WHEN Marta Bierkat decided to leave her job as a school cook in March and open a street food outlet in Bradford city centre, little did she know the world was about to change.

The premises, near Sunbridge Road, had been a cafe and Marta’s plan was a diner/takeaway with a twist. And despite lockdown and other challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic, the business has become a popular addition to the city’s vibrant food scene - and is our Trader of the Week.

Called Takeaway Getaway, it offers a tasty mix of Polish, Mexican, Turkish and English dishes. In June Marta’s close friend, Joanna Szydlik, joined her in running the business, and it has been steadily gaining momentum, with deliveries thriving in lockdown 2.

It was nominated for the Telegraph & Argus Trader of the Week by John Murphy, a Bradford bus driver who often calls in to for a bite to eat. “The place has had a great make-over. The improvements have been modest but effective,” said John. “It has a nicely mixed, cost-conscious menu, catering for both customers who prefer to come and sit awhile and those in a hurry who want to eat on the go.

“The delivery side is now providing a useful addition to weekly turnover and its reputation for quality and value. The blend of Polish street food and Mexican, Turkish and English options will easily please - especially the varied choice of hot sandwiches to entice office and shop staff where time is key.”

Joanna says her favourite dish to cook is pierogi, Polish dumplings, which are particularly popular with delivery customers, along with zapiekanka - ‘Polish pizza’ (pictured below). A popular street food in Poland, it’s a toasted open sandwich topped with mushrooms, cheese and other ingredients such as ham. Other choices on the menu include casserole, chicken legs, tortilla wraps and kebabs in Turkish bread.

Marta is originally from Rybnik in southern Poland and Joanna comes from Walbrzych to the west.

“I really admire what Marta and Joanna have taken on,” said John. “They have managed to build a regular customer base of 40-50 familiar faces. It’s a very down-to-earth, friendly place. Coffee is free to all who eat in, when allowed, so there’s a nice community feel. There’s seating for nine, and the next project is to provide toilet facilities."

“It has a great varied menu. I recently took my daughters and they said the fries were the best they’d had in ages.

“Marta and Joanna hope the Oastler Market move from John Street will further boost footfall towards their business.”

* Takeaway Getaway, 6 Upper Millergate, Bradford. Tel. 07526 872664.

* Could your business be the Telegraph & Argus Trader of the Week, or do you know of a business that is rising to the challenges of 2020? Click here to tell us all about it.