Triumphant win for Lasan at last night’s British Curry Awards
Lasan restaurant in St Paul’s Square, has walked away with the 2007 British Curry Award – West Midlands regions, at a stunning ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London.
The British Curry Awards, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Cardnet, is the biggest event in the curry calendar. Last night’s ceremony was hosted by TV and radio personality Chris Tarrant and was attended by more than 1,100 restaurateurs, MPs, diplomats and celebrity guests. The glittering black-tie occasion marked the third consecutive year of the Awards.
Lasan’s proud owner Jabbar Khan said, “we are delighted to receive this award amongst so many established restaurants.”
“We feel that the trophy further cements our reputation as one of the best restaurants in the UK (as recognised by The Times and The Independent). It has been a great evening and we have all been very impressed with the organisation and the turnout.”
Development Chef, Aktar Islam, is a rising star in the industry and has been recognised as one of the city’s Top 5 Food Heroes in the Birmingham Bites campaign. He says, “the team are ecstatic to win. What we share is a passion for the food, the cooking and the industry, which I feel is a winning combination. And this has been reflected by the huge support we have had from our customers.”
This year’s host, Chris Tarrant, had already earned himself a bit of notoriety earlier in the year when he went out for a curry. He told the audience, “I bought a new kind of fame this summer to Indian restaurants in the Nottingham area when I jokingly lobbed a spoon at a rather persistent fellow diner. Four policeman in flak jackets arrived to arrest me!”
Jabbar Khan said, “Chris was a great host and it was good to see the industry getting some political support too.”
Tory leader David Cameron had recorded a personal video message for the awards ceremony.
He said, “The tremendous contribution that the British spice industry makes to our country is clear for all to see – the 100,000 people it employs, the billions it contributes to our economy and then there’s the sheer enjoyment which the currently 10,000 restaurants provide. But I know there are real challenges ahead for the future, especially in recruiting skilled staff. This is one reason why it’s good to celebrate the industry as a whole and, in particular, excellence within it. Celebrating success helps to inspire others too.”
Now that Lasan’s British Curry Award has made its’ way back to Birmingham, the team are happy that they have been able to shine as ambassadors for the city once again.
+ Permalink