the first takeaway in the region to work with Gateshead Council to reformulate menus and introduce dishes under 600 calories.
Spaghetti Tree – Surrey – Greater London
The Spaghetti Tree was named the best takeaway in Greater London – it is a family-run restaurant that started in 1985
Family-run Italian restaurant the Spaghetti Tree was named the best in Greater London. Since starting out in 1985, their popularity has seen them expand with a second branch and a cocktail bar.
Their signature dish, the Pappardelle dello Chef, can be enjoyed on a Thursday, with the restaurant giving away a free bottle of vino with every order.
Bombay Bicycle Chef – Battersea – Central London
Central London was a very competitive region in this year’s award and Bombay Bicycle Chef was named the best takeaway in the area
Despite being the restaurant’s first time listed, Bombay Bicycle Chef’s was named the best in Central London – one of the most competitive areas.
With 15 years of experience in serving the tastiest Indian dishes, they also love spoiling their customers with several promotions such as extra vegan options, loyalty schemes and supporting local charities ensure they have a fiercely loyal following.
Golden Dragon Takeaway – Wales
The Golden Dragon was named the best takeaway in Wales – having been a runner-up twice before. It has more than 1000 dished on the menu
Having been regional finalist for the last two years, The Golden Dragon has now been named the best takeaway in Wales. They are very much a family affair and the restaurant has been passed down three generations.
The restaurant has more than a thousand dishes on its menu, was developed over 50 years and received a whopping 100% on their mystery shop.
Chutney Express – Birmingham – West Midlands
As well as being praised for its high quality of Indian cooking, Chutney Express was commended for its community work
Chutney Express were commended for their work in the local community, as well as the delicious Indian delicacies they deliver.
They sponsor the Kingfisher Football Club, Old Saltleians Rugby Club and Crown table tennis club.
J’s Grill – Hitchin – South East
J’s Grill has been named the top takeaway in the south east – despite only opening at the start of the year
J’s Grill only opened at the at the start of the year making its new award even more impressive.
Offering a variety of options such as fried, grilled or even steamed chicken for the more health conscious customers, there’s something for everyone.
They even name dishes after their most loyal customers.
The House of Shah – Hamilton – Scotland
Popular in local papers, the House of Shah in Hamilton is a family-run business and has been named the best takeaway in Scotland
The House of Shah is a family run business that is widely decorated in praised in Scotland through local papers and awards.
They also work with a charity called DB12Run raising money for people with type 1 and 2 diabetes abd hold classes teaching Indian cooking in the local community.
They also give food to their local homeless charity.
Feeley’s Fish and Chips – Belfast – Northern Ireland
Feely’s Fish and Chips, in Belfast, made the headlines last year after a customer posted about how the delivery driver went above and beyond, delivering flu and cold tablets along with the meal
Feeley’s is a third chippy, a third pizzeria and a third kebab shop. The restaurant made the headlines last year after a customer posted about how the delivery driver went above and beyond, delivering flu and cold tablets along with the meal.
The post has attracted more than 13,000 likes and has had over 1,500 comments on Facebook.
Hirds Family Fisheries – Halifax – Yorkshire
Owners Adam and Alison say that they treat their customers like family. They offer award-winning (sustainably caught) fish and chips among several other British classics.
But their steak and ale pie, slow cooked in a local IPA beer brewed less than a mile away, that is most popular with customers.
Nacho Cheese – South West
Finalist two years running and regional winners last year, Nacho Cheese have now been named the best takeaway in the South West.
They say they offer friendly, relaxed and personable service to both new and regular customers.
The majority of their menu is gluten free and they have created an innovative range of gluten free sauces including Cajun, Smokin Chipotle and Habanero with Ghost Chilli.
Doorstep Desserts – Leicester – East Midlands
Doorstep Desserts make all their dishes with the finest ingredients and have been hailed by fans for their pioneering options.
They are well known for delivering the popular Tango Ice Blast slushie to sweet toothed fans.