AN OLDHAM restaurant has been named the UK’s best fine dining restaurant at the British Kebab Awards 2022.

Istanblue in Royton won the award at the 10th annual British Kebab Awards ceremony in London last night.

The Rochdale Road restaurant posted a picture of their award on social media.

The post was met by a flood of congratulatory messages.

Alec Doolan wrote: “Get in well done, putting Royton on the map.”

Phill Kiernan said: “Never in doubt, well done, the best for miles.”

William Dockerty added: “Congratulations easy when you are as good as your place is”.

Several people called the restaurant their favourite and said the award was well deserved.

The restaurant closed yesterday to enable staff to attend the awards.

Posting on social media on Monday, the restaurant wrote: "Dear Istanblue Royton lovers “We would like to inform everyone that unfortunately we will be closed tomorrow as our staff are attending the 10th annual British Kebab Awards in London.

“However, we will be back open on Wednesday, hopefully with an award!

“Thanks, Istanblue Family.”

Other awards included Best Newcomer, Best Kebab House and Best Takeaway.

Judges for the awards were LBC presenter James O'Brien, Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner, Samson Sohail from Cobra Beer and sales director at Galliard Homes, David Gallman.

The awards website describes the event as "a reflection of the kebab industry’s significant contribution to the UK economy and British culture in general".

It added: "The awards welcome a host of celebrities, prominent politicians, journalists and most importantly the nation’s hard-working restaurant workers for an evening of celebration."