After months of voting, planning and judging, the winners of third annual Leicester Curry Awards 2019 were announced at a glittering ceremony on Monday 8th April at Athena.
Hosted by ITV Central News Presenter, Sameena Ali-Khan, the ceremony was attended by more than 400 guests including local dignitaries Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Mike Kapur, Lord Mayor Ross Grant and Lord Willy Bach.
Mumbai Inn scooped the Restaurant of the Year, Paddy’s Marten Inn was voted Best Pub/Restaurant for a third year running as was Chai Paani who once again grabbed the award for Best Vegetarian Restaurant. Meanwhile newcomers Soi were awarded Best New Restaurant, Spice Bazaar walked away with Best Fine-Dining and Masalas bagged Best Takeaway.
The awards, now in its third year celebrates the rich culture and delicious food of India and is the only one of its kind in the Midlands.
The event was also attended by all the judges who visited each shortlisted restaurant before picking a final winner in each of the six categories.
The red-carpet event, which was sold out weeks in advance saw Leicester’s Got Talent winner, Lauren Rose entertain audiences with her stunning vocals. The night also welcomed Leicester’s DMU Gospel Choir who along with their incredible voices, bought with them their high spirits and electric energy.
Organiser and founder, Romail Gulzar said: “I can’t quite believe it’s over but what a spectacular night! I love hosting this event because it really celebrates what the city and county is known for and that’s a great curry.
The Leicester Curry Awards supported two charities who this year was Emmaus Leicestershire and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. They each received a cheque for £1000.
Two Lifetime achievement awards were presented to Mr Ahad Ali from Spice Bazaar and Mr Abdul Wahid who ran The Grand Durbar Restaurant.
This year’s Associate Sponsor was SANS Catering Supplies. Other sponsors were Mattioli Woods PLC, SFB Group, St Martin’s Lodge, Cobra Beer, Bond Adams Solicitors and Anand and Daewoo International.
The 2019 Winners:
Best Takeaway – Masalas, 203 Uppingham Rd, Leicester LE5 4BQ.
Best Pub Restaurant – Paddy’s Marten Inn, 98 Martin St, Leicester LE4 6EU.
Best Vegetarian Restaurant – Chai Paani, 87A Belgrave Rd, Leicester LE4 6AS.
Best New Restaurant – SOI, 19 Greenslade, Melton Mowbray LE13 1RF.
Best Fine-dining Restaurant – Spice Bazaar, 326 Welford Rd, Leicester LE2 6EH.
Restaurant of the Year – Mumbai Inn, 1 De Montfort St, Leicester LE1 7GE.
