STAFF at an award-nominated kebab house have said good quality meat was the key to their success.

Bodrum Kebab in Cowley Road has been shortlisted for the best kebab restaurant outside London in the fourth annual British Kebab Awards.

The East Oxford restaurant is one of eight kebab houses outside the capital to be in with a shout of winning the award. Manager Hasan Asam, from East Oxford, has been working at the restaurant for a decade.

The 34-year-old said: “Here, we have good quality meat and very good communication, because we chat to our customers and make them feel at home.”

“Us being nominated can only be a good thing for the city because it shows people where the best places to go for the right food are. It shows that we must be doing something right and I’m glad the hard work is paying off.”

The popular takeaway was also nominated in the same category for the 2015 awards but missed out on the top prize.

Ibrahim Dogus, director founder of the British Kebab Awards, said: “It is fantastic that we have this opportunity to recognise the work of businesses across the country, as well as highlight how varied the British kebab industry is and the important contribution it makes to the economy.

“Everyone at Bodrum should be rightly proud of themselves.

Bodrum is helping to put Oxfordshire on the culinary map for what is one of Britain’s great adopted food cultures.”

A judging panel including MPs Nadhim Zahawi and Keith Vaz will decide the winners in each category at a ceremony on March 23 at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel.

Graham Corfield, UK Managing Director of awards sponsor JUST EAT, said: “The kebab industry has a special place in the nation’s hearts.”

* Cast your vote at britishkebabawards.co.uk. The poll is on March 10.

BEST KEBABS

We asked Oxford Mail readers for their favourite kebab spots in the city. Here are some your responses:

* Marian Simmonds: “Oxford Kebab House, Manzil Way, kebab house special fry-up.”

* Julie Niven: “Delights on the front of Cowley centre. Always lovely.”

* Jemima: “Definitely Bodrum – me and my daughter are regulars and they treat us so well there, always polite and helpful, never get bored. Defo think it should win the award.”