Two Wiltshire kebab vans are finalists in the British Kebab Awards 2021.

Sammy's Kebab Van in Calne and Mo's Best Kebab in Trowbridge were both nominated earlier in the year in the 'Kebab Van of the Year' category.

This week, it was announced that both were finalists.

They are not only pitted against each other, but also other kebab shops in Oxford, Cheltenham, Cambridge, Wantage and Gloucester.

Finalists from across the UK have a chance to win one of 18 prestigious awards at the ceremony which takes place at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge Hotel, on October 26.

Samm's Kebab Van posted on Facebook: "Once again, I am truly honoured to say that we are now on the *FINAL Awards* for the British Kebab of the year and to place in such distinguished ranks.

This Is Wiltshire:

"Many thanks to all our valuable customers for their support and special thanks to the whom who have contributed and making it possible. We are always doing our best to serve you delicious kebabs and fresh salads everyday."

The awards, run in association with JUST EAT and supported by the Kebab Alliance, the sector’s trade body, are in their ninth year and this year have attracted record breaking numbers of entries. They recognise and champion the efforts of local kebab takeaways and restaurants across the UK. 

Over 1,200 guests, including Cabinet ministers and Shadow Cabinet members, usually attend the VIP-studded ceremony. 

Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the British Kebab Awards and Director of the recently formed Kebab Alliance, commented: “Kebab eateries are a key part of the local community and it’s great to see so many entries at the end of a year that has tested every business operating in the hospitality sector.

This Is Wiltshire:

"Getting to the shortlist is a real achievement given the competition across the country and all outlets should be rightly proud. We wish all finalists the best of luck.”

Nadhim Zahawi MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment, comments: “Like much of the hospitality sector, Kebab Houses were hit hard by the pandemic. Which is why there has never been a better time to fan the flames of Britain’s love affair with kebabs than by supporting The British Kebab Awards this year.

"This year’s awards serve not just as an opportunity to recognise the Kebab Houses which have continued to excite palates and fill stomachs in the face of so much adversity, but also as an opportunity to stride towards enhanced standards and an ever more vibrant industry as we emerge from the ashes of coronavirus.”

Judges of the Awards this year will include Conservative Minister Nadhim Zahawi, Labour MP Carolyn Harris, Assistant General Secretary of Unite Steve Turner, SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil, Conservative MP David Warburton and David Galman from Galliard Homes. Also invited are UK political party leaders Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Mark Drakeford and Ed Davey.