A celebrated Turkish restaurant has said its success is down to combining quality food while offering “a complete night-out”.

Sheesh in High Road, Chigwell, won in the best fine dining category at the British Kebab Awards for the second time in a row last week.

But co-owner and chef Dylan Hunt says the restaurant is exploiting changing tastes by offering entertainment including live music and DJs to keep customers staying longer.

The 36-year-old, who runs Sheesh with his father Colin, said: “We offer the whole package.

“I cook the food and then I get to keep the customers all evening.

“It is more relaxed. People want to have a nice meal and then spend the evening.”

The restaurant moved from smaller premises in Buckhurst Hill four years ago.

 “We were in Queens Road before and it was very busy,” Mr Hunt added.

“I moved here to expand. We needed the space for the entertainment side.

 “I think people are doing it more now. In the 80s, they used to offer the restaurant and entertainment at the same time and now I think people want to do the same thing.

“I think the standard clubbing thing is dying out - people want the whole experience.”

Mr Hunt was also nominated for the chef of the year award.

Mr Hunt said: “The award got a lot bigger this year so the competition was a bit tighter.

“There were 1,200 people there this year, it was a massive event. I even heard some MPs were there.

“It is a £2.1billion industry, kebabs are getting popular now.”