South Tyneside takeaway aims for sweet success after being nominated for prestigious prize

Dessert delivery service The Cakeaway is one of five North East finalists in the British Takeaway Awards.

The business initially opened last September as a mobile service, and then secured a permanent site in Stanhope Road, South Shields, in May.

It has proved to be a major success so far, so much so that it is now in contention to be named as the Best British Takeaway in the North East.

Owner and manager Jo Bell, 25, said: “This is absolutely the best achievement of my life so far.

“To see how far the business has come since it first opened is brilliant.

“It’s going from strength to strength and it would be absolutely unbelievable to win the award.

“I’m only 25 and to achieve something like that would mean the whole world.”

The awards ceremony is being held at The Savoy, in London, on December 5.

They will be hosted by comedian Rob Brydon, with Ready Steady Cook presenter Ainsley Harriott and Dragons’ Den star Sarah Willingham on the judging panel.

In total, 110,000 people voted in the awards, with the North East the most sweet-toothed part of Britain, with three of the region’s five finalists specialising in dessert.

Each of the finalists will now be marked on a mystery shopping experience, and have also been asked to provide a submission on why they deserve to win.

The 13 regional winners will receive £1,000 and a free sign-up to food delivery leader Just Eat, while one of the winners will be named Best British Takeaway and receive a cheque for £5,000.