WHAT is the best takeaway in Cirencester, Tetbury, Malmesbury and the Cotswolds?

We’re launching a competition to find out.

Takeaway food has been a ray of sunshine for many people at the end of another week in lockdown, and more and more choice is available this year as businesses diversify due to Covid restrictions.

One of those businesses is Igloo Restaurant, which has been part of the Cirencester community since 2018.

Owner Oliver Matchett said: “Without takeaways I don’t think we’d be here if I’m honest.

“It’s worked for us. I can’t say we’ve thrived over the past year but we’ve definitely survived.”

Oliver and his team had started developing a delivery and takeaway service before the pandemic, but were forced to bring those plans forward to continue trading during lockdown.

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, Oliver said he hopes to reopen the inside of the restaurant but he will certainly keep doing delivery and takeaway.

“The competition is a pretty good idea, it will definitely help promote and bring in business.”

You can nominate your favourite takeaway online until Wednesday, March 31 here.

We will announce the 10 businesses with the most nominations, and you will then be able to vote between them to crown the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard Best Takeaway 2021 winner using coupons from the paper.

Carolyn Watson, owner of Wheatsheaf Inn, Cirencester, said she thought the competition was a great idea to support local businesses.

She and her husband have been delivering roast dinners to their elderly and vulnerable customers on Sundays this lockdown at no charge.

“I think takeaways have been very important to our business, not so much in the week but definitely on the weekend.”

Though she is hoping to make the shortlist, Carolyn said her takeaway favourites the Raj Doot and the Old Café deserve recognition too.

The winner of the Stroud News & Journal Best Takeaway award was thrilled with her win last week - the SNJ is a sister title.

“I’m really proud that our family business is having an impact in the community,” said Debbie Navruz, who runs the Nippy Chippy with her husband, three sons and a close family friend in Stonehouse.

“They were made up. They were very happy and very pleased. It’s been a different way of working the last year but they’ve worked really hard and adapted to it well.”

Speaking to her customers, Debbie said: “It’s really appreciated and thank you very much, it just shows that you are the best customers and lovely people.”

Nominations are now open, so make sure your favourite takeaway is in with a chance of a victory like the Nippy Chippy.