Medway kebab shops hoping for success in the British Kebab Awards 2020
Published: 06:00, 22 February 2020
Updated: 12:31, 24 February 2020
Kebab shops are hoping to come out on top at this year's industry gongs.
Four eateries in Medway are up for honours at this year's British Kebab Awards.
Family-run BBQ Grill in Silverweed Road, Walderslade, Chatham, is one of those shortlisted.
It is owned by Mehmet Dogan who has been running the business for six years with the help of his three daughters Zelal, Ebru and Betul.
The father-of-five, who moved to the UK 24 years ago, said: "We know the people who nominated us and they came to see us.
"I have the family here, they answer the phone, they do deliveries for me.
"It's very friendly here, we never have trouble.
The business has its own app with discounts and deals and is also on the Just Eat app.
He added: "Everything is about the phone now."
Members of the public nominated their favourite kebab shops, and 150 were shortlisted for a public vote after their hygiene and online reviews were considered by the panel.
BBQ Grill joins Chatham Kebab House, in Chatham High Street, in the Just Eat Best Delivery category.
Also shortlisted is Master Kebabs in Gillingham, which is looking to make it a hat-trick.
The Watling Street eatery has won Best Takeaway Regional twice before.
The business has been established since 2011and is run by the Aydin family who also own Rainham Best Kebab and Centre Cafe, also in Rainham.
Ayse Aglamaz's father Abuvul Aydin set up his first takeaway in 1989.
She said: "To be shortlisted for a third time is amazing. We were nominated by voters and customers.
"They will select a winner on the night and a highly recommended.
"We will be happy if we win again but even if we don't, it's still a good achievement.
The family has invited their MP, Rehman Chishti, and Medway Mayor Habib Tejan to come to the ceremony in London on Tuesday, March 3.
Selale Restaurant in Chatham High Street was also shortlisted in the Best Kebab Restaurant Regional category.
Voting closes on Monday, February 24.
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Katie May Nelson, local democracy reporter