A fast-food outlet in Margate has made the shortlist for the annual British Takeaway Awards.

Day's Grill, in The Centre, has been named one of the South East regional winners and will now go head-to-head to lift both the regional and national prizes. It is the only Kent outlet to make the list.

The outlet, which specialises in burgers, is among a five-strong regional shortlist.

All those on the shortlist were voted for by customers. The winners of the top prize will lay claim to the title of the Best Takeaway in Britain and a cash prize of £5,000.

Matt Day, who runs Day's Grills with business partner Clark Scriven, says he is over the moon.

"Even if we don't win, just to be nominated is enough," he said.

"I can't believe it. It's really exciting and the fact it's voted for by customers makes it even better."

'Even if we don't win, just to be nominated is enough...'

Last year, Day's Grills was praised by the community after offering free lunches during the October half-term to children of families who are struggling financially, vowing: 'No child in Thanet will go hungry'.

It followed a vote in which 320 Tory MPs went against extending free school meals for disadvantaged children through the holidays.

The British Takeaway Awards is run by Just Eat and celebrates the nation's best, with customers voting for their favourite 'Local Legend'.

Day's Grills will face competition from takeaways in Colchester, Hastings, Southend-on-Sea and Witney to be crowned South East champion and pocket £1,000.

Andrew Kenny, managing director of Just Eat, which is sponsoring the competition, said: “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 London this September.”

Additional reporting by Marijke Hall

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