In a delightful twist that blends sporting stardom with culinary celebration, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler has swapped the oche for the kitchen, partnering with Deliveroo to crown the UK’s finest kebab. The PDC World Darts Champion, known for his love of a post-match shawarma, has lent his expertise to the 2025 Deliveroo Restaurant Awards, handpicking Burnley’s The Kebab Lab as one of the top 10 contenders for the coveted Luke Littler x Deliveroo Best Kebab Award. This family-run gem on Colne Road, the only Lancashire representative in the shortlist, is now vying for a golden chicken shish-shaped trophy and national glory, with public voting open until May 9, 2025.
Littler, affectionately dubbed “The Nuke” for his explosive darts performances, has become a cultural phenomenon since his runner-up finish at the 2024 World Championship at age 16. His well-documented penchant for kebabs—often enjoyed as a victory treat—made him the perfect ambassador for Deliveroo’s reimagined kebab award, which returns after a three-year hiatus. “Whether it’s chicken tikka or lamb, there are three steps to a tasty kebab: juicy lean meat, fresh salad, all wrapped up in soft bread,” Littler declared, outlining his criteria for perfection. “The final check-out and making the perfect kebab is tough, but these restaurants on Deliveroo are doing it right. I can’t see any misses in this list, so it’s over to you to get voting. Game on.”
The Kebab Lab, a Burnley favorite, has earned Littler’s seal of approval for its innovative menu that fuses traditional Middle Eastern flavors with modern flair. Signature offerings include succulent chicken shawarma, the top-selling item on Deliveroo, followed by classic donner kebabs and the indulgent Kebab Lab Special. Owner Ibrar Hussain beamed with pride, saying, “We are extremely proud to represent the Lancashire area out of all the potential candidates. We would be delighted if someone like Luke Littler would come and try our food—and have a taste of the best kebab in the north.” The invitation reflects the community’s excitement, with locals rallying to vote for their hometown hero in the national contest.
Deliveroo’s initiative, backed by CEO Will Shu, aims to celebrate the UK’s love affair with takeaways while spotlighting local gems. “Who better than Luke Littler to reintroduce the award that celebrates a true Deliveroo fan favorite, the kebab,” Shu said. “The restaurants in the running are serving kebabs of incredible quality and have built loyal followings in their local communities.” The shortlist, curated with Littler’s input, features nine other standout eateries: Emmy’s Pitta (Coventry), Coral Reef Takeaway (Crewe), Sqew Kebabs (Leeds), Konak (Leicester), George’s Tradition (Mansfield), Mraya (Nottingham), Yara (Wigan), Tarboush Express (Loughborough), and My Greek Street Food (Eccles). Public votes, cast via deliveroorestaurantawards.com, will determine the winner, to be announced on Deliveroo’s social channels on May 28, 2025.
The campaign has struck a chord, tapping into Littler’s relatable charm and the universal appeal of a well-crafted kebab. Promotional images show the young star wielding a glistening golden kebab trophy in one hand and a grilled chicken shish in the other, urging fans to support their local spots. The Kebab Lab’s shortlisting is a testament to Burnley’s culinary prowess, with its blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors earning national attention. For Littler, whose meteoric rise has seen him earn £6,000 weekly in the Premier League, this partnership is a playful nod to his roots and a chance to connect with fans beyond the dartboard. As voting heats up, The Kebab Lab stands poised to make history, potentially serving Littler his next victory meal in true Lancashire style.
Leave a Reply