A Kingston restaurant serving New Orleans-style street food has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK in Uber Eats' 2026 Restaurant of the Year Awards.

Poor Boys, based in the Griffin Centre, is representing south London in this year's competition and is now in the running for a £100,000 boost to its business.

The independent restaurant was founded by two brothers inspired by the atmosphere, culture, and food of New Orleans, and "aims to bring Southern Louisiana hospitality to the banks of the Thames".

Its menu pays homage to the city's iconic po' boy sandwich, serving up shrimp, oysters, fried chicken, beef brisket, and mac 'n' cheese, alongside frozen cocktails, shakes, and craft beers.

Poor Boys first opened in Kingston in the Griffin Centre, between Patisserie Valerie and Laura Ashley and alongside the Hogsmill River, and has built a loyal following for its generous portions and bold flavours.

More recently, the brand has expanded to Boxpark Croydon, taking its giant po' boys and slushies to commuters and concert-goers in the town centre.

This year marks the fifth Restaurant of the Year Awards and the tenth anniversary of Uber Eats launching in London, with the 2026 edition offering a £100,000 top prize and £25,000 and £10,000 for second and third place.

Poor Boys is one of 45 shortlisted restaurants across nine UK regions, with public voting open until 11.59 pm on July 30.

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Uber Eats has assembled a high-profile judging panel led by comedian and food podcaster Ed Gamble, alongside chef and creator Seema Pankhania, Be Inclusive Hospitality founder Lorraine Copes, Uber Eats UK general manager Merve Basci, food creator Eating with Todd, and last year's Restaurant of the Year winner Chris Riley of Silver's Deli.

Ed Gamble, comedian and food podcaster, said: "I've dedicated most of my adult life to thinking about, talking about, and tasting new food, so being named Head Judge is hugely exciting for me.

"The UK high street is absolutely bursting with culinary genius right now. I can't wait to dive into the shortlist and help crown the next big thing."

Merve Basci, general manager of Uber Eats UK, said: "This year's Restaurant of the Year Awards are about more than just celebrating great food - we're also honouring our ten-year delivery journey in the UK.

"Recognising that it has been an especially challenging time for our hospitality partners, we are investing more than ever into this anniversary prize programme to support the future of the British high street.

"Between Ed Gamble leading our brilliant judging panel and the introduction of new awards and runner-up prizes, this promises to be our biggest and most anticipated competition yet."

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