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La'De Kitchen in Pangbourne is shortlisted in the British Kebab Awards




A popular Mediterranean restaurant, situated in the heart of Pangbourne's vibrant centre, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the British Kebab Awards 2023.

La'De Kitchen, which has a sister restaurant in Newbury's Parkway Shopping centre, has been shortlisted in the 'customer satisfaction' category.

The restaurant, which won the award for Best Newcomer in 2021, is invited to attend a ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel, London, to hear the winners announced on Tuesday, February 28.

General manager Erdi Dilek, centre, and his staff
General manager Erdi Dilek, centre, and his staff

General manager Erdi Dilek runs a tight ship but says the restaurant enjoys a relaxed, family atmosphere, where staff routinely talk and joke with the customers.

"We're doing very well as a business," he said. The restaurant services a range of Turkish, Greek and Italian dishes.

Mr Dilek explained the process of being shortlisted for the award.

"The company asked us if we wanted to join the awards. They first checked the number of our reviews, which had to have a rating higher than 4.5.

"Too many companies use bots to boost this and they will find out if it's fake.

"They then came in to test our food, asking questions about its originality and creation.

"The prestige of the award is the most important thing, as people can check who won this award in the Berkshire area."

Chefs at La'De Kitchen preparing the food
Chefs at La'De Kitchen preparing the food
Chefs at La'De Kitchen preparing the food
Chefs at La'De Kitchen preparing the food

The restaurant is open every day, including for evening drinks and cocktails, and can cater anywhere up to 150 people during its busiest periods.

"It's a good location and a peaceful area," Mr Dilek added. "People like to spend their time in here.

"Maybe 60 per cent of our customers are local, but the rest travel in.

"A couple weeks ago, a family of six visited us from Kent. They stayed for two days at The George Hotel and dined here on both nights."

But despite its successful integration within the community so far, the restaurant has not been unaffected by the current economic climate.

"All prices are going up now. Before, we bought vegetable oil for £14, but now it costs £40. This has affected our business more than Covid."

Pistachio Adana with a glass of red
Pistachio Adana with a glass of red
Kusbasili Pide. Diced lamb cubes, peppers, tomotoes, onion and parsley
Kusbasili Pide. Diced lamb cubes, peppers, tomotoes, onion and parsley
Front of house at La'De Kitchen
Front of house at La'De Kitchen

But Mr Dilek says he and is staff are always considering new entertainment and special deals to improve the overall customer experience.

"We have special events every week. On Thursdays, we have live music. Our Newbury branch has live music on Wednesdays.

"There are too many takeaway shops around and not enough fine dining restaurants. This gives us the advantage."

A total of 20 awards categories are available with more than 1,200 guests usually attend the ceremony, including politicians. Mr Dilek will attend the event with his wife and staff.

The restaurant's success is determined by public vote. Visit https://voting.britishkebabawards.com/la-de-kitchen-pangbourne to support the restaurant.

The kebab industry contributes more than £2.2bn to the UK economy and forms an integral part of the nation's culture.



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