A small independent sandwich shop has won the Uber Eats restaurant of the year award, taking home £100,000 to invest in the business.
Sandwich Sandwich in Bristol scooped the accolade at a ceremony in London, seeing off competition from the capital and across the UK.
Uber said this year’s awards focused on supporting lesser-known operators, all navigating the difficult economic conditions posing such a threat to businesses in Britain.
A recent survey by the food delivery app of its restaurant partners found that 65 per cent of merchants feel they are short staffed, while 70 per cent cite inflation and energy costs as serious concerns.
Sandwich Sandwich soared to victory at a final in London with a menu that impressed judges such as Great British Bake Off’s Dame Prue Leith, and Monica Galletti of Mere restaurant in Fitzrovia.
Co-owner Josh Kleiner said: “It is difficult to put into words. The process has been so exciting from start to finish and it has been incredible to take part alongside the other finalists.
“Big shout out to our restaurant team back home in Bristol, our family and of course Uber Eats for the support in getting us to this moment. This investment will make our ambitions to grow as a family business a reality.”
Leith said: “I was hugely impressed by all of the finalists, and by the food they served on the judging day.
“That from Sandwich Sandwich was particularly imaginative, inventive and delicious. I’m delighted to hear of their ambition to open additional restaurants. Their menu is fresh, full of flavour, healthy and extremely varied. There’s something for everyone on there.”
As well as a host of other regional awards, Uber Eats also reopened its Black Business Fund, allowing for £250,000 of grants to be distributed to 25 Black-owned restaurants across the UK.
