UberEats reveals shortlist for takeaway of the YEAR from vegan Chinese to smoothie shop – does your favourite make it?

FOOD delivery company UberEats has revealed its shortlist for the 2024 restaurant of the year.

Fans will be able to vote for their favourites from a list of 130 finalists across 12 regions in Britain and Ireland.

The “best restaurants” on the takeaway app are contending to win the cash prize of £100,000.

All runners-up will also get a cash prize to help grow their business, along with a ‘marketing support package’ from Uber Eats, the company said.

The final judging day is set to take place later this year, with a best-in-class judging line up.

The eateries are divided into 12 separate regions, so food fans looking to vote in the competition can easily track down the contenders in their area.

Foodies in London are the most spoiled for choice, with 20 restaurants to choose from – while the 11 other regions have just 10.

One of the contenders in the UK capital is Islington’s ‘Tofu Vegan’, which offers plant-based Chinese style dishes.

The restaurant’s Instagram page boasts that it offers a ‘range of tasty mock-meat, tofu and beancurd dishes’.

It adds: ‘It’s a great spot for vegetarians and vegans… but even meat eaters will be pleasantly surprised with their delicious substitutes!’

Food fans in Northern Ireland have the chocie of voting for a smoothie place – The Juice Jar – which offers a range of colourful drinks, shakes and bowls for sweet-toothed customers.

Takeaway lovers in the East Midlands & Anglia can choose from a range of eateries, including ‘Crunch’, which claims to offer ‘the healthiest type of fast food’.

Customers can nominate their favourite restaurant to win the grand prize at ubereatsawards.com, with voting open until October 4.

Returning judges, Uber Eats General Manager Matthew Price, and Be Inclusive Hospitality CEO Lorraine Copes will make up the panel.

They will be joined by Andi Oliver, street food influencer Kieran Monlouis and 2023 Restaurant of the Year award winner Josh Kleiner from Sandwich Sandwich.

The Bristol restaurant’s owner posted a heartwarming message of thanks to his dad after winning the prize last year.

He wrote: “From a little neighbourhood sandwich shop in 2009 to being crowned UberEats Restaurant of the Year in 2023.

“This is the special moment that will stay with us forever.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my dad. He’s the heart and soul of everything we do at Sandwich Sandwich.

“Witnessing his unwavering dedication and hard work on a daily basis is truly inspiring and he’s made me the man I am today.

“He wakes up at midnight, giving his absolute best to make this business successful.

“It’s been a life of sacrifice that he willingly makes, knowing the impact it has on our journey.

“These moments, these memories, are etched in our hearts forever.

“You’re not just my dad, but my hero. I love you.”

The winner has clearly been making the most of his restaurant’s success, posting selfies with celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.

Matthew Price, General Manager UK, Ireland and Northern Europe at Uber Eats said: “We created the Restaurant of the Year Awards to spotlight the very best independent restaurants across the UK and Ireland.

“Small businesses like these make up a huge part of Uber Eats and we want to help every one of them thrive because Uber Eats only succeeds when our restaurant partners succeed”.

Andi Oliver, chef, television and radio broadcaster, said: “I am honoured to work with Uber Eats for their prestigious Restaurant of the Year Awards.

“As we embark on this journey of discovery with some of the UK and Ireland’s top chefs, let us celebrate the passion, skill, and dedication that make each independent restaurant a culinary haven.”