The British Curry Awards
The unsung heroes behind Britain's favourite cuisine were honoured once again at the 13th Annual British Curry Awards on Monday November 27, 2017 at Battersea Evolution, London.
Often referred to as the curry industry's 'Oscars', British Curry Awards was attended by luminaries from the worlds of politics, sport, arts and entertainment, as well as leading celebrity chefs, restaurant owners and their staff from across the country.
In attendance were Sir Vince Cable MP, Chris Grayling MP, Khalid Mahmood MP, David Seaman MBE, Frankie Seaman, Jimmy White, Jo Wood, Lizzie Cundy, Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Riz Lateef among others.
As well as recognising industry talent and quality, the British Curry Awards highlighted the growing challenges faced by the curry business. It is estimated that 90 percent of UK curry restaurants are currently affected by a crippling shortage of chefs, which is causing an average of four curry restaurant closures each week.
The industry was hoping that an Australian 'points-style' immigration system would allow them to hire more staff from countries such as India and Bangladesh reducing the existential crises. However, one of Theresa May's first announcements after becoming Prime Minister was to rule out such a system.
British Curry Awards founder, restaurateur and editor of trade publication, Spice Business, Enam Ali MBE, said at the event, "Theresa May commended our industry as a shining example of hard work. Now, a curry restaurant closes every week because of the new rules stopping experienced curry chefs from India or Bangladesh from coming over. This new legislation has been strangling our industry. …We remain hopeful that our proposal provides a starting point for an answer to this crisis."
There were other dignitaries at the event, speaking over similar issues and the way forward to resolution.
Winners at British Curry Awards 2017 were:
Best Spice Restaurant in Scotland: Sanam Tandoori, Falkirik; Best Spice Restaurant in North West: Viceroy Carlisle ; Best Spice Restaurant in North East: Mumbai Lounge, York ; Best Spice Restaurant in Wales: Rasoi Indian Kitchen, Swansea; Best Spice Restaurant in Midlands: Asha's Indian Bar & Kitchen, Birmingham; Best Spice Restaurant in South West: Koloshi, Cheltenham; Best Spice Restaurant in South East: Malik's Cookham; Best Spice Restaurant in London Outer &Suburbs: Shampan Bromley; Best Spice Restaurant in Central London &City: Cinnamon Club, Westminster
Best Casual Dining: Dabbawal Jesmond; Best Newcomer: Dishoom, Kings Cross and
For more information, please check out: www.britishcurryaward.co.uk