AN Oxford kebab van has been crowned the best in the country.

Ahmed's Bar B-Q, based on Oxford High Street, won Kebab Van of the Year at the British Kebab Awards last night.

Kebab shops and vans from around the country were nominated for various awards including Best Kebab Restaurant and Best Value Restaurant.

UPDATE - fans react to news that Ahmed has won, and it seems he has A LOT of fans

Oxford Mail:

Ahmed's Bar B-Q, run by 53-year-old Ahmed Semlali, from Witney, has been running his kebab van since 1987 outside Old Bank Hotel on High Street.

He said: “I want to say thank you to all of my customers and everyone who voted for me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have won. I’m grateful for all the support."

Ahmed's Bar B-Q Facebook page has 5 star reviews with comments from people who adore his 'quality' food and friendly service.

Our readers voted on who they thought would win yesterday in the run up to the awards and Atalay's Kebab Van in Thame came out on top.

Ahmed's Bar B-Q Facebook page has 5 star reviews with comments from people who adore his 'quality' food and friendly service.

He added: “If they weren’t happy, they wouldn’t have voted for me, but they voted so they must be happy with the food and the service. Customer satisfaction is very important to me, so it is excellent to win this award.”

Elsewhere, a kebab shop in Cowley got kicked out of the nominations when it emerged it had a two-star hygiene rating.

Mr Semlali does not just sell kebabs at his family-run business, but he also caters for all, which he thinks helps him to be successful.

He said students are not his only customers but that people come from as far as High Wycombe for his kebabs too.

He said: “I provide a big variety on our menu. From doner, kebabs and chicken to fish, falafel and vegetables, I cater for a lot of people.”

Mr Semlali works at his kebab van with his son and son in law who he says also love working at the van and making kebabs.

He said he would love to open a kebab shop in the future.

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party Leader,  gave a speech at the awards and presented prizes to winners.

Oxford Mail:

Have you had a kebab from here? Let us know what you think in the comments below.