Maureen’s is a little gem of a Caribbean food takeaway here in Harehills. I’ve been eating the fried chicken from there for years. Despite it being around the corner from where I live, I was introduced to it at work by someone that lives on the other side of Leeds; that is how excellent and soulful the food is at Maureen’s.
In October this year, the titular Maureen (Maureen Wilkes) was nominated by her daughters to the Lorraine program for Woman of the Year for her kindness and the service she provided to key workers, emergency services, nurses, doctors and the community during the pandemic.
To announce the nomination, she was surprised by a crowd of her customers, friends and family led by a report for the Lorraine Show, Ria Hebden, to announce live Maureen and the world that she was one of the three finalists.
It’s a beautiful moment of TV, and the best place I’ve found to see it as actually on Maureen’s Takeaway Facebook page – it’s delightful and a well deserved joyous moment.
Sadly, Maureen didn’t win – but it’s not really sad, as it sounds like a great time was had at the awards and Maureen herself really enjoyed and appreciated the love and support from everyone. Also, out of thousands, she was in the top three for the Woman of the Year – that’s an incredible achievement.
If you ever worry that kindness and generosity of spirit are under-recognised qualities in this world, at least know people are looking out for it and celebrating it.
You can find Maureen’s Caribbean Kitchen at their (gorgeous looking) website, Facebook and Twitter – you can find the shop itself at 105 Roundhay Road, Harehills
You can find all the released Advent Posts here: Harehills Good News Advent Calendar 2021
Harehills ❤️ Love 
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