OWNERS of an Oxford restaurant have praised the winners after missing out on a national BBC food award.

Taste Tibet opened last year after spending almost a decade serving festivalgoers across the country.

In July, Yeshi Jampa and Julie Kleeman found out the restaurant had been nominated as one of three finalists in the BBC Food and Farming Awards, in the Best Street Food or Takeaway category.

On Wednesday, it was revealed Manchester-based Griedy’s Wings & Strips beat Taste Tibet and Juma Kitchen, which serves Iraqi food in London, to the gong.

Ms Kleeman said: “By all accounts, it was really difficult for the judges this year, especially as it was not just about the food.

“The guys who won do fantastic work bringing struggling people into the business, they’re so inspiring.

“Their business has been built up from the ground and we were genuinely thrilled for them.

“We met some really inspiring people along the way and it felt such an honour to be there.”

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The couple opened the Magdalen Road eatery on November 13, 2020 – exactly 11 years after they first met.

They had served Tibetan food from their market stall at Gloucester Green, as well as festivals including Glastonbury, since 2014.