AVRUPA TIMES/LONDON-The winners of the 14th British Kebab Awards have been revealed, celebrating the very best of the UK’s vibrant, diverse and fast-growing kebab and takeaway industry. Held in London and attended by leading parliamentarians, industry figures and hospitality leaders, this year’s awards once again showcased the extraordinary talent, innovation and resilience of businesses operating across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Founded by Ibrahim Dogus, the British Kebab Awards recognise excellence across a wide range of categories — from fine dining restaurants and regional takeaways to chefs, suppliers and street food operators.
Chef of the Year – Kemal Coşkuncay of Casa Rima (Halewood, Liverpool) with his team
National and Regional Winners
Among the standout winners this year:
- Best Delivery – Charcoal Grill, Andover (South East)
- Best Kebab House in Northern Ireland – Kebab Company, Belfast
- Best Kebab House in Scotland – Shawarma King, Glasgow
- Best Kebab House in Wales – Chip-o-Dee, Wrexham and Golden BBQ, Cardiff
- Best Kebab Restaurant in North & West London – Istanbul Shish Grill, Brent
- Best Kebab Restaurant in South & East London – Lara Grill, Dagenham and Turkuaz, Lewisham
- Best Kebab Restaurant Regional – Cappadocia Restaurant (Bristol), Elif Castle Street (Liverpool), Lara Restaurant (Leicestershire) and Tarla Restaurant (Stevenage)
This year’s awards highlighted the strength of the industry beyond London, with regional excellence strongly represented from Glasgow to Torquay, Chester to Portsmouth.
Founded by Ibrahim Dogus, the British Kebab Awards recognise excellence across a wide range of categories. Dogus with Deputy Prime Minster David Lammy (Tottenham MP)
Culinary Excellence and Innovation
The awards also celebrated innovation and culinary leadership:
- Chef of the Year – Kemal Coşkuncay of Casa Rima (Halewood, Liverpool) and Mazlum Demir of Skewd Kitchen (Barnet, London)
- Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Pircio (Hertfordshire) and The Mantl (Knightsbridge, London)
- Best Vegan Kebab – Great British Doner, Manchester
- Best Kosher Shawarma – MAZAL – Original Shawarma, Camden
- Best Lebanese Restaurant – Damasqino Restaurant, Glasgow
- Best Greek Restaurant – Just Greek Penrith, Cumbria
The diversity of winners reflects the multicultural roots of the UK kebab industry — from Turkish and Kurdish establishments to Lebanese, Greek and Caribbean influences, including May 10 Eatery in Haringey, winner of Best Takeaway in London.
Deputy Prime Minster David Lammy (Tottenham MP) attended
Street Food and Suppliers Recognised
- Kebab Van of the Year – Bourton Kebab Van, Gloucestershire
- Highly Commended (Kebab Van) – Hungry Kebab, Cambridge
- Supplier & Manufacturer Award – Kismet Kebab, Essex
These categories underline the importance of the supply chain and mobile operators, who continue to play a vital role in feeding communities across the UK.
Liverpool based Chef of the Year – Kemal Coşkuncay
A Thriving Industry
Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Dogus, Founder of the British Kebab Awards, said:
“The British Kebab Awards were created to celebrate an industry that contributes billions to the UK economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs.
This year’s winners demonstrate not only culinary excellence but resilience, innovation and community leadership. From family-run takeaways to high-end dining destinations, these businesses are the backbone of our high streets.
I am incredibly proud of what this industry continues to achieve, particularly in challenging economic times.”
The UK kebab industry is estimated to contribute over £2.8 billion annually to the British economy and remains one of the most dynamic sectors within hospitality.
Ibrahim Dogus, Founder of the British Kebab Awards with his sponsors Ephesus Beer, Njoy Catering and Star Catering owner Deniz Suyur and Eser Altınay
Celebrating Community Impact
Many of this year’s winners have deep roots in their local communities — employing local staff, sourcing locally where possible and supporting charitable initiatives.
From Shawarma King in Glasgow’s city centre to Golden BBQ in Cardiff, and from Agora Restaurant in Southsea to Anar Turkish BBQ in Liverpool, the awards reflect the strength of Britain’s regional hospitality landscape.
British Kebab Awards main sponsor Njoy Catering and Star Catering, Ephesus Beer owner Deniz Suyur and Eser Altınay