IT'S official.

Bournemouth based Chicken & Blues has scooped the title of Best Takeaway in the South East, as well as picking up highly commended for the overall Best Takeaway in Britain.

The self-titled ‘posh chicken shop’ first opened it’s doors on Boscombe High Street in 2013, run by friends Joshua Simons and Steve Crawford, and has already been recognised in the top five chicken shops in the UK by The Metro, as well as winning Dragons Den star Theo Paphitis’ business award.

Funny-man John Bishop hosted the Takeaway Awards at London's Savoy Hotel where he was joined by special guests including model and actress Kelly Brook, Countdown’s Rachel Riley, TV presenter Lisa Faulkner and Love Island’s Chris Hughes.

This was the third year running for the awards, set up to recognise the hard work of the £3billion takeaway industry, backed by Just Eat.

The judges were especially impressed by the "unique marinade and 48 hour cooking process", alongside their extended and on-going community outreach, and their impressive following of over 14,000 card holders.

Founders Josh Simons and Steve Crawford attended the ceremony and collected the award on behalf of their teams.

Joshua Simons said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for us, our loyal patrons, and of course our committed and hard-working team. This award is for them.”

Steve Crawford added: “To be nominated was superb, but to go on and win was beyond our expectations. This is very exciting times for Chicken & Blues, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.”

The pair have also opened a second Chicken & Blues takeaway in Ashley Cross in Poole.