Holmer Green Kebab win national award and pass hygiene test

Halil 'Harry' Olgar, 45, is the current proprietor of Zem Kebabs in High Wycombe, Cozy Fish and Chips in Hazelmere and the Holmer Green Kebab in its namesake.

The last 12 months have been unkind to the Turkish chef, as his parents’ house was destroyed in a devasting earthquake that hit the country before his father passed away from pancreatic cancer.

Holmer Green Kebab is based along Turners Place in the village (Image: NQ)

This was coupled with his first business, Holmer Green Kebab, failing a food hygiene inspection.

However, Halil was clicking his heels in delight as February 27 saw his kebab shop not only receive a five-star hygiene rating but his establishment be named as one of the best in the UK.

The Turners Place fast-food shop won the ‘Just Eat Delivery’ category at the 12th Kebab Awards in London.

This means two of his shops have now picked up prizes at the annual ceremony after Zem won an award in 2023 at the same event.

The businessman spoke to the Free Press in January about the highs and lows he has faced since the start of last year, but following our most recent chat a day after he picked up his prize, he said the win was ‘light in a dark tunnel’.

Halil 'Harry' Olgar posing with a kebab at his other shop, Zem Kebab in High Wycombe (Image: NQ)

He revealed: “I’ve been in this business for over 20 years, and Holmer Green Kebab was the first shop I opened.

“We were nominated in 2019 and 2021, so to finally win one makes me so happy.

“It was a brilliant day.

“Two inspectors came over that afternoon and told me that we had passed the hygiene test, meaning we were no longer one star.

“That was great to hear.

“Then, to see we won the Just Eat category was the light in the dark tunnel.

“The last year has been very hard as my parents lost their house to the earthquake in Turkey, so I helped them build a bungalow.

“Then after I flew back home, I was told my dad had pancreatic cancer so I had to fly back and be with him.

The inspection happened on the same day as the award ceremony (Image: NQ)

“This all happened when the previous inspection happened and we failed.”

“It’s been tough, but I’m happy we’re through it.

"I'm so happy."

The 45-year-old thanked all the customers who have shown him support for each of his three businesses, as many rallied behind the entrepreneur to pull through what was a difficult time.

The official certificate showcasing the award that had been won (Image: NQ)

This included many regulars who visited Holmer Green Kebab despite their failed inspection.

He also thanked his family and members of staff after Tuesday night’s triumph.

He continued: “I describe this place as my baby as it’s my first shop and I know the people in the area.

The award ceremony took place on February 27 (Image: NQ)

“To win the award means we know we are doing something right, and I want to thank all the customers because even when we were one-star, they were still supporting us and they said on social media they would still buy from us.

“This gave us the encouragement we needed and we will go forward.

“We were on the floor, seeing all those comments picked us up and we’re very, very grateful.

“My family and wife and my staff were all behind me and everyone involved in the team deserves the success.”