Over the last fortnight our readers have been nominating the top 10 takeaways in Stroud, and for the next week we’ll be profiling each of them so you can choose the Stroud News & Journal Best Takeaway 2021 winner.

The third takeaway we’re showcasing is Birch Restaurant, which opened as a takeaway in May last year after nine years serving food as Birch or Dinner at Six.

The business includes Birch Catering, which meant owner Wesley Birch and his team were more prepared than some to turn to takeaways, but were hit harder than others by lockdown restrictions on events.

They had 50 weddings booked in 2020 which were cancelled, leading to a loss of £500,000-worth of catering.

“Our catering operation hasn’t had a penny so, other than the furlough scheme, without takeaways I would be bankrupt,” said Mr Birch.

“They really have been an absolute lifeline for us,” he added.

He said making the top 10 takeaways of Stroud has validated their efforts.

“It’s amazing. We never really seek out recognition as long as we’re busy and everyone’s kept their job, but to have recognition for my team and their efforts is incredible. It’s a really good, heavy pat on the back, a thumbs up and a well done.”

“If we won I’d be incredibly flattered. We’re so lucky where we live. There’s so many amazing food outlets and a lot more places have opened up as takeaway and some of them are really good.”

If you think Birch Restaurant should be crowned the best takeaway in Stroud, you can vote for them using the voting coupon in this week’s paper (Wednesday, February 24).

Or take a look at the other restaurants we've profiled this week here: 

Once you've got your coupon, simply post it to: Stroud News & Journal Best Takeaway, Redhill House, 227 London Road, Worcester WR5 2JG.

Or you can leave the coupon with the restaurant you voted for when you collect your takeaway.

Or you can drop it through the letter box of the Stroud News and Journal office in Landsdown Road, Stroud, GL5 1BE, near the library. 

Voting ends on March 7, 2021.