## Welsh Restaurants Shine as National Food Awards Heat Up
Wales has secured an impressive presence in this year’s prestigious Restaurant of the Year awards, with ten of its dynamic eateries earning nominations for the coveted title, which recognises the culinary excellence and vital contributions of small independent restaurants across the UK.
The annual contest, now in its fourth cycle, is organised by Uber Eats and has grown into a highlight on the hospitality industry calendar. With a judging panel boasting well-known industry figures such as entrepreneur and musician Levi Roots, Irish chef Clodagh McKenna, and Natty Crutchfield — who led her business to stardom following last year’s triumph — the competition promises both rigorous evaluation and a celebration of innovation.
The 2025 edition comes with heightened anticipation, offering a transformative prize of £100,000 for the overall winner to invest in their business aspirations. In addition, all shortlisted finalists stand to gain £5,000 and a bespoke support package designed to fuel further growth. Such incentives underscore the overarching mission of these awards: not only to spotlight the nation’s best local restaurants, but to invest directly in the future of the British food scene.
Although the competition receives entries from every part of the UK, Wales is particularly well-represented this year. Among the nominated Welsh establishments, a remarkable eight hail from Cardiff, with further entries from Cwmbran and Swansea, respectively. This geographical spread highlights the diversity and vibrancy of the nation’s food offering.
The ten Welsh eateries vying for top honours are: Sharkbite Burgers in Cwmbran, Poutine Box, Fowl & Fury, Tuk Tuk, Lyalena Lounge, Scaramantica Pizzeria, SouvLike, Chans Noodle Bar, Albany Fish Bar (all based in Cardiff), and The Indian Street Kitchen in Swansea.
Reflecting the growing influence of the younger generation on the hospitality industry, Uber Eats has also introduced the innovative ‘Next Gen Trailblazer Award’. This brand-new category seeks out entrepreneurs under the age of 27 who are demonstrating exceptional creativity and disruption within the food sector. The winner, to be decided by cookbook author Seema Pankhania, will receive £10,000 and a dedicated support package to help scale up their enterprise.
Matthew Price, Uber Eats’ general manager for the UK, Ireland, and Northern Europe, commented: “These awards are about more than simply spotlighting outstanding restaurants — they represent an investment in the people who will shape the future of food. Our new trailblazer award is an ambitious step to back the young innovators breaking new ground in hospitality.”
The highly anticipated awards ceremony is scheduled for the Here @ Outernet venue in London in 2025. This gala will see winners from all over the UK — including Wales’ hopefuls — gather with industry leaders, media representatives, and notable figures to celebrate their achievements.
Last year’s recipient, Natty Crutchfield, reflected on her win, describing it as “life-changing”. “Our business expanded more quickly than we ever dreamed, and it’s rewarding to be part of a community devoted to supporting independent ventures,” she noted.
Members of the public are encouraged to champion their local favourites by submitting nominations on the official awards website. The expectation is that this surge in national attention will not only shine a spotlight on Welsh culinary talent, but also provide a significant boost for the restaurants involved, nurturing a broader appreciation for independent eateries amongst both locals and visitors.
With a diverse line-up and palpable excitement building, Wales’ food scene appears set for another year of recognition, investment and, inevitably, some culinary surprises yet to come.