February 2017 - Issue 4

The Meat of the Kebab Industry www.britishkebabawards.co.uk

“The Awards are a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the thriving Ready for British kebab industry, which continues to make the 5th an important contribution to the UK’s food and drink economy.” British Rt Hon Theresa May Prime Minister and Leader See more on page 6 >> Kebab

“The British Kebab Awards Awards have become an important See more on page 36 - 37 >> part of our food awards in Britain, recognising the hard work of our restaurateurs and chefs.” Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn Leader of the Labour Party See more on page 7 >>

Rt Hon Theresa May Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn Sadiq Khan Mayor of London Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP Graham Cor€eld Rt Hon Priti Patel MP

Nadhim Zahawi MP Rt Hon George Eustice MP Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Rt Hon Damian Green MP Dawn Butler MP Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP British Kebab Awards

2 British Kebab Awards British Kebab Awards

British Kebab Awards 3 British Kebab Awards British Kebab Awards 5th Year The British kebab industry contributes over £2.8 billion annually to the British economy, providing around 200,000 jobs across restaurants, suppliers and the wider food industry in the UK.

Kebabs have become a Great commitment of individuals in the British institution. And they’re big kebab industry who have helped business, with an estimated 1.3m the growing passion for kebabs kebabs sold every day in the UK. spread throughout the UK. It is Over 20,000 kebab outlets in the thanks to them that the kebab UK sell around 2,500 tonnes of industry is thriving today. lamb and chicken doner a week. There are also around 200 doner The awards aim to assess the kebab manufacturers in the UK, kebab industry’s contribution to with a turnover in excess of £750m. the UK. We have worked towards continually measuring the size of The British Kebab Awards (2017), the market while also analysing the now in its †‡h year, have received economic and social impacts that thousands of nominations from the industry has on the UK. The across the UK. Nominations in ten aim of the awards is to highlight categories have been meticulously and acknowledge the best of assessed for the †nal shortlist. the kebab industry from all over More and more kebab businesses Britain, including local producers, British Kebab Awards 8th Floor are being recognised for their good restaurants, chefs, restaurateurs, Elizabeth House food and hard work. and takeaways. 39 York Road SE1 7NQ The British Kebab Awards, founded Our judging panel is comprised by the Centre for Turkey Studies of experts from the industry and 02071834272 (www.ce‡us.org), aims to shed members of parliament, and our [email protected] light on this important industry, judges are a vital component of [email protected] to recognise the cultural and the validity and robustness of the economic contributions that the results. Our judges take a number [email protected] industry’s various restaurants, of key aspects into consideration www.britishkebabawards.co.uk suppliers and workers make to the – rewarding great ”avours, high- UK. quality ingredients, value for money and customer service. There KebabAwards The British Kebab Awards honour are 16 di˜erent categories of awards BritishKebabAwards the dedication, hard work and in total.

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4 British Kebab Awards Messages

The kebab industry plays an undeniably important role in the UK economy and is a great example of what independent traders can achieve. The industry contributes over £2.8 billion to the UK economy each year, according to our latest research. An estimated 1.3 million kebabs are sold by vendors every day in the UK. Moreover, the industry is a major employer, with over 20,000 kebab shops and restaurants across the country, employing around 200,000 people. In fact, there are more people in the UK making kebabs than making cars. There are around 200 doner kebab manufacturers in the UK, with a turnover in excess of £750m.

Ibrahim Dogus Founder and Director of Centre for Turkey Studies and British Kebab Awards “Kebabs: A shared culture”

The British Kebab Awards continue to Food is more than just what goes into it. minority in this country felt empowered by the grow in terms of attendance and recognition, It is the ritual, the experience, of eating and Brexit vote to turn against their neighbours. and consequently the impact they have on sharing. The development and change of The uncertainty of the Brexit process is the industry and kebab-making community. kebabs re”ect something very fundamental damaging our economy and putting our SMEs, Every year, we come together to celebrate about the age we live in. Moreover, the way of so vital to our society, at great risk. It is in times a fantastic industry and in particular the cooking – grilling over †re – is a process that like these that solidarity and celebrating what truly amazing people behind it all. These is ancient and transformative, and speaks to makes us who we are, are so important. are the restaurateurs, chefs, managers, something very primal within us. The humble There are so many talented people wholesalers, lawyers, accountants, among kebab tells us a lot about who we are. among our industry, from long-established many others, and not to mention the men and In the UK, kebabs †rst appeared in the restaurants, to new start-ups. Everyone women working long hours and late into the 1940s, following the arrival of immigrants from involved in this special industry, is a winner. night, serving hot, fresh food to millions of Turkish, Cypriot and Kurdish communities, But with annual British Kebab Awards we customers in communities across the country. in search of a new life, bringing with them a also want to recognise the truly exceptional It is important to remember that most of the strong entrepreneurial spirit. However, today, winners and we are always grati†ed to companies involved in the kebab trade are it is not just Turks, Cypriots, Kurds or Greeks see how pleased many are to receive their Small and Medium Enterprises – SMEs. It is who make kebabs here. Today a huge variety well-deserved awards. With an award comes these businesses that make up the backbone of peoples are involved in our industry. You prestige, publicity, recognition, and, as far as of the British economy. It is the hard work and only have to attend one of our functions to we understand, an increase in customers. industriousness of these men and women that see this. We have Britons of every background A special mention must go to the keeps our country going and our communities contributing to what we do. distinguished panel of judges, who every year vibrant, and of course provide us with very What’s more, kebabs were part of the have the near-impossible task of selecting tasty food! revolution in British tastes and eating habits the best of the best. We are also thankful to The kebab industry plays an undeniably that took place in the post-war era, a revolution be able to host so many community leaders important role in the UK economy and is a in taste that re”ected changes in social values and distinguished members of the press and great example of what independent traders as well. It was out with powdered eggs and broadcasters at our awards ceremonies – from can achieve. The industry now contributes boiled cabbage and in with sumptuous the Daily Telegraph, the Guardian, the Mirror, over £2.8 billion to the UK economy each year, spices, tingling chillies, mouth-watering the Sun, the Evening Standard, Buzzfeed, BBC according to our latest research. More than 1.3 ”avours. Today, your average person living Radio One, the New Statesman, and many million kebabs are sold by vendors every day in communities small and large across the other national, local and international media in the UK. Moreover, the industry is a major country has a good knowledge of, access to, outlets. They do a lot in helping the winners employer, with estimates suggesting there and taste for culinary traditions from across attain the coverage they deserve. are over 20,000 kebab shops and restaurants the world. What’s more, as a country we are Finally, there are a number of people who across the country, employing around 200,000 more open to di˜erence and change than I would like to thank for their help in making people. In fact, there are more people in the UK arguably at almost any other point in our this all possible. First of all, I would like to making kebabs than making cars. There are history, and that makes us strong, interesting thank the dedicated sta˜ of the Centre for around 200 doner kebab manufacturers in the and fun. Turkey Studies (CEFTUS) and the British Kebab UK, with a turnover in excess of £750m. Thus, at the British Kebab Awards, we Awards team for all their hard work. I also However, obviously, it’s not just about celebrate not just the hard work and culinary want to thank our sponsors, without whom jobs and investment. Kebab restaurants are talent of the great men and women of the this would not have been possible. These a focal point of communities and kebabs are kebab industry, but we also celebrate what include Just Eat, and their Managing Director, part of the shared culture that is growing every has become a major part of our way of life in Graham Cor†eld, a great company with whom day. Having become a truly British institution, this country. We celebrate the vibrant mixing every restaurant could bene†t from partnering. kebabs in their own way re”ect the power of cultures that makes the UK such a beautiful We gratefully received sponsorship from of diversity. Kebab restaurants in the UK, place. We celebrate the country that has Crucials Sauce, Big K, Cobra Beer, Galliard while maintaining the authenticity of their accepted so many and those many who have Homes, Bira London, world’s †rst kebab ”avours, have been adopted wholeheartedly not just adapted to this country but made it beer and Alton and Co. These companies are by consumers of all backgrounds. They even greater. dear friends of the kebab industry and we bring with them the tastes and sensations of However, we must also remember that we look forward to continuing this productive another culture and place, enrichening us and are living in di£cult times. A current of divisive partnership in the years ahead. changing us, while at the same time, letting us populism is sweeping the world, turning leave our mark on them. people against each other. A small-minded Bon appetit!

