A SMOKING street food favourite has triumphed at an international awards ceremony.

The Little Blue Smokehouse, a regular at Street Diner, in Brighthelm Gardens, saw off competition from across Europe to pick up the ‘people’s favourite’ award at the British Street Food awards.

The caterer specialises in smoked, brined and braised briskets, pastramis and pulled pork, served with punchy pickles, slaws and macaroni cheese.

Head chef Martin Cotton also runs the kitchen at the Blue Anchor pub in Crowborough.

His wife Caroline Cotton said: “We’re elated, chuffed – and very tired.

“We’re a small business so we’re really hoping it will raise our profile.

“We source everything in Sussex, make everything ourselves and we’re really proud of what we do. It’s amazing.”

Fellow Brighton street food peddler Ahimsa narrowly missed out at the festival of food in Leeds.

The Indian food caterer was founded by Harry Patel, who left 20 years of social care work to follow a passion for food. Harry said: “Food is my passion. I love to share the sorts of things I love to eat from roadside sellers and food carts when travelling around India – then put my own twist on it. “To compete against the very best in the industry is incredible. Brighton is such an amazing city for food.”

Street food producers from across Europe competed in the three day festival.

Street Diner is at Brighthelm Gardens on Fridays and in Hove Town Hall on Wednesdays.