Leading food delivery company Deliveroo has today revealed the six finalists across the 17 award categories which are decided by the British and Irish public.
The company has also announced the celebrity panel who will join Deliveroo’s CEO and Founder Will Shu (pictured left) to decide this year's ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in their second ever Restaurant Awards ceremony taking place on 7th December.
The panel featuring TV presenter and DJ Maya Jama (pictured right), broadcaster and DJ Vogue Williams and reigning Celebrity MasterChef champ Riyadh Khalaf will join Will Shu to decide who out of the final six nominated restaurants will win the coveted award. The six Restaurant of the Year finalists are Pizza Pilgrims, The Athenian, Atis, Oro, Rosa’s Thai Cafe and Dishoom.
This is the second year that Deliveroo has organised its own restaurant awards and they take on a special significance this year, as the awards will focus on the hard work and talent of their amazing restaurant partners who have endured an extremely tough time due to the pandemic.
Maya Jama said, “I’m a bit of a takeaway queen so I am absolutely buzzing to be involved in Deliveroo’s Restaurant Awards this year. Last year a restaurant from my hometown Bristol won Restaurant of the Year so I can’t wait to check out the new contenders!”
Riyadh Khalaf said, 'What an honour it is to help decide the winner of Deliveroo’s Restaurant of The Year! Just a few months ago I was competing for the Celebrity MasterChef trophy and now the tables have somewhat turned and I get to do the judging alongside Will, Maya and Vogue. I cannot wait to get stuck in and play my part in supporting restaurants who deserve to be recognised for the role they play in communities across the UK and Ireland.'
Vogue Williams said, “I love food, I also love chilling at home as often as I can, so I’m always ordering myself a Deliveroo. I think this year especially, restaurants need to be celebrated for their amazing take away service. I’m delighted to be on the judging panel for Deliveroo’s Restaurant of the year, wishing all of the contestants the best of luck.”
Due to Covid-19, the awards will be held virtually on Deliveroo’s Twitter channel but will be bigger and better than last year as the winners will have the chance to star in one of Deliveroo’s major digital campaigns.
Last year, Bristol-based Oowee Vegan bagged the title of ‘Restaurant of the Year’ beating tens of thousands of restaurants and takeaways. The vegan diner has since expanded into two sites in London (Dalston and Brixton) along with launching its first site in Brighton through Deliveroo’s delivery-only Editions kitchens.
Will Shu said, “This year has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years the restaurant sector has ever faced. Yet in the face of huge uncertainty, we have been inspired by the way restaurants across the UK and Ireland have stepped up and gone the extra mile to support their local communities, while working tirelessly to keep their own businesses going.
“From providing free meals to hospital staff working on the frontline, to delivering meals to vulnerable people, and going above and beyond to protect their staff - we want to recognise and say thank you to our amazing small and independent restaurant partners.”