British Kebab Awards 5 Messages

6 British Kebab Awards Messages

Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn Leader of the Labour Party and MP for Islington North

“I am delighted to support this year’s British Kebab Awards, now an established annual event. The British Kebab industry is continuing to grow each year and contributes well over £2 billion annually to the British economy, creating jobs and playing a vital role in our communities in every corner of the country. From takeaway to †ne dining, Kebabs are a †rm favourite and an established part of our national cuisine.

The British Kebab Industry has been built up by the tremendous e˜orts of SMEs and their teams who have worked incredibly hard to get where they are today. The British Kebab Awards have become an important part of our food awards in Britain, recognising the hard work of our restaurateurs and chefs. I send my very best wishes for this year’s 2017 award ceremony - my particular congratulations to all the award winners. And I wish you all another superb year ahead.”

British Kebab Awards 7 Messages

Graham Cor€eld UK Managing Director, Just Eat

“It is fantastic to be involved in the †‡h annual British Kebab awards which rightly recognise the hard work and incredible success of Kebab restaurants across the UK.

The kebab industry is a well-established part of British culture, and kebab restaurants are an iconic part of high streets up and down the country. Not only do the thriving businesses that we celebrate tonight play an important role in the UK economy, they are testament to the ever-growing demand for quality, global cuisine.

At Just Eat we are committed to supporting this industry and to helping restaurants to grow their businesses. Together, we can build on the generations of passion and dedication through our continued support and drive towards innovation.

On behalf of our business, I would like to congratulate all of the nominated restaurant’s being celebrated this evening. It is fantastic to hear so many success stories, and we are thrilled to sponsor these awards once again.

Here’s to a wonderful evening and another year of continued growth and prosperity for this vibrant industry in 2017.”

8 British Kebab Awards Messages

“I would like to congratulate kebab industry is recognised the nominees and winners of for its contributions to the city’s the British Kebab awards. This culture and economy. London is awards ceremony is growing open to worlds best cuisine, to year on year and fast becoming the world best chefs and to the one of the highlights of world’s best kebabs. London’s calendar. I would like to thank the London has a thriving organisers of these awards for restaurant and hospitality trade, hosting the event in London and and it is important that the I wish you all the best.” Sadiq Khan Mayor of London

“The British Kebab heritage and supporting Awards 2017 are an important thousands of jobs around the moment for the industry and country – boosting the food it is fantastic to see so many industry and the economy as a businesses across the country whole. recognised for their hard work, innovation and entrepreneurial I would like to congratulate spirit. all the nominees, and I look forward to seeing what this year We should celebrate kebabs brings for the kebab industry.” for their role in our rich food George Eustice Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth

“The British Kebab what constitutes Britain today, Awards is a testament to the in terms of who we are, what we Kebab Industry and how are and what we eat. The awards phenomenally it has grown over ceremony brings together people several decades in Britain. The from across the political divide, kebab is very much a part of which is always welcome.” Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister for Aviation, International Trade & Europe Department for Transport (DfT)

British Kebab Awards 9 Messages

Rt Hon Karen Bradley Rt Hon Priti Patel Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport International Development and Conservative MP for and Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands Witham

“Kebabs are a great “Congratulations to every the best of Britain; the example of our cultural and single restaurant and hardworking innovators culinary diversity in Britain chef nominated tonight. bringing diversity, jobs – with more than 20,000 You represent the 20,000 and tasty kebabs - to your shops dotted around the businesses in the sector that local communities. country, employing around are contributing over £2 thousands of people. billion to the UK economy Although I cannot join your every year, while driving celebrations this evening, The British Kebab Awards entrepreneurship, growth I thank you all for the highlight the very best in and employment across enormous contribution you the industry and everyone our country. Tonight is a are making to our economy, nominated should be proud celebration of the signi†cant to communities across the of their achievements and contribution you all make UK and to our country. I contribution to communities to the UK economy and to wish you all a wonderful across the country.” British society. evening.”

We are at a de†ning moment for our country where we will show the global leadership the UK Rt Hon Damian Green can provide around the Secretary of State for world, because of the Work and Pensions and entrepreneurship and Conservative MP for work ethic of chefs and Ashford businesses that make up the success of the restaurant industry. You represent

“We have a diverse food I would like to congratulate culture in Britain, of which this year’s winners on the kebab is a †rm favourite. their achievements and Kebab businesses make a wish them the best for the Nadhim Zahawi huge contribution to the UK future.” Conservative MP for with an estimated 20,000 Stratford on Avon kebab outlets supporting 200,000 jobs and generating over £2 billion for our economy.

