AN ELLESMERE restaurant is in the running for a national award after reaching the semi-finals.

Meze Greek Restaurant, in Cross Street, was nominated in the Best Greek Restaurant category at the ninth British Kebab Awards.

The family-run restaurant, which opened in 2017, is up against other Greek restaurants across the UK which have all been nominated.

Meze owner, Deborah Melkis, said it was a pleasant surprise to discover Meze had been nominated.

She said: “We were made aware we had been nominated, but we don’t have any idea who nominated us or how we got nominated.

“It’s quite a big deal, so we were surprised and thrilled.

“We’re up against a lot of restaurants and takeaways across the country, so we thought we’d just get nominated and that would be that.

“But about two weeks ago we were notified that we were into the semi-finals.

“We’re really happy that our name is creeping up the ladder. It’s very exciting.”

There are a total of 21 restaurants up for the award, and a place in the final is decided by a voting system.

Deborah said to be considered for the award has been uplifting after a difficult year.

She said: “We’re thrilled and shocked to have reached this stage of the awards. We get great feedback from our customers and get a lot of support, but we were not aware that would take us to an event like this.

“It’s great, especially after such a difficult year. It has injected a bit of a buss into everybody here. We’re really excited.

“We’ve had to rethink a lot of things each time we have reopened in the past year, but our team has been amazing and the customers have been exceptional.

“We’ve had such amazing support from everyone locally and further afield, and that has kept us going.

“It would be lovely to get to the finals, but the fact we have got this far is fantastic.”

Meze will be reopening for outdoor dining on April 14, with new outdoor dining booths available.

For more information, or to vote for Meze Ellesmere to reach the final, visit Meze Ellesmere on Facebook.