A Southampton sandwich shop has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the Sandwich & Food To Go Awards.

Uptons of Basset in Winchester Road was founded by Simon and Katarina Broadribb 30 years ago and is known in the area for its locally-sourced meats and award-winning wraps and sandwiches.

Katarina took home Britain’s Sandwich & Food to Go Designer of the Year award, as well as the Mona Dairy Gouda Cheese category, in the competition during the gala celebrating the industry at the Royal Lancaster, London.

Simon triumphed in the Futura Foods Feta Cheese category for his sandwich creation.

Katarina said: “I am totally overwhelmed. This year can only be described as a bumper one for us.

“I am still in shock that not only have I created the best sandwich in the UK, but I won my category in the competition, my husband won his, and our pride and joy took home the Independent Retailer of the Year award too!”

“I feel like my passion comes out in the food I create. I live and breathe it, inside and outside of work. My family, my team and my husband support my determination to innovate, teach others and continue to learn myself.”

Simon said: “It is a real honour for not only me and Katarina to be recognised in a national award, but our team too.

“Everyone from the young, Saturday part-time workers to the manager has helped to make this possible and worked incredibly hard.”

The business employs 16 people and is also known for its cookery and butchery classes and pop-up evenings – including its famous Burns Night and Butcher’s Banter.

Jim Winship, director of The British Sandwich & Food to Go Association, said: “Katarina and Simon are shining stars of the sandwich industry. I am thrilled to have awarded them with so many accolades.

“Katarina’s sandwich design included not only great tasting ingredients but ones that completely complemented each other – and the judging panel remembered all of its elements many sandwiches later – which made it a clear winner.”