A popular pizza takeaway in Kent is in the running to retain its title as the best in the UK.

Nomad Pizza in Whitstable is hoping to match its impressive success in last year's industry awards.

The business, which specialises in 'craft pizzas', won the Pizza and Pasta Association award for the UK's best independent takeaway in 2020, and has been shortlisted again this year.

But it is also hoping to bag another title, having made the finals of the National Pizza Awards, in which pizza makers will take part in a live cook-off in London this month.

Among the 16 finalists are another two Kent entries, Ralph's in Margate and the Chapter Pizzeria in Canterbury.

Nomad Pizza's winning recipe for success has been cooked up by husband and wife team, Jon and Vicki Crwys-Williams.

They brought their pizza expertise to the town last year, having previously run the Cornish Pizza Company in St Agnes, where they collected a raft of awards.

The couple converted a derelict shop in the High Street and opened during the pandemic last summer, quickly gaining popularity for their takeaway pizzas.

They pride themselves on using Kentish-sourced produce in their pizzas, including cheeses, and their own recipe sauces.

"We were thrilled to win it last year during lockdown, and the whole team is excited to see if we can ‘do a double’ this year," said Jon.

"The PAPA award really is special and to win again would be amazing."

Speaking about the upcoming pizza cook-off challenge, he added: "Our manager Natty Eastick will be preparing our entry.

"We’re going to bring our A-game with our freshly made, organic dough, homemade tomato sauce and fresh local ingredients.

"It’s a great opportunity to pit our wits, and the very best Kent produce, against the best in the industry."

The contest will see the finalists from across the country competing at Islington Metal Works on Monday, November 22.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable