Hundreds of food fans have been sending in their nominations for the inaugural Bradford Curry Awards launched to promote pride in Bradford and profile the industry’s rich heritage.
The Awards have been organised to recognise Bradford’s best restaurants and the people who work hard behind the scenes to create the city’s nationally-acclaimed culinary reputation.
Bradford has won the title of Curry Capital of Britain for an impressive six consecutive years, still holds the current title, and boasts more than 200 curry establishments.
Fatima Patel, Event Director for Bradford Curry Awards said: “Following years of success, the people of Bradford felt the time was right to celebrate the finest examples of South Asian cuisine. Enter, an inaugural awards night of our own – charged with highlighting both city pride and profiling the industry.
“Curry is at the heart of Bradford’s heritage and culture and now we can bring the industry together to celebrate their collective achievements in building Bradford’s most successful industry and our jewel in the crown.”
Curry lovers across the district were invited to nominate their favourite eateries in eight categories, with well over 1,000 votes received in the first few weeks and more flooding in up to the closing date on Sunday, March 18. A panel of esteemed judges from within the industry will then head out and about “mystery dining” to assess the shortlisted finalists.
The winners will be revealed during an awards ceremony at the city’s Cedar Court Hotel, on Tuesday April 17. It will feature an entertaining evening of music, inspirational speakers, comedy and, of course, great food. Food fans from across the community are invited to join the celebrations and network with business leaders, politicians, and above all the crème de la crème of Bradford’s curry industry.
The city’s Picturehouse cinema is supporting the Awards with a Film and Curry Month. Until April 17, cinemagoers can use their tickets from Picturehouse at National Science and Media Museum to get a 10% discount when dining at participating curry restaurants Jinnah, Prashad, My Lahore, Akbhar’s and Shimla Spice.
In the 1960s and 70s, following the demise of the British Empire, Britain saw an influx of Indian and Pakistani communities. Many of these settled in industrial centres such as Bradford and Birmingham. The majority of immigrants who came were men, with most ending up working in the mills. Kashmiri and Indian men emigrating to Bradford around this time weren’t used to cooking, and there were no Pakistani or Indian restaurants around.
It was then that restaurants such as The Sweet Centre and Karachi were established to serve the demand from Britain’s new immigrants for South Asian cuisine. Both restaurants are still trading today.
Patricia Tillotson, Visitor and Business Manager at Visit Bradford said: “Bradford is Curry Capital of Britain and these awards will now showcase the best of the best. It’s great that local people can vote for their favourite restaurant and look forward to the awards.”
To nominate (just a couple of days to go) go to http://bradfordcurryawards.co.uk/index.php/nominate/
To book tickets for the gala awards dinner go to: http://bradfordcurryawards.co.uk/index.php/tickets/
Photograph courtesy of the Telegraph & Argus www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