These awards recognise the hard work and “I consider myself to be one from small and medium achievements of those of the founders of the British sized businesses. These involved in businesses Kebab Awards, and it is businesses are the lifeblood across the country; from the with immense pride that we of our nation, and it is truly culinary dedication they celebrate the truly diverse humbling to celebrate their show towards their products Kebab Industry and the vast achievements. The British to the entrepreneurial contribution it makes to Kebab Awards is their commitment to building the British economy of over night.” successful businesses. £2 Billion coming chie”y

10 British Kebab Awards Messages

Rt Hon Chris Grayling Dawn Butler Secretary of State for Shadow Minister for Transport and Conservative Diverse Communities and MP for Epsom and Ewell Labour MP for Brent Central

“Kebab restaurants are a “As the Shadow Minister to say the kebab industry regular †xture of our high for Diverse Communities is one of if not the nation’s streets and a must visit for it gives me great pleasure favourite food institutions. thousands of people every in providing this message day. Whether you’re a Doner of support for the Fi‡h I always look forward in person or a Shish person, Annual British Kebab anticipation to my Friday or enjoy one of the other Awards and the contribution lunch a‡er my weekly varied kebab dishes that the industry has made in constituency surgery when they serve up, a kebab is a Britain. The kebab industry I and my o£ce visit our great way of sharing a meal has long been established as local kebab restaurant, Real with friends. These awards one of Britain’s most loved Charcoal, where we feast on are a real feature of the culinary establishments and some of the very best food a annual calendar and a really it is a testament to the very high street can o˜er. good way to celebrate the best of Britain’s beautiful best catering in the kebab and diverse culture. I hope everyone has industry. I congratulate a wonderful evening all the winners and wish The hard work, contribution tonight celebrating and everyone a great evening.” and service that small acknowledging the and medium enterprises profound impact the kebab and their employees, in industry has made on restaurants up and down you, me and the rest of the the country, consistently country.” deliver to the general public Jo Stevens is unparalleled. Providing Shadow Secretary of State over 200,000 jobs and for Wales and Labour MP contributing over £2 billion for Cardiff Central to the UK economy, it is fair

The kebab industry is a businesses in the supply Sharon Hodgson major player in Britain’s chain. Shadow Minister for Public fantastic, diverse food Health and Labour MP for o˜ering. These awards are I’m proud to be part of a Washington and Sunderland an excellent opportunity to diverse community, and very West recognise the hard work and proud to be supporting the commitment of those in the 2017 British Kebab Awards. industry. Good luck to everyone involved. In my constituency “It is wonderful to see in Cardi˜, and across the British Kebab Awards Wales, kebab restaurants double in attendance and and takeaways make a gain so much support in signi†cant contribution not such a short amount of time. just to our world cuisine This annual event is going o˜ering, but provide from strength to strength jobs and opportunities, and all who make it happen and support other local should be congratulated.”

British Kebab Awards 11 Messages

Tim Farron Rachael Maskell Leader of the Liberal Shadow Secretary of State Democrat Party and MP for for Environment, Food and Westmorland and Lonsdale Rural Affairs and Labour MP for York Central

“On behalf of the Liberal of jobs, and keeps our “Kebabs have a special place So as we celebrate the †‡h Democrats, I want to wish villages, towns and cities in British food culture, and year of the British Kebab everyone involved in this well fed night a‡er night, the fact that there’s a kebab Awards, let me say a big year’s British Kebab Awards week a‡er week. shop on almost every high thank you to everyone who a huge congratulations, and street is an example of our helped to make it happen.” all the very best for what I Good luck everyone!” multicultural society at its am sure is set to be another best. fantastic event.

The Kebab industry has made an invaluable cultural and economic contribution to local communities in my constituency and right Natalie McGarry across the country, and Independent MP I’m delighted to see this for Glasgow East recognised each year with these important awards.

Your hard work and dedication to your enterprise creates thousands “The British Kebab Awards and a multicultural diet and celebrate the diversity of population, especially in culture, talent and the real today’s world.” contribution that kebab related businesses bring Sir David Amess to this country. It’s really Conservative MP great to celebrate that the for Southend West UK has a real range of foods

“I wish to congratulate the David Anderson Centre for Turkey Studies Shadow Secretary of on organising the British State for Scotland and for Kebab Awards. As Members Northern Ireland and MP for of Parliament we greatly Blaydon value Turkish people in our communities.

Their work ethic is second to none, they are of course “The Kebab industry is a world famous for producing key part of our communities delicious kebabs. Tonight is today and I wish all a wonderful opportunity to concerned best wishes for a celebrate their successes.” long and successful future.”

12 British Kebab Awards Messages

Simon Danczuk Angus Brendan Independent MP MacNeil for Rochdale Scottish National Party (SNP) MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar

“It’s great that we celebrate “Kebabs are an iconic food addition to the culinary the Kebab Industry which on the high street of many culture that we have makes a very important towns and cities, providing available.” contribution not just to the a tasty meal for many. Great British economy, but also to society more widely. The kebab retail industry adds greatly to the diversity of the high street and to the food industry which we all value and enjoy. Paul Cotran Commercial Director of The British Kebab Awards The Crucial Sauce Company are now a great opportunity to celebrate the great British tradition of the local kebab shop and restaurant.”

‘’The British Kebab Awards We are delighted to have are a fantastic opportunity been a crucial part of the to celebrate excellence success of the British Kebab in a food market which industry for over 15 years delivers over £2bn to the and are proud to support Metin Pekin UK economy every year. and celebrate these fantastic Managing Director of Since 2001, The Crucial achievements. We send our Paragon Quality Foods Ltd Sauce Company has been very best wishes to everyone supporting fast-food participating in the 5th operators in o˜ering their British Kebab Awards and customers a range of thank them all for their high-quality sauces whilst continued support.’’ delivering great value.

“As one of the sponsors we are big fans of the British Kebab Awards and would like to congratulate Mr Dogus. I have personally been attending every single Mike Theodorou one of them for the last few Sales Director of years. The event becomes Big K Quality Products more and more professional year a‡er year, and builds a great bridge between the Turkish and British communities. Everyone is present from high level MPs to businessmen and women, “Big K is delighted to industry and to see the it’s an incredibly successful support the British Kebab awards going from strength project and I congratulate Awards. It is fantastic to to strength.” all involved.” see the recognition in the

British Kebab Awards 13 14 British Kebab Awards Awards Winners 1st British Kebab Awards Winners

Best Kebab Businesses of the year Best-Related Business within the 2013 Winners Catering Industry 1. The Best Turkish Kebab 1. Veli’s Doner Kebab Manufacturer (Wholesale) Ltd 125 Stoke Newington Road, 2. Kismet Kebabs Ltd London N16 8BT 3. Star Catering Supplies Ltd

