Eastbourne restaurants named as finalists at British Kebab Awards
Two restaurants in Eastbourne have been named as finalists in the British Kebab Awards 2027.
The finalists for the 15th edition of the awards have been announced, with 22 categories and 283 businesses nominated.
Finalists were selected from a record semi-final field of almost 500 businesses after more than 6,000 nominations and more than 40,000 public votes.
The finalists were selected through a process combining the public vote with an independent panel’s assessment, including food-hygiene standards.
This year’s judges include Jonathan Reynolds MP, Dawn Butler MP, Nadhim Zahawi, Sir Gavin Williamson MP, Sir Andy Cooke, Kate Nicholls of UK Hospitality, Rory Sutherland and Sam McAlister.
And two categories are represented by Eastbourne businesses.
Meze Restaurant in Pevensey Road has been named as a finalist for “Best Kebab Restaurant - South of England”.
Dem Shish Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in South Street is among the finalists for “Fine Dining Restaurant”.
Founder of the British Kebab Awards, Ibrahim Doğuş said: “Congratulations to all 283 finalists. Reaching the final is a significant achievement, and this year’s finalists reflect the talent and hard work of the whole industry — from independent family businesses to larger restaurant groups.
“More than 6,000 nominations and over 40,000 votes show how strongly people support these businesses. The Awards bring people from every part of the UK to Westminster and have become one of the largest, if not the largest, cross-party events of the year. I look forward to celebrating with everyone on 23 February.”
Public voting continues for all finalists until January 31, 2027, and the independent judging panel will reconvene in the first week of February to determine the winners.