Over the last fortnight our readers have been nominating the top 15 takeaways in Cam and Dursley, Thornbury, Yate and Sodbury, and for the next three weeks we’ll be profiling each of them so you can choose the Gazette Series Best Takeaway 2021 winner.

Kicking off this week is the Anchor Inn, owned by David Cox and Heather Ash, who turned their business into a takeaway and delivery service after losing the majority of its wet trade to lockdown.

They’re dishes have proved just as popular with customers eating at home, including beef and ale pie, baked salmon, and hunter’s chicken and chips.

“Takeaways are very important because we’ve been able to keep staff in and usefully employed, and it’s also kept us in touch with our customers and we’ve gained some new ones,” said David.

“The competition is a good idea, it showcases what we and other people are doing and it shows that the people who are doing it are caring for the community at this awful time.”

Before the pandemic, David and Heather would host regular events, such as craft workshops, and features pieces of work by local artists.

The pub and restaurant was also home to many groups, including Crib, Dominoes, Fishing and Cricket, which they hope to see return when restrictions ease.

After he found out they’d made the last 15, David said: “We’re very pleased. I’m pleased for our chefs and for the staff who make sure everything goes out fine and for Karen who delivers for us.”

“If we won I’d be over the moon and it would be a credit to the staff.”

If you think the Anchor Inn should be crowned the best takeaway, you can vote for them using the voting coupon in this week’s paper (Thursday, March 25).

Then simply post the coupon to: Gazette Series Best Takeaway, Redhill House, 227 London Road, Worcester, WR5 2JG.

Voting ends on Sunday April 11, 2021.