British Kebab Awards 2026 Winners Announced as £2.8bn Industry Celebrates Regional Excellence

The 14th annual British Kebab Awards took place in London this weekend, celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK’s vibrant and fast-growing kebab sector. The ceremony brought together hospitality leaders, entrepreneurs and senior parliamentarians, including David Lammy, highlighting the growing economic and cultural significance of the industry.

Founded by Ibrahim Dogus, the awards recognise excellence across a broad spectrum of categories, from independent takeaways and regional restaurants to fine dining establishments, chefs, suppliers and street food operators. Now in its 14th year, the event continues to showcase a sector estimated to contribute more than £2.8 billion annually to the UK economy while supporting tens of thousands of jobs nationwide.

This year’s winners reflected the strength and diversity of businesses operating throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Charcoal Grill in Andover secured the Best Delivery award, while Kebab Company in Belfast was named Best Kebab House in Northern Ireland. Shawarma King in Glasgow received the Scottish title, and in Wales, both Chip-o-Dee in Wrexham and Golden BBQ in Cardiff were recognised for their regional excellence.

London’s honours were shared between Istanbul Shish Grill in Brent, named Best Kebab Restaurant in North & West London, and Lara Grill in Dagenham alongside Turkuaz in Lewisham for South & East London. Regional Restaurant awards were presented to Cappadocia Restaurant in Bristol, Elif Castle Street in Liverpool, Lara Restaurant in Leicestershire and Tarla Restaurant in Stevenage, underlining the depth of talent beyond the capital and the continued expansion of independent hospitality businesses across the country.

Individual achievement and culinary innovation were also central to the evening. Kemal Coşkuncay of Casa Rima in Halewood, Liverpool, and Mazlum Demir of Skewd Kitchen in Barnet were both named Chef of the Year. Pircio in Hertfordshire and The Mantl in Knightsbridge received the Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year award, reflecting the sector’s presence in the premium dining market.

Specialist categories further demonstrated the industry’s breadth. Great British Doner in Manchester was recognised for Best Vegan Kebab, MAZAL – Original Shawarma in Camden was awarded Best Kosher Shawarma, Damasqino Restaurant in Glasgow secured Best Lebanese Restaurant, and Just Greek Penrith in Cumbria was named Best Greek Restaurant. The diversity of winners highlights the multicultural foundations of the UK kebab industry, spanning Turkish, Kurdish, Lebanese, Greek and broader Mediterranean influences.

Street food operators and supply chain businesses were also acknowledged for their contribution. Bourton Kebab Van in Gloucestershire was named Kebab Van of the Year, with Hungry Kebab in Cambridge receiving a Highly Commended distinction. Kismet Kebab in Essex won the Supplier & Manufacturer Award, recognising the importance of producers and distributors in sustaining the wider sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Dogus said the awards were established to celebrate an industry that continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation and strong community engagement. Many of the winning businesses operate as family-run enterprises with deep local roots, employing local staff and supporting charitable initiatives in their areas.

As economic pressures continue to challenge the wider hospitality market, the 2026 British Kebab Awards underscored the scale, diversity and dynamism of a £2.8 billion industry that remains an integral part of the UK’s high streets and culinary landscape.