2. The Alternative Takeaway 35 High Street, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 9NJ Outstanding Contribution to the 3. Best Kebab 73-75 Town Centre, Middle Street, Kebab Industry Consett County Durham DH8 5QG 1. Efes 2 Restaurant 175-177 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PJ 4. The Family Kebab House 1 Kingsway House, Smithfield Street, Salisbury Wiltshire SP4 7AL Best Kebab Shops of the year 5. Turkish Delight 2013 Finalists 573 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AE 1. Vadi Restaurant 430-434 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London, N13 5XG

6. Archway Kebab 2. Best Kebab 26 Junction Road, Upper Holloway, 178 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AS. London N19 5RE 3. Istanbul BBQ Kebab House 154 Hoe Street, Walthamstow London E17 4QH 7. Lahore Kebab House 2-10 Umberston Street London, 4. Capital Restaurant Greater London E1 1PY 271 Fore Street, London, N9 0PD

5. Bar 10 8. Antepliler Restaurant 10 Silver Street, EN1 3ED 139 Upper Street, London N1 1QP 6. Kebabish Original 221 London Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 3NZ 9. Marmaris Restaurant 4-5 Newmarket Row Bath BA2 4AN 7. Town Kebab House 496, Doncaster Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 3PH

10. Istanbul Kebab House 8. Ali Baba 19 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TS 61 London Road, Town Centre, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1PF

British Kebab Awards 15 16 British Kebab Awards Awards Winners 2nd British Kebab Awards Winners

Just Eat Best Related Business Best Takeaway Kebab Shop Best Delivery Restaurant of the Year in London Mozz Restaurant - WINNER QUIK CUT - WINNER The Best Turkish Kebab - WINNER 887 Green Lanes, London N21 2QS 73 Thurlstone Road, Penistone, Sheffield S36 9EF 25 Stoke Newington Road N16 8BT

Charcoal Grill 12 Chase Side, Southgate, London, N14 5PA HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLACE Best Newcomer Kebab Restaurant Outstanding Contribution to Kervan Gokyuzu - WINNER the Kebab Industry 183 High Road, Wood Green, London N22 6BA (3 Awards will be presented) Efes Restaurant Vatan Catering 230 Commercial Road, London E1 2NB Mill Mead Road Unit 37-43 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLACE Mill Mead Industrial Centre N17 9QU Tees Ltd Efes House, Unit 65, Cromwell Industrial Estate, Customer Staffa Road E10 7QZ Satisfaction Efes Navstar Ltd Kazan Restaurant - WINNER Young Restauranteur 76 Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow of the Year 93-94 Wilton Road, Victoria, SW1V 1DW Mazlum & Serdar Demir brothers Capital Restaurant of Skewd Kitchen - WINNER 271 Fore St, London N9 0PD 12 Cockfosters Parade, London EN4 0BX HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLACE Best Value Restaurant Likya Ccakbasi Restaurant - WINNER Best Chef 68-70 Golders Green Rd, London NW11 8LN Award of the Year Ali Dirik - WINNER of Mangal 2 Fine Dining Best Takeaway Kebab Shop Sheesh Chigwell - WINNER Outside London Ye Old Kings Head, High Road, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6QA Best Young Chef Best Kebab - WINNER 5 West St, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6HH of the Year Hazev Bullring Chippy Discovery Dock West, 2 S Quay Square, Mr Haydar Polat - WINNER 4 St Johns, Worcester Wr2 5AH Greater London E14 9RT of Troia Restaurant HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLACE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLACE

British Kebab Awards 17 18 British Kebab Awards Awards Winners 3rd British Kebab Awards Winners

Just Eat Best Delivery Restaurant Altan & Co Fine Dining Best Kebab House Kebabalicious in Manchester - WINNER Sheesh - WINNER in Northern Ireland 195 Hollyhedge Road, Wythenshawe Ye Olde Kings Head, High Road, Chigwell, The Sphinx in Belfast - WINNER Manchester, M22 8UE Essex, IG7 6QA - WINNER 74 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AD Istanblue Sarastro 37 Milkstone Road, Rochdale, OL11 1EB 126 Drury Lane, Theatre Land, London, WC2B 5SU HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Harlequin Printing & Packaging Best Kebab House Paragon Quality Foods Customer Satisfaction in Wales Best Takeaway in London Durum Ocakbasi - WINNER Pizza Choice - WINNER 38 North End Road, Golders Green, NW11 7PT Super Kebab/Ocakbasi - WINNER 22 Countiesburry Avenue Cardiff, CF3 5SJ 107 Stoke Newington Road, Stoke Newington, Mezze Ocakbasi London N16 8BX 2 Johnstone Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0XA HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Archway Kebab House 26A Junction Road, London N19 5RE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Best Related Business of the Year Best Kebab House Baran Meat - WINNER in Scotland Eley Rd, London, N18 3BB Javit’s - WINNER Veli’s Doner Kebab - WINNER Bulldog Power Energy Drink Best 39 Drum Street, Edinburgh, EH17 8RQ Manufacturers Anderstaff Ind Est/Hawkins Lane, Takeaway Outside London Burton-on-Trent, DE14 1QH Botan Kebab House - WINNER 24 Berry Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 4JF The Kebab Shop Outstanding Contribution to 159 Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QY the Kebab Industry Best Young Chef HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Edmonton Meat - WINNER Murat Poyraz - WINNER 7 Stacey Avenue, London, N18 3PP of Blue Legume Mazlum Demir - WINNER Big K Best Value of Skewd Kitchen Best Newcomer Kebab Restaurant Selale Restaurant - WINNER Salisbury Promenade, Pivaz - WINNER Green Lanes, Haringay, N8 0RX 34 Chatsworth Road, Hackney, London, E5 0LP Stone Cave Diyarbakir Kitchen 111 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, London E8 2PB 52-53 Grand Parade, Haringay, London, N4 1AG Best Chef HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Award of the Year Wood Oven Potters Bar Hill Bistro 126 Georger Lane, South Woodford, London, E18 1AD 6 Market Hill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 3NR Haci Akdogan - WINNER BEST VALUE OUTSIDE LONDON WINNER WINNER OUTSIDE LONDON of Haz Restaurant

British Kebab Awards 19 20 British Kebab Awards Awards Winners 4th British Kebab Awards Winners

