Manchester restaurant Asha’s has won best restaurant in the North West at the 2021 British Curry Awards.
Asha’s is a contemporary Indian restaurant on Peter Street, Deansgate, inspired by Bollywood singing star Asha Bhosle.
The Awards, dubbed the ‘Curry Oscars’ by former Prime Minister David Cameron, took place at Battersea Evolution, London, on Monday 29 th November.
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This year’s event, in association with Just Eat, was the 17 th year of the Annual British Curry Awards.
The event was attended by the UK’s finest curry restaurateurs and their staff from across the UK, MP’s, and personalities from the world of showbiz and entertainment.
In attendance were: Cricketer, Azeem Rafiq, Love Island contestant Priya Gopaldas, model, Danielle Mason, former The Apprentice winner, Sian Gabbidon, and more.
The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian, Omid Djalili.
Even the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has spoken about the awards.
He said: “Since the British Curry Awards are now in their 17 th year with a record number of nominations, we’re not just bringing back better, we’re building back balti, and I want to thank you all.”
The awards are started with public nominations, which get sent to a panel of judges to decide the winners.
Given the challenges the industry has faced during the pandemic, this year’s ceremony acknowledged spirit and resilience throughout an extremely difficult time.
The industry has seen many leaders, pioneers, restaurateurs and staff tragically lose their lives to Covid. The ceremony paid tribute to those who have passed away.
British Curry Awards Founder, Enam Ali MBE, said: “What a year we have had – the support of our customers has been incredible but the challenges are still significant.
In a message of support, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “I’m delighted that one of the greatest events in our gastronomic calendar, the Curry Oscars, is back in action.
“Throughout the testing times of the past two years, you’ve always responded with resolve and creativity, feeding our NHS heroes and dispatching fleets of mopeds to bring spice to the lives of millions of people at home."
Andrew Kenny, UK Managing Director of Just Eat added: “After an incredibly challenging 18 months, there’s never been a better time to recognise the resilient and hard-working individuals within the restaurant and takeaway sector.
“We want to ensure that takeaway restaurants – especially in this sector which contributes so much to British culture – don’t just survive, but thrive, in today’s challenging economic climate.”
Previous winners in the North West include: Indique, Didsbury (2018 and 2019), Viceroy, Carlisle (2017), and Blue Tiffin, Oldham (2016).
