A KEBAB van in Bracknell has been shortlisted for a national award.

The incredibly busy Muzzy's Kebab Van in Forester's Way is up for winning 'Best Kebab Van of the Year' at the British Kebab Awards 2020.

Mehmet Isitmen's kebab van has grown in popularity over the past 20 years in Bracknell.

He explained how kebabs have changed in reputation from being associating with drinking to being enjoyed at dinner times.

Mr Isitmen said: "It's a good feeling to be shortlisted but also I feel a bit nervous. I don't know why we are but I think because of the quality people like. It's also changed in people's minds as being after pub food to families picking up a kebab for dinner time.

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"You must be new to the area if you don't know how busy we are. We are well populated in Bracknell and as always, there are negative reviews as you cant make everyone happy but we are always trying to do our best."

Muzzy's Kebab van boasts dozens of positive reviews on Facebook and Google.

One of the top reviews said: "Always good quality food and friendly staff. When you look around you also notice how clean everything is."

The awards sees thousands of people vote based on hygiene and online satisfaction ratings, as well as social support using the #BritishKebabAwards.

Kebabs are also proven to be a popular choice amongst the British public, with more than one third 36 per cent, of the population having eaten one in the last month.

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The British Kebab Awards which will crown its winners in October ahead of a scrupulous judging panel including the likes of 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.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said: “I would like to send my best wishes to the British Kebab Awards and congratulate all the nominees. This ceremony is one of the highlights of London’s calendar and a chance to celebrate a much-loved cuisine of Londoners. London has a thriving hospitality and restaurant trade, and these awards highlight the importance of the kebab industry’s contributions to the city’s culture and economy.”

The Kebab Awards categories range from Best Newcomer and Chef of the Year to Best Kebab Van and Customer Satisfaction. Additionally, there are also nine awards to celebrate the best kebab restaurants in different regions of the UK.

Andrew Kenny, UK Managing Director of Just Eat, added: “We’re delighted to continue our sponsorship of the British Kebab Awards, which recognises individuals and businesses at the forefront of the kebab industry.

"Not only do the shortlisted restaurants and takeaways serve fantastic food, they also offer a vital source of local jobs, bring diversity to our high streets and make a significant contribution to the UK economy - particularly important at the end of a challenging year.”

Visit: http://voting.britishkebabawards.com/muzzy-s-kebab-van to cast your vote.