Judges Special Award Holland Bazaar Best Kebab Restaurant Mr. Gursel Aksu - WINNER Best Newcomer Kebab Restaurant in North & West London 107 Chase Side, London N14 5QD Mez-opotamia Restaurant - WINNER Durum Restaurant - WINNER 84-86 High Road, London E18 2NA 119 Ballards Lane, London N3 1LJ Alton & Co Best Chef Award Onder Sahan - WINNER Discovery Dock West 2 South Quay Square Canary Wharf, London E14 9RT Best Kebab Restaurant Best Takeaway in South London Outside London Big K Award Cappadocia in Kingston - WINNER Food Stop Takeaway - WINNER 163 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ Outstanding Contribution to Coppice Side, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9AE Turkuaz Restaurant Catford the Kebab Industry (2 Awards) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Ace 4 Kebabs - WINNER 2, Station Buildings, Fife Road, London KT1 1SW No.4 Tuscany Way Blackbushe Business Park Yateley Hants GU46 6GF Customer Satisfaction Total Shopfitting Solutions Ltd -WINNER B, Watkins House, Pegamoid Road, London N18 2NG Istanbul Finchley Restaurant - WINNER Best in Northern Ireland 2B Hanworth Road, London Hounslow TW3 1UA The Sphinx - WINNER 74 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AD Just Eat Best Delivery Restaurant Chnarok Restaurant - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 880 - 882 High Road, North Finchley Curipza Take Away - WINNER London N12 9RH Millers 3, Southmill Road, Bishops Stortford CM23 3DH Best in Wales Pizza Choice - WINNER Bulldog Energy Drink Best Value Restaurant 9 Shenley Road, Borehamwood WD6 1AA Best Takeaway in London Selale Restaurant - WINNER The Best Turkish Kebab - WINNER 81 High Road, Bushey Heath WD23 1EL 126 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 8BT Meze Mangal in Bushey Heath HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Best in Scotland 1-2, Green Lanes, Harringay, London N8 0RX Nawroz Restaurant - WINNER Paragon Quality Foods 26-30 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BT Best Kebab Restaurant Outside London Mevan Restaurant - WINNER 269 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 8DB Fine Dining Best Young Chef The Meze Turkish Grill - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 11 Sun Street, Hitchin SG5 1AE Sheesh Chigwell - WINNER Ali Ekber Doymaz - WINNER 6 Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RT High Road, Chigwell IG7 6QA Kervan Restaurant

British Kebab Awards 21 British Kebab Awards

22 British Kebab Awards British Kebab Awards

4th British Kebab Awards (2016) The 4th British Kebab Awards was a Leader Jeremy Corbyn MP, Sadiq Khan personalities such as the UK Managing great success. Held in March 2016, the the Mayor of London, Dominic Grieve Director of Just Eat Graham Cor†eld and highly entertaining evening brought MP, Natalie McGarry MP, Siobhain Chairman of the Cobra Beer Partnership together numerous distinguished McDonagh MP, Sharon Hodgson MP, Lord Karan Bilimoria were present, guests including politicians, Toby Perkins MP, Ruth Cadbury MP as were BBC Radio 1 presenters Scott journalists, businesspeople and and Kate Osamor MP among others. Mills and Chris Stark. Entertainment community leaders. A large number The Spectator Magazine, The Mail on was provided in the form of a great of peers and MPs from various parties Sunday and other news outlets were performance from the X Factor stars attended including the Labour Party also represented. Leading business and musical duo Two Shoes.

British Kebab Awards 23 24 British Kebab Awards Interviews Interviews with the Winners

Turkuaz Restaurant Sheesh Chigwell Nawroz Restaurant Resul Kaynak Colin & Christine Hunt Rebaz Mohammed “It’s amazing, I came last year and this is Colin: “It’s so important as it is the fourth “I think that the event itself is very impor- my second time, I am so happy, I just can’t year now, with the Kebab Awards we realise tant, the British Kebab Awards have been describe my happiness right now, I hope we how important kebabs are to communities growing over the last 4 years which is valua- will come again next year and win another across England. It’s been bigger every year ble to our community, for integration and for award.” with more MPs.” understanding how these small businesses Christine: “It’s been fantastic, I came here are important to the food industry. Our own for the first time three years ago, and it’s restaurant Nawroz is now establishing with got bigger and better, I love it.” the customers and has won the favour of local residents.”

Total Shop†tting Solutions Aykut Saglik & Turgay Saglik “The British Kebab Awards is important Pizza Choice because it’s a gathering of all the business- Garip Demirci Istanbul Finchley Restaurant es, it’s not just for the kebab shops, it’s “It’s a superb event, the organisation is about the suppliers and the people that fit Suna Hurman amazing, I’d like to congratulate Ibrahim the shops, like us. It’s a really important Dogus with these amazing awards, I think “Winning this is amazing, I am very proud of my gathering for businesses, for everyone.” it they will make a great contribution to the team, the restaurant Istanbul Finchley deserved kebab sector as well, and I hope they will this award. I would like to thank our customers get even better.” and also the British Kebab Awards, which are very, very important to get people to recognise the kebab industry in the UK.”

The Best Turkish Kebab Mustafa Demir The Sphinx “The kebab sector plays an important role in the British economy and also plays a very Errol Jenkins Chnarok Restaurant important role in the Turkish and Kurdish “I’m absolutely delighted to win this award community. We as The Best Turkish Kebab tonight, it means so much to us. Every year “We are so excited to win in this amazing have won for the third time in four years the British Kebab Awards gets better and competition across the country. It really is a and we are very proud of it and proud to better, this is the fourth year, so well done privilege for us.” represent our community as well.” to Ibrahim and his crew.”

Mevan Restaurant Food Stop Takeaway The Meze Turkish Grill “We feel so privileged to have won this “This kind of recognition is wonderful, it “It’s an honour to win such a great award, incredible award, many thanks to our cus- really makes our work worthwhile.” we are delighted.” tomers for believing in us.”

British Kebab Awards 25 British Kebab Awards

26 British Kebab Awards Interviews Interviews with the Winners

Mez-opotamia Restaurant Curipza Kervan Sofrasi Restaurants Erol Coban Anam Yacoob Gursel Aksu “We have tried so many times to get a Brit- “It’s an amazing atmosphere, everyone is “The British Kebab Awards is not only ish Kebab Award, and worked very hard to together, communicating and connecting. about kebabs, it aims higher, it celebrates win. We’ve been in this business for the last Everyone gets a chance to meet business restaurateurs, chefs and the various food 20 years and I’m delighted to see my new partners, supporters and everyone who is they make including kebabs of many kinds. restaurant which opened in December last involved in the British Kebab Industry. The awards are so important for society year have this great success.” and communities, as they bring people It’s a really good chance for everyone to from many circles, nations, ethnicities and celebrate together and meet new people cultures together.” as well as recognise the success of all the businesses over the years.”

