AN INDEPENDENT Jamaican restaurant, which opened last March, scooped the top prize at the Solihull Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards.

Jamaya, based in the iconic Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull, was crowned Business of the Year at the event, which took place at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel and Country Club.

Jamaya – a mash-up of Jamaica and Maya, the name of the founder/director Byron Carnegie’s 19-month-old daughter – serves a variety of chicken-based and vegetarian meals/ sides plus soft and alcoholic drinks.

Helen Bates, chief financial officer at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and chair of the judging panel for the awards, said: “Our esteemed judges were in awe at Jamaya’s achievements as a new business, and were in agreement that they were deserving Solihull Business of the Year winners.

“Their dedication to customer service and authenticity has resulted in the restaurant achieving more than 110 five star reviews on TripAdvisor, and hopes to reach even more customers in the future.

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“All of the other award winners demonstrated excellence, innovation and initiative to our judges, and are stellar examples of the types of businesses that are a part of the Solihull business community.”

Jamaya’s victory was welcomed by business veteran Errol Drummond, CEO of the pioneering Sunrise Bakery, which has been trading since 1966. He said: “I am so proud to see that more Caribbean takeaways are open- ing up all the time.

“It’s good to hear that Jamaya won the Solihull Business of the Year Award. I want Sunrise to continue to inspire Caribbean businesses because our food has not yet cracked the mass market.”