Turkish restaurant opens new venue in Crawley - pictures of its first success at award ceremony

Dem Shish Restaurant & Cocktail Bar won in the ‘Fine Dining Restaurant’ category of the British Kebab Awards. The winners were announced at a ceremony in London last night (February 28) attended by more than 1,200 guests.

This year the Kebab Awards raised money for the Donate a Doner Campaign, providing relief after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The awards, run in association with Just Eat and supported by the Kebab Alliance, are in their 11th year and this year have attracted record breaking numbers of entries.

Mark Finch, from Just Eat, said: “After an undeniably difficult time for the hospitality sector, there’s never been a better time to recognise and celebrate the resilient and hard working individuals across the kebab industry, who are making an invaluable contribution to both their local community and the UK economy. Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists on their incredible achievements."

Dem Shish owners Kadir Akan and Emir Akdeniz attended the awards and Kadir said it was an ‘amazing atmosphere’. He said: “It’s the first time we’ve been to the awards, although we were semi-finalists last year. We only opened in May 2020 and now we’re here! We didn’t expect it at all. This is the first award we’ve won.”

See more: East Grinstead-based AV systems integrator and audio visual solutions company announced as finalists in Gatwick business awards, Crawley Boxing Club prospect picks up first win in spectacular fashion, Crawley Labour Party collects donations for the victims of Turkey and Syria earthquake

Kadir isn’t resting on his laurels though. He said: “People will expect more from us now as one of the best Turkish restaurants in the UK. We’ll work harder now, and I feel that pressure.”