Three well-loved kebab vans in Gloucestershire have been named as semi-finalists in the esteemed national British Kebab Awards.
Now in its 15th year, the British Kebab Awards recognise the thriving £2.2 billion kebab industry across the UK. With around 20,000 kebab shops and vans nationwide, the awards shortlist only about 20 entries for each of the 22 categories at the semi-final stage, highlighting the best in the field.
In the competitive Kebab Van of the Year category, three Gloucestershire establishments have made the shortlist out of 24 vans from across the country. These are George’s Kebab on Innsworth Lane in Longlevens, Gloucester; Tetbury Kebab Van near Cirencester Lane in Tetbury; and Bourton Kebab Van in Bourton-on-the-Water.
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All three businesses have been recognised by the British Kebab Awards in previous years. Notably, Bourton Kebab Van won the Kebab Van of the Year award in 2026 and was also named Best Food Truck in the Cotswolds in 2025.
Osman Akdeniz, 36, who has operated Bourton Kebab Van for a decade, expressed his pride at the nomination: “We are delighted and proud to have once again been nominated for the 2027 Kebab Van Awards. Winning in 2026 was a special achievement, reflecting the quality, consistency, and hard work invested in our food and service every day. To be nominated again means a great deal to us, and we deeply appreciate our loyal customers and all who support us.”
Tetbury Kebab Van has reached the awards for the fifth time. Owner Masood shared: “We’re very happy to be nominated again. I’ve been in this business for 21 years and truly enjoy it, so it’s gratifying that we remain popular with customers and receive positive reviews.”
George’s Kebab, nominated for the second time, said it was “very nice to be back on the list,” underscoring their pride in the achievement.
Since its inception in 2013 as a single dinner event, the British Kebab Awards have grown into a significant occasion on the hospitality and Westminster calendar. The winners are chosen by public vote.
Ibrahim Doğuş, founder of the competition, commented: “Reaching the semi-finals is a genuine achievement. In our 15th year, it is particularly heartening to see Gloucester represented by these hardworking family businesses, who are integral to their communities.”
The complete national shortlist of 500 semi-finalists was unveiled at the awards' Parliamentary Reception at Speaker’s House, hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, on 8 September 2026.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Tuesday, 23 February 2027, at Park Plaza Westminster, London. Votes are open on the British Kebab Awards website, where the full list of semi-finalists can also be found.