UK's best restaurant of the year crowned as tiny sandwich shop takes the crown

Silver's Deli in Leeds was named the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year at a ceremony in London on September 23, beating more than 130 nominees across the United Kingdom. The £100,000 prize accompanied the recognition for the deli's quality, big flavors and commitment to its local community, according to judges that included food entrepreneur Levi Roots.

Founded by Chris Riley-Smith in Bramley, Leeds, in 2023, Silver's Deli has become known for stacked salt beef sandwiches and inventive specials. The menu features items around £9, including Hot Honey Chicken, Meatball, and Pistachio Pig. Riley-Smith named the shop after his daughter and has said the aim was to create something timeless rather than a trend.

Riley-Smith said winning Restaurant of the Year is a dream come true, and that the award acknowledges not only the food but the hard work of the team and the support of the local community. He added that the £100,000 prize will allow them to refurbish the current site, refine in-store operations, and grow sales across Yorkshire, with a nod to his daughter Silver as the inspiration. "Winning Restaurant of the Year is a dream come true. This award isn't just recognition for our food, but for the hard work of our whole team and the incredible support of our community," he said. "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. 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!"

Uber Eats chief Matthew Price praised Silver's Deli, saying the award embodies creativity, resilience and a commitment to serving the community. "Silver's Deli embodies everything these awards are about: creativity, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. We're proud to support their journey and can't wait to see how they use this prize to grow their business," Price said. Each of the 12 regional finalists will receive £5,000 and tailored support from Uber Eats.

Judges included food entrepreneur Levi Roots, Irish celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna, 2024 winner Natty Crutchfield, foodie creator Eating with Todd, and Lorraine Copes, CEO and founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality. The ceremony, in London, highlighted independent restaurants as the beating heart of the country’s food scene.