FOOD BUSINESSES in Barry and Penarth are among those celebrating a recent win.

The Food Awards Wales hosted by Creative Oceanic – not to be confused with the more established Wales Food and Drink Awards – have revealed the winners for 2023.

People are encouraged to nominate their favourite businesses for the various categories, with entries shortlisted and put to a public vote. The winners were announced at a ceremony in Mercure Cardiff Hotel on Monday, June 26.

Royal Balti (Barry)

Royal Balti Barry has won ‘best Indian establishment’ at the Food Awards Wales 2023.

The venue, based on Vere Street in Cadoxton, was also recently inspected by Food Standards Agency and maintained its five (very good) food hygiene rating.

Barry And District News: Royal Balti Barry team at the award ceremony

The Barry business also won a 2023 Good Food Award along with numerous awards in 2022 including:

  • Indian takeaway of the 2022 at the Welsh Asian Food Awards;
  • Best curry takeaway 2022 at the Curry Life Awards;
  • Good Food Award 2022.

In a joint statement the co-owners, Muhammad Ahmed and Niaz Haidari, said:

“We thank our team at Royal Balti for their hard work and thank our loyal customers for always nominating us in these fantastic awards. Without them we wouldn’t be here.”

Tiffin Rasoi (Barry)

Tiffin Rasoi, on Holton Road in Barry, has won ‘takeaway of the year’ at the Food Awards Wales 2023.

Barry And District News: Motiur Rahman of Tiffin Rasoi Barry at the award ceremony

This is the second consecutive year that the food venue has won this title, with other recent achievements including:

  • Being Restaurant Guru recommended in 2023 and 2022;
  • Winning ‘takeway of the year’ in Asian Curry Awards 2022;
  • Being shortlisted for a Good Food Award 2022;
  • Being shortlisted for ‘takeaway of the year’ in British Curry Awards 2022.

Business owner Motiur Rahman said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we have won again – back to back – for best takeaway in Wales.

“We couldn’t have done it without our wonderful loyal customers and to our talented and hardworking team.”

Pickford’s Galley & Bar with Rooms (Penarth)

Pickford’s Galley & Bar with Rooms is winning a double victory – not only did the venue win ‘restaurant of the year south east’ at the Food Awards Wales but it was also the overall winner of ‘restaurant of the year’ 2023.

The venue, which is closed on Mondays, has been based on Penarth’s Esplanade for at least a century and offers an array of options for breakfasts and lunches.

It specialises in British classics, including Sunday lunches, and is well-known for fish and seafood dishes with a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, with the option for people to dine in (with booking recommended) or takeaway.

The venue includes a bar and is available to hire for private functions, having hosted hundreds of parties on the iconic esplanade.

The business owners admit on their Facebook page that they “did not expect” their win but added that they are “super proud” of the team.