TWO restaurants in Poole have been shortlisted for the British Takeaway Awards.

Smokeys and V.Dorset Delivery have both made it onto the south west shortlist for the famous food awards.

The British Takeaway Awards (BTAs) in partnership with Just Eat, champions independent takeaways who have played a particularly important part in British life.

The finalists were voted for by the public and stand a chance to win 'Best Takeaway' in each of the awards' twelve regions. They also have a chance to win one of the prestigious national awards including ‘Best Takeaway in Britain’.

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This year’s BTAs, which are held in London in September, will pay tribute to the hardworking restaurants that have adapted during the pandemic to deliver a taste of normality.

Keri Astill-Frew, owner of V.Dorset Delivery said: "We are over the moon to be finalists, especially as we have only been doing takeaways for just 14months."

Bournemouth Echo:

V.Dorset Delivery takeaway boxes (Facebook). 

Whether they’ve supported key workers and those in need in the local community or catered to the ever changing demands for alternative diets including vegan cuisine and healthier alternatives, the awards will give takeaways the recognition they deserve following a turbulent 2020.

V.Dorset Delivery are the only meat free takeaway nominated in the country (excluding dessert takeaways) and have kitchens in Poole and Bournemouth.

She added: "We're delighted with the reviews we've had and would love to thank our customers for their amazing support."

Regional winners will receive £1,000 to further their business with the overall ‘Best Takeaway in Britain’ award receiving the prize of £5,000. 

Smokeys on Ashley Road in Poole were set up in 2011 and provide award-winning, fresh, flame grilled burgers across the region. 

They were sadly forced to close for a year in 2018 due to a fire but reopened in 2019 before shutting their doors again for three-months at the start of the pandemic. 

Luke Reynolds, owner of Smokeys, said: "We were recently nominated as one of the best burgers in Dorset and along with this [BTAs] we think we've made a pretty brilliant comeback really." 

Bournemouth Echo:

Smokey's Flame Grilled Burgers.

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The 2021 finalists for the south west in alphabetical order are:

South West

  • Cleeve Fish Bar, Bishops Cleeve
  • Matty's Burgers, Trowbridge
  • Nacho Cheese, Trowbridge
  • Smokeys, Poole
  • V.Dorset Delivery, Poole

Andrew Kenny, Managing Director of Just Eat commented: “We’re thrilled to be back with the British Takeaway Awards for the sixth year running.

"Each year we’re amazed by the standard of entries and this year is no different, with a huge range of restaurants up for the awards, from family run takeaways to small chains.

"Celebrating the fantastic local takeaways across the UK is particularly important this year after many turned to their local restaurants for a lift throughout the lockdowns.

"The UK has been voting in force to give back to their local takeaway heroes and we can’t wait to honour the winners at the awards ceremony in September."