Joel Dommett hosts star-studded Just Eat Restaurant Awards, The Londoner Leicester Square

Those on the hunt for the UK’s very best food spots need to look no further. Just Eat last night unveiled Britain’s best takeaways and restaurants at the coveted Just Eat Restaurant Awards.
Returning for a seventh year, the Just Eat Restaurant Awards, formerly the British Takeaway Awards, champion the hardworking and passionate individuals delivering unforgettable food and going above and beyond for the community they serve.
Hosted by TV presenter and comedian Joel Dommett, among the guests were some familiar faces who showed their appreciation for the nation’s favourite restaurants. Celebrity guests included, fittingly, the First Dates maître d – Fred Siriex; Love Island stars – Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page, and TV personalities and podcasters – Oliver Proudlock and Emma Connolly. As well as Just Eat’s foodie judging panel: fashion guru-turned-TV chef – Gok Wan MBE ; Chef and Great British Menu judge, Andi Oliver; and Michelin-trained, TikTok sensation Poppy o’Toole.

Locally-loved takeaways and restaurant brands from across the UK were recognised at the star-studded ceremony at The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square.

Yorkshire-based, Munchies, well-deservedly scooped the highest accolade – ‘The Best Takeaway In Britain’ Award. The restaurant is locally famous for its premium smash burgers and legendary shakes, which impressed the public and judges alongside its dedicated charity work and unfaltering support for its staff. Since owner, Shafkat Khan Mohammas, founded the restaurant six years ago, he and his team have supported both local and international charities. Mostly recently fundraising for the victims devastated by the floods in Pakistan. Furthermore, Mohammas was quick to recognise his kitchen staff felt strained and hired dedicated cleaning staff to support the post-service clean-up.

A further 11 restaurants were recognised regionally, including East Midland winner June Plum Food, loved for its modern Jamaican dishes. The restaurant, owned by Jodi Jenny, also employs former local prisoners to help them build skills and re-integrate with the world of work. Across the Irish Sea, Pizza Guyz, was Northern Ireland’s winner. Serving fresh, handcrafted pizza, it is one the most highly-rated restaurants on Just Eat. In his spare time, owner Ciaran Kelly teaches children with special needs how to make pizza and is committed to running a sustainable business, having recently planted a thousand trees to offset the restaurant’s carbon emissions.

Exclusive to this year’s awards, Chris’s Fish and Chips was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for consistently delivering exceptional food and customer service, even during times of personal hardship. What’s more, seeing the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic to people close to him, owner Strad Kyriacou embarked on a mental health course so he could better support not only his family, but also recognise when his customers might be struggling too.

Also new to this year were special award categories to recognise even more of the nation’s most-loved restaurants as decided by a public vote. Those awarded include: naturally fast food restaurant Leon (Best Breakfast); Manchester-based burger brand, Archie’s, (Best Newcomer [on Just Eat]), popular burrito bar, Chipotle (Best Lunch, sponsored by Just Eat For Business) and vegan hog roast eatery Hogless Roast (Best Vegan). The judges also had the tasty task of trying London’s Favourite Dish and commended South London crispy fried chicken brand, Other Side Fried for “having the best vegan chicken burger” they’ve ever tasted.

Andrew Kenny, Chief Commercial Officer at Just Eat, said: “The Just Eat Restaurant Awards rightly shine a spotlight on the incredible people who not only deliver unforgettable food, but go above and beyond to make an invaluable contribution to our local community and the UK economy. Despite facing sky-high inflation, soaring food and energy bills and continued staff shortages from Brexit and Covid, these restaurants have demonstrated unparalleled resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and grit. Congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists”.

Award winners are selected by a judging panel following a rigorous process comprising a public vote, written submission, and mystery shopping. Regional winners each receive a £1,000 cash prize and a special Just Eat Restaurant Award trophy. Meanwhile, the overall ‘Best Takeaway in Britain’ winner will receive a further £5,000.

To try the nation’s best takeaways and restaurants, order directly through the Just Eat app, or online. Download the app