Hazev Gizem Sahan & Dervis Aslan (on behalf of Onder Sahan) “We are so happy that someone in our fam- ily has received such an important award, and we would like to thank Ibrahim and everyone for giving it to him.” Durum Restaurant Bektas Kurt & Ozan Kurt “The event organisation has been very good, Ace 4 Kebabs and we say thank you very much to the British Kebab Awards. Our restaurant has “We are very proud of our outstanding been working for more than 15 years and contribution to the kebab industry. It gives we worked hard and won this award.” us immense pleasure to see our efforts recognised. Winning this award has been a privilege.”

Cappadocia Restaurant Kingston Cemal Gizli “I feel very grateful tonight and we at Cappa- docia restaurant won an award because of our hard work, customer service and good food and I am proud of that.”

Kervan Sofrasi Ali Ekber Doymaz “I’m very happy about the British Kebab Awards, this great yearly event really made a name for itself. The awards promote higher Meze Mangal Bushey Heath hygiene standards in the kebab industry, and have something for everyone be they “It’s such a great surprise to be given this Selale Restaurant British or Middle Eastern. The atmosphere award, especially as a new restaurant in our “We are so happy to see all our work com- is great and I hope it will continue. The local area. We would like to thank the Brit- ing together with this achievement. Thank awards are amazing and I am very happy ish Kebab Awards and most importantly, the you to the great British Kebab Awards!” about winning one of them.” people of Bushey Heath for voting for us.”

British Kebab Awards 27 British Kebab Awards

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British Kebab Awards 29 Judging Panel

5th British Kebab Awards (2017) Judging Panel

Nadhim Zahawi MP Jonathan Reynolds MP Shany Gupta Member of Parliament for Member of Parliament for Founder and C.E.O of Stratford-on-Avon Stalybridge and Hyde Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Dr Rami Ranger MBE Altan Kemal Steve Turner Chairman of Chartered Accountant and Assistant General Secretary Sun Mark Ltd founder of Alton & Co at Unite the Union

Mustafa Topkaya Zeren Wilson Metin Pekin Estate Agent & Wine trader & head of the Managing Director of Businessman food review website Paragon Quality Foods Ltd

30 British Kebab Awards British Kebab Awards

British Kebab Awards 31 British Kebab Awards AnAn IndustryIndustry WorthWorth BillionsBillions Britain’s kebab scene has thrived since its inception half a century ago. We look at how the dish first arrived and multiplied on these shores, and what Shakespeare would have made of it all.

We also present the findings of our ongoing in-depth research into the kebab industry, providing an up-to- date overview and figures.

Britain’s kebab industry is vibrant, creative and continues to grow. In the last few decades, the dish has become part of our national culture and more Researchers: than a million portions are Michael Daventry and sold to hungry customers Timur Ekingen every day.

MODEST BEGINNINGS IN SOHO the Hodja Nasreddin Kebab House in Asian community operating alongside Perhaps the earliest Turkish restaurant 1966. those serving Indian and Bangladeshi in the UK was Istanbul Restaurant, As a venue they picked Newington cuisine. which served huge meat and meze Green; at the time, it was an By the 1990s, just about every major platters to customers visiting the unassuming suburb, but has since town in the country could say it had a tiny establishment in Soho, central become one of the most vibrant stand of its own. Many are in Britain’s London, during the Second World War. Turkish-speaking areas in the country. most historical locations. Occupied today by a Japanese The Hodja Nasreddin’s goal was to Stratford-upon-Avon, for instance, restaurant, there is little le‡ at 12 import a method of cooking and the birthplace of Shakespeare has a Frith Street to suggest there was once serving meat (doner) that had proved kebab shop. How far his birthplace a bustling Turkish restaurant there, a resounding success in Turkey, has come since the 16th Century, but photographs in the Imperial War Cyprus and Germany. It soon became when Shakespeare wrote works were Museum show it was a very lively an unmistakeably bohemian spot for sprinkled with anti-Turkish remarks, place. those seeking a di˜erent experience; re”ecting, perhaps, the sentiments Soon a‡er the war, the Istanbul Tom Jones and George Harrison were of his time, when the very word was joined by Costa’s Grill, a Greek- said to have been frequent visitors. “Turkish” had come to mean “cruel or run business that served customers in barbarous”. His native Stratford-upon- Notting Hill, but it would be another KEBABS FIT FOR A QUEEN Avon today boasts a wide array of generation before the famous doner From Newington Green, shops kebab shops! kebab – the vertical slab of meat serving doner kebabs have spread Many other British hotspots o˜er roasted for hours in front of an open and multiplied. In the 1960s and †ne kebabs in glorious settings. †re – was introduced to the UK. The 1970s, there was huge growth of these In Blackpool, kebabs can be found people credited with doing so are Çetin shops in East London, with kebab nearly as readily as the traditional Bukey and Kojay Hüseyin, who opened restaurants operated by the South †sh-and-chips. Vendors in Scotland’s

32 British Kebab Awards Research capital o˜er †ne views of Edinburgh’s iconic castle. And Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has a choice of four outlets within walking distance of her home in Windsor. Many have familiar names; “Istanbul Kebab House”, “Best Kebab” or “Doner King” are emblazoned on storefronts across the country. Others operate under more unusual titles, such as Yum Yum Kebab.

A KEY PART OF BRITISH CUISINE AND A DYNAMIC INDUSTRY Since their inception †ve years ago, the British Kebab & Retail Awards have been documenting the striking growth of the UK’s kebab industry. Kebabs are now a £2.8 billion industry and and even the Turkish expatriates’ and-chip shops boast a doner spit too. are served in 17,000 shops around the favourite Germany are destinations for It gives customers a choice of meals country. our produce. and helps keep a †ne British tradition It isn’t just Turkish or Kurdish shop Nearly 1.3 million portions of doner alive. owners plying the trade; Greek, Cypriot kebabs are sold each and every day Doner kebabs have also inspired a and south Asian vendors also dish up across the UK. The median price of a wave of creativity. some of the best samples you can †nd small kebab is £4.50; larger portions In Swansea, husband-and-wife anywhere. generally cost around £6.00. team Stephanie and Simon Mills To update our ongoing research As well as becoming a tradition in opened a chocolate kebab house. The into the kebab industry for 2017, we their own right, doner kebabs have dish is made by scraping shavings surveyed dozens of kebab producers, also helped to sustain another British of pure chocolate from a rotating distributors and vendors in the UK. tradition. vertical cylinder, served on a pitta-style We found that manufacturers produce pancake. approximately 300 tonnes of lamb LET THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOW… The chocolate, for understandable doner meat every day and 50 tonnes of Fish and chips has long been the UK’s reasons, is kept in a refrigerated unit chicken. trademark takeaway meal. In the rather than next to a burning †re. It is The majority of doner meat served 1970s, it accounted for around three imported from a factory in Italy; the in kebab shops is produced in the quarters of all fast food. That share inspiration is undeniably Turkish. UK by more than 200 specialised fell away with the arrival of competing Creative does not need to mean manufacturers. Britain is a large American, Chinese and Indian outlandish. British palates are helping exporter of doner meat: Italy, Poland cuisines, but these days many †sh- to evolve the kebab scenes in ways that many would previously have thought impossible. London will soon play host to its †rst ever vegan kebab shop, for example, while vegetarians are already well catered for. Among the fans of non-meaty kebabs is Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party leader. “Vegetarian a†cionado of kebab shops, I hope I’m still welcome,” he told the audience at last year’s British Kebab Awards. “I’m always very pleased whenever I get to any kebab shop to enjoy a good falafel.”

