Meram Turkish restaurant in Christchurch scoops prize in Best Kebab Awards

A FAMILY-run Turkish restaurant in Christchurch has won a prestigious title in the British Kebab Awards.

Meram Kitchen walked away with Best Customer Satisfaction award at a glittering ceremony in London.

The high street restaurant was put forward for the title by customers and was thrilled after being nominated for the past three years for a prize in the competition, to finally win one.

Eren Kircal, who runs the restaurant with his family, said: “Being nominated is quite an achievement in itself, but to win is a massive one.

“We really pride ourselves on keeping our customers happy so it’s nice to know they think we do.”

Opened three years ago, the restaurant is run by Eren and his father Erhan, while his brother Veli and uncle Hamit are in charge at the new branch opened in Dorchester.

“We are all thrilled,” said Eren. “Our aim when we opened here was not to make a fortune but just to run a nice family business where people could come to enjoy a lovely meal.

“We have such wonderful regular customers and it has made us so happy that they think enough of us to put us up for these awards.”

The latest winning certificate is displayed on a wall alongside others the restaurant has previously been awarded in the same competition

It is named after a village in the Konya area of Turkey the family used to visit for holidays.

The family business started with a small kebab shop and restaurant in Southampton in 1991.

Eren said: “We used to come to Christchurch for visits in the summer and really loved it, so we decided to move the business here.

“Christchurch has given us such a warm welcome – we love it here.”

The 13th British Kebab Awards was attended by people in the industry from all over the UK.

Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the awards, said: “The winners of the 2025 British Kebab Awards show the strength of the industry, with great restaurants, vans and takeaways in every corner of the nation.

“Chefs are constantly reinventing and refining the classic kebab, meaning there’s something new from each one of this year’s worthy winners.

“This year's winners represent everything that makes the British kebab industry special – diversity, quality, tradition, and innovation; and we’re proud to be highlighting the leaders in this great industry.”