If you're looking to for where to go to get your hands on a tasty kebab, then you'd do well to listen to the advice of the British Kebab Awards.
The British Kebab Awards, which celebrate the meaty meal served up on high streets across the country, has named its shortlist of the best kebab houses in Britain which are in the running for prizes at its ceremony to be held in London on March 3.
One of the ideas behind the awards is to recognise the changing image of the kebab. To many, they are simply viewed as a snack to soak up the excesses of a big night out, but increasingly views are shifting to recognise kebabs are versatile, with high quality on offer around the country, if you know where to go.
Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the British Kebab Awards, said: "The kebab has firmly established itself as a Great British favourite, and this year’s shortlist demonstrates its ever-greater diversity, with a wider range of variations than ever before! From twists on the classics, to new vegan varieties, we are proud to celebrate one of the nation’s best loved industries as it continues to grow in new and exciting ways."
So where do you go in the North East to get the real deal instead of a pale imitation processed doner?
Restaurants and takeaways in Newcastle, Durham, Whitley Bay and Gateshead are all in the running for British Kebab Awards.
Lezzet, in Front Street, Benton, has been shortlisted for the Best Kebab Restaurant in the regional category, as have A’la Turka Birtley and Lebaneat in Durham city centre.
Whitley Bay's Turknaz is nominated for the Best Value Kebab Restaurant in the UK. Turknaz has enjoyed success at the awards before, having been named the best in the north of England last year. Turknaz's Kudret Yilmaz is also in the running to be named Chef of the Year at the British Kebab Awards. Whitley Bay's Elder and Wolf is among the contenders for the customer satisfaction award.
The British Kebab Awards say: "The British Kebab Awards is a true celebration of our industry, which naturally draws key figures from all sections of the takeaway and restaurant sector. As a reflection of the kebab industry’s significant contribution to the UK economy and British culture in general, the awards welcome a host of celebrities, prominent politicians, journalists and most importantly the nation’s hard-working restaurant workers for an evening of celebration.
"Our local kebab takeaways and restaurants are the beating hearts of our high streets. More and more, kebab restaurants are becoming part of our lives. They have undergone a transformation in public perception, from once being seen as an unhealthy late night snack, they are now enjoyed in many forms and varieties. We eat them as a sit-down meal with family and friends, as a quick lunch, or indeed after the pub.
"As a nation we’re proud of our locals; we love to think our town lays claim to the best kebab. This is how much Britain loves Kebab takeaway and restaurants. This is how proud we are that they’re part of the fabric of our diverse communities."
The winners of the British Kebab Awards, sponsored by Just Eat, will be announced after a final round of judging by the judges including Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi, Labour MP Carolyn Harris, Assistant General Secretary at Unite Steve Turner, Deputy Mayor of London Joanne McCartney AM and Samson Sohail from Cobra Beer, as well as others.
