WHAT is the best takeaway in Bicester? We’re launching a competition to find out.

Whether it’s a curry, pizza, pub grub or fish and chips, takeaway food has been a ray of sunshine for many people at the end of another week in lockdown.

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More and more choice is available this year, as businesses like The Nightingale Pub in Langford have diversified to offer takeaway, beating Covid restrictions on sales.

One of those businesses is Bicester Bean Coffee Shop and Cafe.

Alyson Clifton had only run the cafe for 18 months when she had to switch to takeaways last March.

She has sold home-made meals, sandwiches, cakes and hampers for special occasions.

She said: “My aim has always been about smiles on chops and more so this last year.

Bicester Advertiser:

"I love making people’s days with our deliveries, whether it’s a breakfast, lunch, birthday treat, get well soon, baby shower, afternoon tea, or just an unexpected treat to cheer someone up covering any special occasion.

“Our Easter Egg cheesecakes and Mother’s Day afternoon teas are proving even more popular than last year.

“Our customers new and old have been so amazingly supportive and I can’t thank them all enough.”

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A local church will be sending boxes of her treats to key workers, thanking them for their service to the community, as well as elderly residents, to let them know people are thinking of them.

She added: “This has really touched me. It’s such a wonderful thing for them to do.”

Other eateries in Bicester have also offered NHS workers discounts and delivered meals to staff working on the frontline during the pandemic.

One of those businesses is family-run restaurant Nadia’s Indian Takeaway.

Mohammed Noor, who runs the restaurant with his dad, said: “This pandemic has been challenging, not just financially but also emotionally and mentally.

Bicester Advertiser: Nadia’s Indian Takeaway Picture: Ed Nix

"After two temporary closures we were determined to give back to the community and essential key workers to keep up community spirit.

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“We are doing our upmost best to serve the community. We want our customers to be happy and served food at this critical time. We also gave 20 per cent off to NHS workers during the pandemic."

What is your favourite takeaway in Bicester?

Until Sunday, March 14, you can nominate who you think deserves recognition at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/88RVMM7.

We will then announce the 10 businesses with the most nominations and you will have the chance to vote between them to crown the Bicester Advertiser Best Takeaway 2021 winner.

Editor of the Bicester Advertiser Pete Gavan said: “We want to find out the very best takeaway in the Bicester area, so if you’ve got one you love, then please get nominating.”