A FAMILY-RUN cafe has been named the best takeaway in Britain - but had to wait for more than a week after the awards ceremony following a votes recount.

Brunch, on Greenes Road, Whiston have added the Best British Takeaway title in the Best British Restaurant Awards 2018 to their list of achievements.

A glitzy ceremony was held at the Porchester in London on Thursday, May 24, with Brunch owner Sharon Carline and husband Rob among those in attendance for the big night which saw fellow award winners include TV chef Gordon Ramsay.

However, an error on the night led to a recount of votes being launched.

More than a week later, Sharon received the news that Brunch were indeed the actual winners of the vote.

Sharon, 44, said: "They kept us in suspense, and showed us a list of every vote, they've been very transparent with the process."

Despite being denied the chance to "celebrate in style" due to the wait, Sharon has spoken of her pride in winning the award.

"It's brilliant to win and I am so proud of the team and everyone who voted for us."

Sharon added: “One of the many factors contributing to the success of Brunch is my fabulous team members who have all played key roles in making Brunch such a success.

"The Brunch team is more of a family, with no hierarchy where everyone mucks in together; all team members are well rounded individuals who have gained valuable skills and qualities which make Brunch, Brunch.

"The team has grown from the initial four members to 16 to-date, all contributing their individual skills to provide an exemplary service”.

Simon Jobson, PR manager for the British Restaurant Awards, said: “It was brought to our attention that there was a possibility of a discrepancy in the votes for this category.

"Hence, we took immediate action to investigate each single vote that was received for the entire awards show and made sure it connected to a real user and verified IP address.

“After a seven-day investigation, Brunch was confirmed as the rightful winner of the Best British Takeaway restaurant in 2018 with the majority of verified votes.

"The BRA board were delighted to break the good news to Brunch as it is testament of the amazing hard work which they have put in since Brunch opened its doors."