A FAMILY-RUN restaurant in Southampton is in the running to win £200,000.

Independent eatery Mango Thai Tapas, which has restaurants in Above Bar Street, Portswood and Ocean Village is the only Southampton restaurant to be shortlisted for the nationwide Uber Eats Award. 

They join Need Street Food in Highland Road, Southsea and Drgnfly in Bournemouth nominated in the South East category alongside other hospitality establishments in Hampshire, Sussex and Dorset. 

All were nominated by the public with the winners set to be announced in September. Restaurants who have the most votes in their region also can win £7,000 – an amount which will hugely benefit Mango Thai Tapas. 

Co-director, Tamsin Stone said: “After a very difficult time during the cost-of-living crisis, it has given us such a huge boost to know that the people of Southampton still love our restaurant after 17 years. 

“We pride ourselves on providing great food and drink in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is our passion, and it would mean so much to us if the city voted for us.” 

READ MORE: Is Kuti's Brasserie Southampton in danger of closing?

Stephen Manion, Chief Executive of GO! Southampton, the city’s Business Improvement District of which Mango Thai Tapas is a member, said: “Mango Thai Tapas has been a staple in the Southampton hospitality scene for nearly two decades – not only due to their delicious tapas, but also thanks to their successful live events and comedy clubs. 

“We urge everybody to vote en masse and support Mango Thai Tapas in their quest to win Best Restaurant at the Uber Eats Awards. Good luck to the team – we are rooting for you.” 

Opening its doors in 2007 in Portswood, Mango Thai Tapas is independently owned and managed by a close-knit team.