A Penrith takeaway and Eden coffee shop are celebrating after scooping national awards.
King Street-based Just Greek was named best takeaway in the grand final of England’s Business Awards, while Orton Scar Café was named best eatery business in England.
Held at The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, the event hosted all the regional winners from nine areas across the country.
Yannis Papameletis and Maria Skarlatou, of Just Greek, who had been successful in the Cumbria heat of the awards said they felt proud as they were just a Greek couple running the business.
“Me and my fiance Maria would like to thank the local community and all who are involved,” said Yannis.
He added: “We are over the moon. Just a month ago we won the award as best takeaway in the whole of Cumbria as we did also in 2021. Then we proceed to the grand finals for the whole of England and we were the most voted for and best takeaway overall (best service, quality of food, welcoming, kindness, response to customers and secret shoppers).
“In our category, takeaway, there were thousands of businesses listed at the awards, but the presenter said: ‘Among thousands of businesses listed and nominated to the grand finals, the most voted for are two.’
“All of a sudden our name was announced. There are no words to describe the feelings of the moment — shaking legs and hands and we couldn’t even speak. This is big and we need time to process and realise what we have achieved.”
The takeaway has been in the couple’s ownership since 2019 and they sell authentic Greek home-made dishes, pies and gyros.
“A massive thank you to all our customers and friends for the continued support over the years. Nothing could be the same without them,” said Yannis.
“We are proud of our quality and service as we are only two, me and Maria, doing everything in our business, preparing, cooking, working, cleaning, everything, just two of us.
“And we are so happy that we have been appreciated by all our customers and friends and the lovely local community.”
They are also in the semi-finals of the British Kebabs Awards, of which the grand final takes place in London in February.
Kate Parsley, of Orton Scar Café, said: “We won the final against nine regions of England. We could not believe it as there were 700 people there. I was there with my husband and three members of my staff, Joanne Saggers, Pauline Robinson and Zara Young.
“It was fantastic that we won, being from a little village in Cumbria. After 10 years of having the cafe it’s doing very well and these awards add to what a lovely place it is.”
She added: “It means a lot getting the award, as the last year has been very hard for catering businesses with all the price increases across the board.
“At the café we don’t buy our food in. We like to do home-cooked food and home-made cakes, and people love our fruit or cheese scones and I think that makes a big difference.”
