What is the best takeaway in Stroud? We're launching a competition to find out.

Whether it’s Fat Toni’s pizza, Old Fleece roasts or Simply Fish and Chips, takeaway food has been a ray of sunshine for many people at the end of another week in lockdown.

More and more choice is available this year, as businesses like the Little Ginger Café and Deli or the Stirrup Cup have diversified to offer takeaway, to beat Covid restrictions on sales.

One of those businesses is Stroud Brewery, which has been developing seasonal takeaway dinners, and its owner Greg Pilley stressed their importance while we are all working from home.

“I think people are looking for variety and change in the daily humdrum of lockdown to add some entertainment and food is part of that,” he said. “The competition is a great thing to do. I think it’s an opportunity to highlight some of the adaptations that businesses have had to make to continue to trade.”

Until Monday, February 15, you can nominate your favourite via this link.

We will then announce the 10 businesses with the most nominations and you can vote between them to crown the Stroud News & Journal Best Takeaway 2021 winner.

Takeaways have been a lifeline for hospitality businesses during the pandemic, with the co-owner of the Old Fleece, Nick Beardsley, even developing an app.

Speaking of the importance of takeaways for people at home, Nick said: “It’s an occasion and a bit of theatre, whether you’re delivered a pizza for the family or whether it’s just the two of you.”

Greg and Nick are both hoping to make the shortlist, but said their takeaway favourites Falafel Mama and Fat Toni’s will give them a run for their money.

Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie was eager for people to get involved: “I am really pleased the Stroud News and Journal is having this competition. It’s a bit of lockdown fun but also an important recognition of their role. Takeaways have been one of the unsung heroes of the pandemic and I know many businesses have adapted to provide takeaway.”

“I think I speak for many people when I say lots of families would not have survived without them as they have juggled working from home and home schooling.