Derry pizzeria nominated for Best Takeaway in Northern Ireland

The British Takeaway Awards (BTAs) has revealed the 2017 finalists for Best Takeaway in Northern Ireland with a Derry pizzeria among the nominees. In no particular order, the five finalists are: Nico’s Pizza Pasta 61 Sunny Street, Belfast, BT7 3EG (Italian) Regional Winner 2016 Nemo’s Fish, Chips and Pizzeria 122 Upper Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT10 0BD (Fish and Chips) Chaska 14 Forthill St, Enniskillen BT74 6AJ (Indian) The Captain’s Table 11 Carnmoney Road, County Antrim, BT36 6HL (Fish and Chips) Finalist 2016 Nonnas Wood Fired Pizzas 119 Spencer Road, Derry, BT47 6AE (Italian) The BTAs - which are run in association with Just Eat (www.just-eat.co.uk), a leading global marketplace for online food delivery - are about celebrating the diverse range of cuisines and rewarding the amazing contribution a nation of takeaway chefs and delivery drivers make to both their local communities and the British economy. The top five takeaways in Northern Ireland that received the most public votes across a month-long voting period have made it to the star-studded national awards ceremony on 27th November at The Savoy in London. To determine the winner, each of the finalists will now be marked on a mystery shopping experience, and have also been asked to provide a submission on why they deserve to win. A panel of judges, including celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and businesswoman, former star of BBC2 Dragon’s Den Sarah Willingham and the UK Managing Director of Just Eat Graham Corfield, will review the results and identify the 13 regional winners and the overall victor for Best Takeaway in Britain. There are also awards for chefs and delivery drivers who go above and beyond. Graham Corfield, UK Managing Director of Just Eat and 2017 BTAs judge says: “There’s no doubt these finalists have the loyal support of their customers, who got them into the top five takeaways in Northern Ireland by public vote. If they’re anything like last year, these restaurants will no doubt offer great food, excellent customer service and play a vital role at the heart of their community. It’s going to be a tough choice picking the winner.” In total, 17 coveted awards will be presented. The Best Takeaway in each of the 13 regions will receive £1,000 and free sign up to Just Eat, or their sign-up fee returned if they are already a partner. One of the regional winners will then go on to be awarded Best Takeaway in Britain and receive a further cheque for £5,000. There are also awards for Best Delivery Driver in Britain and Best Takeaway Chef in Britain. A brand new Contribution to the Takeaway Industry award has been introduced this year to recognise individuals who champion the industry and are actively leading the way to improve the takeaway sector for everyone. The winner will be decided by members of the new industry body British Takeaway Campaign. Nico’s Pizza Pasta took home Best Takeaway in Northern Ireland at last year’s award ceremony.