British Kebab Awards 33 British Kebab AwardsSparş almada kağıt kalem dönemne son!

KÜÇÜK HIZLI BASİT KULLANIMLI ÇOK UCUZ

Restaurant sahbnn küçük ama çok etkl çalışma arkadaşı! IKA-DROID EL TERMİNALİ Yen Nesl Restaurant, Cafe & Bar IKA EPoS Sstemler Sparş müşterlernzn yanında alın, anında mutfağa ve bara göndern. Kullanımı çok kolay olan IKA-DROID müşter memnunyetn ve sadakatn arttırıyor. IKA-DROID FAYDALARI • Yoğun saatlernzde karmaşayı önler, servs hızlandırır. • Kaçakları kesnlkle önler: müşter sparşler masa yanında önce adsyona eklenr sonra servs yapılır. • Garsonların performans ve vermllğn artırarak daha az zamanda daha çok satış yapmalarını sağlar. • Masa-Mutfak ve Bar arasındak letşm sağlamlaştırır ve yanlışlıkları önler. • Sparş bldrmek çn harcadığınız yürüme zamanını müşterlernzle lglenmek çn kullanırsınız. • Yoğun saatlernzde daha az elemanla çalışmanızı sağlar.

www.ikaepos.com 0333 800 2212 Ücretsz demo ve tanıtım çn hemen arayın IKA EPoS Ltd. Unit B Watkins House, Pegamoid Road, London N18 2NG Tel: 020 8887 1578 • E-mail: [email protected] 34 British Kebab Awards Rixos is a modern restaurant with traditional British Kebab Awards values, the cuisine is influenced by the heritage of the family who derive from Turkey.

At Rixos we can cater from an intimate table for 2 to a large group whatever the oc- casion may be. We trust you will enjoy your experience at Rixos and we look forward to making your visit to us a memorable one.

Our Ethos has always been to serve the best quality pro- duce available with a warm welcoming service. Our ex- perience over the last 20 years has proven to us that this method is what sep- erates us from the rest. So you’ve tried the rest now try the best.

190-194 Eltham High Street, London SE9 1BJ 020 8850 0634 British Kebab Awards 35 Bira London Bira, the world’s first ever beer for kebabs! Launched in December 2016, Bira kebabs. As people in this country is the world’s †rst ever beer created are increasingly enjoying kebabs especially as an accompaniment as a proper sit-down meal, it seems to quality kebabs, grilled meats only right that they can enjoy a beer and BBQ meals. Developed by a with it. Enjoying quality beer and master brewer and one of Britain’s kebabs are both great things about leading kebab restaurateurs, Bira life in the UK; why not bring them goes perfectly with the ”avours together? These days, kebabs do not and spices used in the foods of the necessarily come in a falling-apart Eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia. pita bread, late at night. They are Lovingly cra‡ed over many months enjoyed as a relaxed, sit-down meal of hard work, Bira is certain to make with friends and family. Moreover, a splash in the UK’s burgeoning people’s impressions of kebabs are kebab restaurant scene. Launched in London’s †ttingly grand Sheraton Hotel to an audience of friends and beer lovers alike, Bira has already been warmly received among Britain’s kebab connoisseurs. The founder of Bira, Ibrahim Dogus, himself an experienced kebab restaurateur, made a speech to mark the momentous occasion, before the assembled crowd were the †rst lucky members of the public to get stuck into the innovative new beer. Bira can now already be enjoyed in several London restaurants with many more hopefully to follow. Ibrahim is the founder of British kebab awards. He founded awards as a means of celebrating and recognising the fact that the kebabs being made and enjoyed in the UK are getting better and better all the time. In the same way that the Kebab Awards have been helping make kebabs better, now so does Ibrahim’s latest addition to the kebab scene: Bira! changing. They realise that they piled high with tasty salads. Millions of Brits enjoy Kebabs don’t have to be unhealthy and On top of this, more and more every day and the makers of Bira greasy. Barbequing is actually a great kebab restaurateurs are going the saw a gap in the market: there is way to cook meat, as it does not need extra mile to deliver truly excellent no beer that is made especially for oil, and these meals are typically kebab meals. And it’s not just the

36 British Kebab Awards Bira London tastes that make eating Eastern itself a mix of cultures and ”avours. Anatolian food, Bira is the beer Mediterranean and Anatolian food Indeed, the mix of ”avours for you. If you have a favourite so special, it is the relaxed and fun, in Eastern Mediterranean and restaurant or bar, where you would yet digni†ed, atmosphere of this Anatolian cuisine is the product of like to see Bira, encourage them to way of eating, something that really centuries of mixing and good living, get in touch. If you own a restaurant, appeals to people in the UK. For something which the taste of Bira pub or bar, why not consider these reasons, more and more Brits perfectly encapsulates. Its smooth stocking Bira? We want to work are choosing kebab restaurants as taste gently eases you into a long together to improve the way we eat places to meet up and relax with evening of conversation, laughter kebabs. This is the idea behind the friends. Bira is the perfect beer to and good food. In true Anatolian Kebab Awards and the idea behind have alongside these good times. fashion, an evening with Bira begins Bira: to encourage more and more Bira has been brewed to go with friends and loved ones, picking people to make and enjoy truly great, perfectly with the taste of grilled and over delicate meze before moving on British kebabs. Together we can barbequed meat, and in particular to sharing succulent kebabs, with the make our food even more amazing. with the range of spices and fun carrying on long into the night. Cheers! seasonings used in preparing quality So, if you love kebabs and kebabs. Months of testing and tasting went into developing the special recipe that gives Bira its unique taste. Bira is a dry, very smooth lager, with barley notes and a strong body. It is a lager, a real Western European style beer, but it also draws on the in”uence of Turkish style beers as well. With its refreshing taste, it can of course be enjoyed with or without food! The journey and taste of Bira re”ect the journey kebabs have undergone in Britain. People from the Eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia who came to this country and made it their home brought some great traditions with them. They also adapted to the culture of the country that they now call home. We now enjoy truly authentic examples of this rich culinary tradition across the country, as the quality of restaurants continues to rise. Kebab restaurants have become institutions in towns across Britain. It is against this backdrop of kebab restaurants becoming truly part of British culture that Bira makes so much sense, combining di˜erent styles and tastes to make it the perfect beer to accompany the diverse culinary tradition of the Eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia,

