Two Hamilton takeaways make Scotland’s top five
Mushtaqs and Get Stuffed head to London for British finals
Hamilton has served up two contenders in the Scottish final of the British Takeaway Awards.
Indian restaurant Mushtaqs, based in Almada Street, is on the shortlist alongside Get Stuffed on Margaret Road, which specialises in sandwiches and breakfasts.
They both made it into the top five who are competing for the title of Best Takeaway in Scotland at a star-studded ceremony in London’s Savoy Hotel next Monday, December 5.
Chef director Ajmal Mushtaq said: “We are really excited to be going along to the prestigious awards at the Savoy in London.
“It would be great for Hamilton to be put on the culinary map once again. The people of Hamilton have been so supportive of Mushtaqs, it would be good for the town to win this.
“It would be great if the hard work and high standard of the Mushtaqs team would be recognised.”
And the owners of Get Stuffed are also extremely excited about attending the awards.
Mhairi Kemp said: “We are over the moon about making it into the top five and heading down to London.
“We are delighted that all of our customers have got behind us and supported us on this journey.
“To make it this far feels like winning to us anyway, but if we do win the overall we will be donating the prize money to the Lanarkshire Baby Bank.”
Comedian Rob Brydon will host the awards, which will see each regional winner scoop £1000 while the overall Best British Takeaway in Britain will also receive a cheque for £5000.
To determine the winner, each of the finalists will now be marked on a mystery shopping experience, and have also been asked to provide a submission on why they deserve to win.
A panel of judges, including celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and businesswoman and star of BBC2 Dragon’s Den Sarah Willingham, will review the results and identify the 13 regional winners and the overall victor.
Graham Corfield, UK managing director of Just Eat, chaired the judging panel and said: “These finalists clearly have the loyal support of their customers, who have voted in their thousands to get them into the top five takeaways in Scotland.
“What is common among all the finalists is that they produce fantastic food, deliver great customer service and play a vital role at the heart of their community.”