North Yorkshire restaurant and wedding venue wins national small business award

A NORTH Yorkshire restaurant has been crowned top UK small business for customer service.

Whitby restaurant Hetty & Betty won the ‘At Your Service’ category at the national final of last week’s The Small Awards - taking home the award for outstanding customer service.

Owners Lois and David Kirtlan picked up the award at a sparkling event in central London hosted by comedian Sue Perkins.

Lois and David have restored the Grade II-listed building in Baxtergate, which has been serving fish and chips since 1928.

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Lois said: “Going to The Small Awards final was incredible - there was a real energy in the room as everyone was so proud to be a finalist.

“It was a real celebration of small businesses from around the UK.

“Sue Perkins was a fantastic host, chatting to nominees - and even having selfies taken with them!

“We went to the event with no expectations at all - so I was really shocked when I heard our name read out as the winner.

“Exceptional customer service has always been at the heart of what we do. And this award belongs to the Hetty & Betty team - they should be really proud."

The Hetty & Betty team with their award (Image: David Kirtlan)

In its eighth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors, and is organised by Small Business Britain.

This year’s event was judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts.

Guests were also treated to a display of entertainment by Europe’s largest gay male choir, the London Gay Men’s Chorus, along with fine food and drink from independent caterers.