A Leeds deli has just scooped the biggest prize in British takeaway food. Silver's Deli in Bramley won Uber Eats' 2025 Restaurant of the Year Award yesterday, beating more than 130 other nominees to claim the £100,000 top prize.
The independent restaurant impressed judges and the public alike with its stacked salt beef sandwiches and creative specials.
It's the fourth year of these awards, which celebrate small businesses that bring communities together through brilliant food.
Each of the 12 regional finalists took home £5,000, but Silver's Deli emerged victorious after the showdown in London.
The story behind Silver's Deli is truly inspiring. Chris Riley-Smith founded the restaurant in 2023, naming it after his daughter, Silver, and gave himself the ultimate challenge of building the business from the ground up – literally.
"When I first set out, I was literally watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to build the restaurant myself, so to now be recognised on this stage feels surreal," Mr Riley-Smith said after winning.
Mr Riley-Smith's 20 years in the food industry helped, but the hands-on approach shows the determination that's made Silver's such a local favourite.
It has become known for creating something "timeless" rather than following fleeting food trends.
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'To be recognised on this stage feels surreal'
|UBER EATS
Sharing the next steps for Silver's Deli, he added: "The £100,000 prize will allow us to refurbish our current site, refine our in-store operations, and grow sales.
"We can't wait to take the next step in our journey. Thanks to the judges, the team, and of course, my wonderful daughter, Silver – this is for you!"
General manager of Uber Eats UK, Ireland, and Northern Europe, Matthew Price, commented on the deli's big win.
He said: "Independent restaurants are the beating heart of our food scene. Silver's Deli embodies everything these awards are about: creativity, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community.
'Food is all about heart and soul, and Silver's had both in spades' | INSTAGRAM/ @SILVERS_DELI
Silver's Deli is famous for its wide array of tasty sandwiches
|INSTAGRAM/@SILVERS_DELI
"We're proud to support their journey and can’t wait to see how they use this prize to grow their business."
Entrepreneur, musician, and Uber Eats judge, Levi Roots, added: "Food is all about heart and soul, and Silver's had both in spades.
"They brought real fire to the table – creativity, community spirit, and a story that will inspire so many other small businesses. I can't wait to see where they go next with this prize.
Alongside the main award, five Trailblazer Awards were announced, celebrating establishments that exemplify "innovation and positive change" in the industry.
The judging panel featured big names in the food, media, and sustainability spheres, including Chef's Table star Asma Khan, TikTok creator and author Seema Pankhania, Mathilde Carraro and Rachel Moriarty of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, and Mary Parsons, Head of Food at City Harvest.
Trailblazer Award Winners
- Women in Food Award – Laura's Pizzas
- Climate Impact Award – The Hogless Roast
- Healthy Eats Award – Eat Clean
- Social Impact Award – Piatto
- Next Gen Award – Aros
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