Meet The Judges

Meet the Judges. Six food obsessives. One seriously tasty job.

From Friday 2 to Sunday 4 September, the British Street Food Awards finals land at Peddler Market, Sheffield. Fifteen finalists, fresh from the five UK heats, will serve two dishes each — 30 plates for our judges to tackle.

Every dish is available to buy, so eat, drink and make your call. You choose the People’s Choice winner; our judges decide on the overall champion and category winners.

Come hungry. Bring opinions. Let battle commence.

Ahmed Abdalla

London-born and Yorkshire-based, Ahmed recently left Legacy at The Grand, York, after helping secure a Michelin Guide mention and three AA Rosettes. He represented Yorkshire on Great British Menu — so he knows pressure, produce and serious flavour.

Tom Lawson

Sheffield chef, restaurateur and founder of Lawson Hospitality, behind The Psalter and The Ladybower Inn, Tom previously took Rafters to three AA Rosettes and Michelin recognition. He knows kitchens, Sheffield and what brings people back.

Kerre Chen

Kerre runs Independent Sheffield, championing the city’s indie businesses, food and culture, while working with local restaurants and media. She’s also the foodie behind @theinsatiablefoodie, hunting down Sheffield’s best bites. She comes hungry — and knows what’s good.

Richard Johnson

Award-winning food writer and founder of the British and European Street Food Awards, Richard is also behind Food St, London’s newest street market. He knows what separates good street food from the great stuff.

Jonathan Harris

Jonathan co-founded the Yorkshire Food Guide, the first and only website covering the region’s restaurants, food and drink events and offers. A Yorkshire food obsessive, he has his finger on the culinary pulse.

Jordan Roberts

For more than 10 years, Jordan has scouted the UK’s best street food and curated Peddler Market’s line-ups. He travels in search of the next big thing — or inspiration for a legendary dinner party. This time, the best of the UK is coming to him.

Six judges. Six perspectives. One trophy. Zero hiding place.