Dozens of restauranteurs and takeaway owners are celebrating, after learning that they’d made it to the final of this year’s Leicestershire Curry Awards – a prestigious event which celebrates the best curry and South Asian cuisine that the county has to offer.
The brightest stars of Leicestershire’s curry scene gathered at Mattioli Woods stunning Sky Lounge yesterday evening (July 22) to see if they’d made the shortlist for this year’s annual event.
Picture: Pukaar News
After enjoying drinks and canapés, anticipation hung heavy in the air, as results were revealed in eight different categories. Earlier this year, Leicester was named ‘England’s Curry Capital’ adding to the excitement around this year’s event.
The finalists in this year’s ‘Best Streetfood’ category were revealed by Romail Gulzar, founder of the Leicestershire Curry Awards, which are now in their 7th year.
They are: My Delhi, Momma’s Kitchen, Tangoe Restaurant and Jai Somnath Taste of India.
“It’s good to see everyone here – my fellow restauranteurs and to be nominated is a great bonus,” said Sentur Surendran of Tangoe Restaurant.
“I really enjoy this event. It’s great for networking and to represent my restaurant so more people get to know us and come to dine at our place.”
Meanwhile, Black Chilli (Winstanley House), Chef’s Flavour, Sanjay Foods and Gokul Foods were celebrating after making it to the final in the ‘Best Catering’ category.
“Being nominated for a Leicestershire Curry Award is always a great honour, especially with Leicester being announced as the Curry Capital this year,” said Suresh Meeha of Chef’s Flavour. “Being here and being acknowledged, makes it feel like all the hard work in the restaurant is worth it.”
Picture: Pukaar News
Making the final cut in this year’s ‘Best Takeaway’ category are: Raihan’s, Anika Balti Express, Curry Royal, Aylestone Spice and Billal’s Karahi and Grill.
In the ‘Best New Restaurant’ category six finalists have made the shortlist. They are: My Delhi, Chef’s Flavour (Glenfield), What a Shot, 68 Chef’s Table, Avatar Dining (Lutterworth) and Everest Lounge (Oakham).
“To be nominated – It feels great. I’m really proud of us,” said Vani Patel of Mohanthal Restaurant. “It’s our first time here and it feels like some sort of Oscars award!”
What a Shot are hoping to make it a double after securing the title in this category last year.
“Hopefully we can bring it home again this year,” said Kavita Patel. “We’re happy to be taking part. It’s always a great event and nice to be nominated”.
Securing a place in the ‘Best Vegetarian’ category this year, are: Udupi Shivalli, Herb, Sharmilee, Mohanthal Restaurant and Tangoe Restaurant.
Picture: Pukaar News
The finalists set to battle it out in the category of ‘Best Pub Restaurant’ are: Royal Leicesters, The Woolpack Bar and Restaurant, Gurkha Curry (Kerrsdale Avenue), Gurkha Curry (Durham Ox) and the Owl and the Pussycat Pub.
Picture: Pukaar News
In September, seven finalists will battle it out for the title of ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’. They were revealed as: Avatar Dining (Market Harborough), Everest Lounge (Market Harborough), Indian Vojon, Chutney Ivy, Spice Bazzar, Heritage India and SOI Indian Restaurant.
Finally the eatery’s hoping to win the coveted ‘Restaurant of the Year’ category are: Indian Fusion, Kayal, Dine India, Spice of India, Chutney Ivy and Heritage India.
“It’s a huge honour,” said Puja Khadka of Heritage India. “To be nominated for two awards tonight is a great success for us. We can’t wait for September!”
Nominations were revealed by sponsors and supporters of this year’s Leicestershire Curry Awards, which include John Lewis and Partners, PPL PRS, Cobra Beer, Kings Real Estate, University of Leicester and BBC Radio Leicester.
After the nominees were revealed, Bethany Grundy Head of Marketing and PR for PPL PRS said: “I’m going to put it on my list of things to do – to pay a personal visit to each of the finalists over the next 12 months. We have so many fabulous restaurants and takeaways here in Leicester and Leicestershire. Good luck to all the finalists!”This year’s final will take place at Leicester’s Athena Events Venue on September 23.
For tickets visit: https://leicestercurryawards.com/ticket-sales/