British Kebab Awards 37 Kebab An Ode to the Kebab Zeren Wilson bittenandwritten.com

My †rst kebab experience came when I was six months old. Transported in the mobile cot, I was popped under the table while my parents enjoyed their halep kebab, lamb shish, hummus and cacik (these the staples of many future visits), and absorbed the atmosphere and cooking aromas of this small restaurant for the †rst time. We returned time and again over many years to this favourite of ours, and eventually I earnt my place at the table proper – the restaurant was called Hodja Nasreddin. It was many years later that I found out that this humble little joint, tucked away o˜ Newington Green, is credited as being the UK’s †rst kebab shop and restaurant, opening in 1966. It’s no longer there, having closed many years ago, yet I now feel kind of chu˜ed that my †rst experience just happened to have been where it all started in the 60s. There are now around 20,000 kebab shops in the UK, and the British appetite for the kebab is as enthusiastic as ever, with kebabs having something of a ‘moment’ over the last few years: kebabs are ‘on trend’, much beloved, and have cemented themselves †rmly within British dining culture. Sultan Ahmet on Essex Road in mere mention of the word (my Twitter Growing up with a Turkish Cypriot Islington, where dad (English, and Instagram posts featuring kebabs mother gave me access to kebabs all converted to kebabs by mum) would are always hopping with comments year round (Nova Wilson took care grab a bottle of wine from the local and ‘likes’), is a sign that the kebab of that, while rustling up the pilav Thresher’s before we walked in. Even scene in the UK is perhaps healthier rice), and we wheeled out the simple in the 80s, going out for a ‘Turkish’ than it ever has been. It has penetrated mangal into the garden o‡en, opened would have still been a relatively rare the supermarkets, too, with kebabs up another bag of ‘Big K’ lumpwood occurrence for most of us in the UK popping up amongst new supermarket charcoal, and †red up the grill. Winter – for us it was a regular †xture. This ranges, or as part of party food platters. or summer, it didn’t matter: if we were restaurant is also no more, but is still I spot the in”uence in other high street in the mood, we would get some kebab fondly remembered. food outlets too, a couple of chains action going. Lucky, lucky me. Seeing all things kebab related adding the kebab in some form as part Another favourite in the 1980s was enjoying a real groove at the moment, of the menu. How times have changed another family owned restaurant, seeing the enthusiasm of diners at the since Cetin Bukey opened Hodja

38 British Kebab Awards Kebab Nasreddin back in 1966. opening of Yosma in central London towards the mangal, to receive the We’ve even heard the term ‘posh is a signi†cant marker, with chef heat up to their middle’. Now the kebabs’ bandied about, which is a Hus Vedat’s attention to styling and word refers to both the event and the compliment of sorts to the category, plating, alongside the art of the grill apparatus itself, a staple bit of kit but at the same time one that makes which dominates the dining room. in most Turkish households that is me wince. The kebab was never meant Other restaurants like Berber & Q, brought out throughout the year, even to be posh – posh is not the destiny for Arabica Bar and Kitchen, and Oklava when it’s raining, o‡en consisting of the kebab. Meat cooked over †re, ain’t are all pushing perceptions of where nothing more than a small metal box posh. It’s far better than that… the kebab is now moving and how it’s on legs, like the one we have at home. Cooking meat on some form of being presented. Whatever the reasons, and wherever skewer has its origins from when Why now for this renewed love I may †nd another restaurant with a the †rst sparks of †re started ”ying. of the mangal? The original primary coal burning mangal, it’s all something The word ‘kebab’ is thought to come use of the mangal in Ottoman Turkey to be grateful for. from the Persian (kabāb), via Urdu, was for warmth, with any cooking The journey from 1966 all the way Persian and Turkish. Etymologist being done as a secondary function. to the British Kebab Awards is one to Sevan Nisanyan o˜ers that the word There are 19th Century accounts be celebrated. Fire up the grill, I’m comes from the Persian ‘to fry’, with of sultans ‘stretching their legs out ready for my next kebab. further roots of East Semitic origin also thought to be probable, with a meaning of ‘char’, ‘burn’, or ‘roast’. He goes on to explain that the word was †rst mentioned in a Turkish script of Kyssa’i Yusuf in 1377. No need to give history the posh treatment. It feels like the kebab taps into something primeval in all of us, the alchemy of grill and meat evoking associations and resonances that perhaps work on an unconscious level. This may be touching on the realms of psychobabble, but dammit, I kind of believe it. It wasn’t so long ago that the term ‘kebab’ had a bit of a wobble in certain circles, something of an image problem – it became associated (more o‡en than not) with being the ‘full stop’ a‡er a night of hectic boozing, the ‘soaker upper’ of pints of lager, the thoughtless late night snack of city centres up and down the country. Where are we now? In a far better place, and an industry that is genuinely recognised as a coherent entity, a collective of dedicated restaurant industry workers who are all contributing – in their own small way – to the reputation and signi†cance of the kebab in the UK. Mangal grills are all the rage, and more modern interpretations of the classic kebab experience are making themselves felt. The recent

British Kebab Awards 39 40 British Kebab Awards British YasarKebab Awards Ivgin Managing Director

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42 British Kebab Awards The British Kebab Awards 2016 Media Westminster Bridge Hotel on the 23rd was Marchheld at and Park saw Plaza Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn, London’s next potential Mayor, Sadiq Khan and many more local MPs and public ‘gures feast the night away in the glorious juicy ”avours of kebabs, and celebrate the creme-de-la-cremes of your local kebab shops and family run restaurants.

EDINBURGH DOMINATES THIS KEBAB SHOP HAS BRITISH KEBAB AWARDS’ BEEN CROWNED THE BEST SCOTTISH SHORTLIST. IN NORTHERN IRELAND.

Manchester bags TWO ¡nalists in the National Kebab Awards - despite some terrible TripAdvisor reviews.

Wigston kebab takeaway hopes for delivery of national award. East Oxford kebab house misses out on top industry award.

These are the nine best This Liverpool takeaway kebab houses in Wales - according to the British is nominated for best Kebab Awards. kebab award.

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