A popular Indian restaurant in Newport is hoping to be crowned one of the best in the business after being shortlisted for a prestigious award at a national ceremony celebrating the UK’s curry industry.
Tamarind, located on St James Street, will be flying the flag for the Isle of Wight when it competes for the regional Restaurant of the Year title at the 19th annual Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) Awards.
The restaurant will be going up against other shortlisted establishments, with the winner set to be announced at a sold-out gala dinner in London on Sunday (1st November).
Around 1,000 guests are expected to attend the ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel, where some of the country’s leading curry restaurants will be recognised for their achievements.
For the team at Tamarind, the nomination is a proud moment and an opportunity to put Newport’s hospitality scene in the national spotlight.
A spokesperson for Tamarind has said:
“It is a real honour to see our restaurant recognised and to represent our town at these awards. Our team works hard to give every customer a great experience, and being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement.
“We’ll be up against some outstanding restaurants, but we’re proud of what we’ve built and hopeful of success.”
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The annual awards celebrate the restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams helping to maintain the UK’s reputation for quality curry cuisine.
Now in their 19th year, the awards recognise excellence, creativity and dedication across an industry that supports thousands of businesses and jobs nationwide.
Oli Khan MBE, President of the Bangladesh Caterers Association, has said:
“The talents and dedication of British curry restaurants are revered around the world.
“These awards are a celebration of excellence, recognising the quality, creativity and hard work that make our industry truly extraordinary.”
Tipu Rahman, Secretary General of the BCA, has said:
“The BCA Awards recognise the restaurants whose commitment to quality, service and consistency keeps our industry moving forward.
“By celebrating outstanding businesses, we set a benchmark for excellence and encourage the next generation to build careers in hospitality.”
The association, which was established in 1960, represents around 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK and has spent more than 6 decades championing Bangladeshi cuisine and its contribution to British food culture.
Organisers say the awards also highlight the important role restaurants play in supporting local economies, creating employment and keeping high streets thriving.
Celebrity chef Atik Rahman BEM is serving as Convener of the BCA Awards Committee for this year’s event.
With just days to go until the winners are revealed, the team at Tamarind will be hoping to bring home a prestigious title to the Isle of Wight.
Further information about the awards can be found here.
