Crawley and Horley restaurants reach British Kebab Awards semi-finals
Restaurants in Crawley and Horley have been named among the semi-finalists for the 15th British Kebab Awards, chosen from thousands of public nominations.
The British Kebab Awards has announced the semi-finalists for its landmark 15th anniversary awards at a prestigious parliamentary reception hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, at Speaker’s House.
Around 500 independent restaurants and takeaways from across the United Kingdom have reached the semi-finals across 22 award categories, shining a national spotlight on the entrepreneurs, families and employees behind one of Britain’s best-loved dishes.
The semi-finalists were selected from thousands of public nominations received from across the country. They represent the full breadth and diversity of the industry, from leading regional restaurants and takeaways to businesses competing in categories including Best Newcomer, Best Delivery, Best Vegan Kebab and awards celebrating Turkish, Kurdish, Greek, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Kosher cuisine.
Dem Shish Restaurant Crawley in Worth Road is up for the Best Newcomer Restaurant gong, Shiraz Bar & Restaurant in Massetts Road, Horley has been shortlisted for the Fine Dining Restaurant award, and Musti’s Grill in Horley High Street has been nominated for Best Kebab Restaurant – South of England.
The announcement at Speaker’s House marks the beginning of the next stage of the competition. Every semi-finalist will now have until October 15 to campaign for public support and encourage their customers, local communities and other supporters to vote for them.
Businesses receiving the highest number of eligible public votes in their respective categories will progress to the final. The finalists will be formally announced on October 15.
Semi-finalists are being encouraged to promote their achievement locally, engage with customers through social media, contact local newspapers and food writers, and seek support from their local Members of Parliament, councillors and community leaders.
Ibrahim Doğuş, founder of the British Kebab Awards, said: “For 15 years, the British Kebab Awards have celebrated the hard-working families, entrepreneurs and employees behind one of Britain’s favourite dishes. These are people who have built successful businesses, created jobs and become an important part of the communities they serve.
“Being named a semi-finalist is a significant achievement. Each business now has until October 15 to tell its story, engage with its customers and community, and secure as many public votes as possible.
“This milestone year is our biggest and most ambitious yet. It is fitting that we are announcing our semi-finalists at Speaker’s House, at a prestigious parliamentary reception hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
“I congratulate every semi-finalist and wish them the very best with their campaigns. We look forward to revealing the finalists on October 15 and celebrating the achievements of this remarkable industry at our gala ceremony in February.”
The winners will be announced at the 15th British Kebab Awards gala ceremony on February 23, 2027 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London.
Approximately 1,200 guests from across the hospitality industry, politics, business and the national media are expected to attend.
The public can now view the semi-finalists and vote for their favourite businesses at www.britishkebabawards.co.uk.
Tickets, tables, magazine advertising, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the awards ceremony are also available through the website.