A Portsmouth family business has been named restaurant of the year by Uber Eats.

Natty’s Jerk won £100,000 as well as the title, beating thousands of restaurants across the country.

Owner Natty Crutchfield set up the business in 2017, leaving behind life as a London taxi driver to pursue his dream of setting up a street food joint.

“I love Caribbean food, it’s so comforting, so I had this thing that I really wanted to do and one day I decided I’d had enough,” he told Money.

“I was sitting in a taxi rank and I drove to a catering shop to buy a lot of equipment, then I went back home to my wife and proclaimed that this is what we’re doing now.”

With his four children, his wife, sisters, mother and grandson, the family managed to grow the business, opening two more restaurants in Bournemouth and Southampton in recent years.

Natty is considering using the prize money to expand further, but wants to make sure the customer experience remains at the heart of the restaurant.

Having missed out on the award several times before, at this year’s ceremony he decided to “hide in the corner” and wait for it to be over.

“I didn’t want anyone to see me cry again and when they called my name, it was honestly in slow motion. I just couldn’t stop the emotions, it’s amazing,” he added.

“It’s a massive deal for me. I’m so happy. It’s unbelievable.”

Restaurants are nominated for the award by their customers, before a jury chooses the winner.

This year the award was presented by celebrity chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver, who told Money that Natty was an “inspiration”.

“I’m so in love with Natty. He’s so amazing. The contestants have embraced their entire community and are really dedicated to delivering great things, and Natty embodied that best,” she said.

“The way his staff and family work together is incredibly impressive and truly inspiring.”

In a world where the restaurant business is struggling, she said Natty was a “pocket of light” and a hard worker.

“There are people who go out every day, who do the work when no one is looking. Natty is one of those people, so it’s really good for him to feel seen and appreciated,” she added.