The British Takeaway Awards (BTAs), held in association with Just Eat, has revealed Britain’s best takeaways.

There’s no denying Brits love their takeaways, but this year, more than ever before, local food businesses have been a lifeline to communities during the pandemic. For the sixth year running, the awards recognised the local takeaways across the country that not only delivered delicious food, but worked to reduce their environmental impact, supported those in need and catered to the ever changing consumer diets, including vegan cuisine and healthier alternatives.

The star studded ceremony held at Old Billingsgate in London was hosted by TV presenter comedian Paddy McGuinness and attended by celebrity guests including Daisy Lowe, Pixie Lott, Oliver Cheshire, Lucy Mecklenburgh, Chris Kamara and John Barnes. Judges including restaurateur and TV chef Nisha Katona and Asma Khan from Netflix’s Chef’s Table also joined the celebrations.

Yorkshire based Sakushi Japanese was named Best Takeaway in Britain. A prominent figure of Japanese cuisine in Yorkshire, the local takeaway impressed judges with its extensive vegan and vegetarian menu and community initiatives including raising funds to support the NHS and LGBTQI+ community.

Two new awards for this year, the Good Deed Hero Award and New to Delivery Award, were given to British Raj Express (Good Deed Hero) and Chickenish (New to Delivery Award).

Passed down through generations, British Raj Express is a treasured member of the community in Royston, Hertfordshire. In memory of his late grandfather Owner Safwaan Choudhury launched the #1000MealsInMemoryOfMrChoudhury campaign, ultimately leading to over 3000 meals being delivered to hospitals, GPs, care homes and the East of England Ambulance HQ, and Safwaan receiving the Hero of Hertfordshire commendation.

Hackney-Wick based Chickenish is a new addition to the British Takeaway Awards, which is reimagining the classing fried chicken shop as a plant-based experience. Former Just Eat employee Danny created the vegan eatery with Robbie Rees after noting a lack of vegan restaurants available. Their signature CHKN drumsticks are made from soy protein and ‘tofu skin’ to give it a realistic look, complete with wooden bone.

Andrew Kenny, Managing Director of Just Eat commented: “Takeaway food is a massive part of our British culture and this year more than ever we wanted to recognise the local takeaways that kept the nation fed, while also making an immeasurable contribution to their local communities and the UK economy. From delivering a taste of normality when communities needed it most to providing healthier options we want to congratulate all of the deserving winners for continuing to bring the nation the food they love.”

British Takeaway Award winners are selected by a judging panel following a rigorous process comprising a public vote, written submission, and mystery shopping. Category winners each receive a £1,000 cash prize, £200 per site to spend at the Just Eat shop and an exclusive British Takeaway Awards trophy, while the overall, Best Takeaway in Britain winner will receive a further £5,000 and a media support package courtesy of Just Eat. Winners of the Judges Awards will also be the recipients of £200 per site to spend at Just Eat shop & an exclusive British Takeaway Awards trophy as well as a £3000 cash prize for the Good Deed Hero, New to Delivery and Best Takeaway Chef in Britain awards, while the Best Small Chain Restaurant recipients will win £5000 in cash.