A Turkish restaurant which only opened two years ago is celebrating after clinching a top award in a national competition.

Tacim Yetis, who works at the Galata Mezze and bar in Station Street, Sittingbourne, has been named chef of the year in the 10th annual British Kebab awards.

The restaurant was opened in October 2019 by Sheppey businessman Muslum Tasdogan - known as Muzo - who also owns the Arizona Diner in Sheerness.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Just Eat, was held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, with an audience of more than 1,200 guests.

Previously, Mr Tasdogan's latest venture had reached the semi-final in the best regional kebab restaurant category of the awards. During Covid-19 lockdowns it was forced to only offer a takeaway service.

Revamping the premises, previously Clarry’s, took three months.

It’s head chef flew in from Turkey to take charge and serves up traditional Turkish dishes including a range of hot and cold mezzes, kebabs, grills, fish and other Mediterranean favourites.

Mr Tasdogan said before the results were announced on Tuesday (Mar 1): “Hopefully, we will make Sittingbourne proud."

It is estimated the kebab industry contributes £2.8 billion to the British economy.

Guests including the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Nadhim Zahawi the Secretary of State for Education, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Lord Karan Bilimoria, the president of the CBI, were treated to a cocktail reception and three-course Anatolian-style meal.

There were 17 other categories including Kebab Van of the Year, Just Eat Best Delivery and eight regional awards for the best kebab restaurants across the UK.

The 180 finalists were selected by a public vote and then had to face a panel of judges.

Andrew Kenny, the managing director of headline sponsor Just Eat UK said: "After an undeniably difficult period for the hospitality sector, there’s never been a better time to recognise the resilient and hard-working individuals across the kebab industry who are making an invaluable contribution to both their local community and the UK economy.

"Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists on their incredible achievement."