‘We couldn’t believe it’
Ilyas Kus from Kebabchi Mediterranean Grill (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A Wirral takeaway with its roots firmly planted in Turkey is on the way to be named one of the best in the country. Kebabchi Mediterranean Grill may still be a newcomer to the scene, but it’s already caught the attention of big names across the UK.
Ilyas Kus, 43, who is originally from Turkey, moved to the UK in search of a new life. Ilyas told the ECHO: “I moved to London which is where I lived for a while. I wanted to open a venue that had restaurant quality but takeaway prices. It was difficult to get started in London because the cost of everything is so high.
“We moved to Liverpool because it’s a much better city than London. Liverpool is a better place to raise our kids, its quieter and also a lot cheaper. We thought this would be the perfect place to grow our business.”
Ilyas, who is married with three children, traded life in the “Big Smoke” for Merseyside to turn his dream business into reality. After uprooting his family and relocating to the North West, he began the search for the ideal location to start his new chapter.
Ilyas Kus from Kebabchi Mediterranean Grill(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Just a few months later, his vision came to life with the opening of Kebabchi Mediterranean Grill in August 2024. Although still fairly new to the scene, the takeaway has caught national attention, earning a place as a semi-finalist in the 14th British Kebab Awards.
Kebabchi is one of only two Merseyside venues – alongside Liverpool’s Spring Naan on Smithdown Road – nominated in the “Best Newcomer Restaurant” category, competing against 19 other contenders. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London on February 24, 2026.
Ilyas said: “We found out when we received the letter. We couldn’t believe it – it was a big surprise but it made us very happy. To be awarded for something you care passionately about and work so hard for is great.
Kebabchi is a semi-finalists in the 14th British Kebab Awards(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“Customers have said they like the food so it makes us happy to know we’re doing something right. We have the same customers coming in all the time. People have supported us a lot in the area since we opened.”
The award nomination has spurred Ilyas to keep doing what he does best – delivering a bang up Turkish kebab that’s as authentic as it gets He added: “I make food that customers like.
“I always wanted to make great quality food at takeaway prices which is why people like us so much. We are nice people and we’re so lucky to have everyone support us.”