The kebab capitals of the country remain Hackney and Islington after a fantastic showing at a prestigious Turkish food awards ceremony.

A total of three outright winners and two “highly recommended” accolades came back to the boroughs - including best takeaway and best young chef - at the third annual British Kebab Awards on Tuesday night.

The glittering ceremony at the Park Plaza, in Westminster, saw Super Kebab Ockbasi, in Stoke Newington Road, scoop first prize in the best takeaway category - an honour previously held by neighbouring Best Turkish Kebab.

Abdullah Sahiner, one of the owners, said; “We are so happy to win this award. It means the world to us and we are very proud.

“We work hard to serve our customers and we want to thank every one of them.

“All five partners in the business are chefs, that’s why we make the best, tastiest kebabs and doners.

The best young chef of the year was names as Murat Poyraz from the Blue Legume chain, who have branches in Upper Street, Islington and Stoke Newington Church Street.

And in the best newcomer section, the winner was Pivaz, in Chatsworth Road, Homerton.

Stoke Newington’s good placing is perhaps no surprise as the area is thought to be home to the UK’s first kebab shop, which opened in 1966.

The two runners up were Stone Cave, in Kingsland Road, Dalston, in the best value category, and the Archway Kebab House, in Junction Road, for best takeaway.

More than 1,200 people attended the awards, which aim to celebrate the contribution of the kebabs to the UK and prove they are more than just a late-night, post-pub snack.

An estimated 1.3 million kebabs are served from more than 20,000 outlets each day in the UK.

The industry is said to contribute more than £2.2 billion annually to the British economy, supporting around 200,000 jobs.

Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the awards, said: “These awards are a true celebration of kebabs as a Great British institution, and recognise the contribution of the industry throughout the country.

“There was a very high standard of nominees for every category, and I am delighted that we have been able to honour some of the leaders in the industry for the third year running.”