Plymouth kebab outlets reach awards semi-finals

A Plymouth takeaway and a restaurant have both been nominated for the semi-finals of the British Kebab Awards.

Yasin Bilici, who owns the City Charcoal Grill in Mutley Plain, has been recognised for his cooking in the regional takeway section.

Gurbet and Amy Yüksel, of Tantuni in New George Street, Plymouth, have been nominated in the best newcomer section.

Both have welcomed the nominations in the awards which will be decided at a ceremony in London on 27 February.

Mr Bilic said his love for cooking began at the age of 13 in a Turkish restaurant and he moved to Plymouth four years ago.

He said: "If you do love what you do, then it will come up with something really nice," he said.

"You have to like it what you do, to be honest."

He personally oversees food preparation and said "I always treat customers the way that I like it".

"If you do that, they will like it," he said.

Tantuni, which started as a Plymouth market stall serving wraps, shish kebabs, baklava pastries and Turkish tea and coffee, has expanded its menu at its new premises in New George Street.

Mr Yuksel said "We do everything fresh and home-made.

"We have 25 years experience in the business, so it's a combination of passion, love and experience."

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