A glittering awards ceremony has paid tributes to the UK’s Kings and Queens of Spice, celebrating the cream of the country’s curry industry.
Chefs, restaurants and suppliers from all four corners of the country were honoured by Master Chef Promotions – a project celebrating the very best in the hospitality and catering sector and aimed at inspiring the next generation of food heroes.
The results were announced at a gala dinner attended by 1,000 guests in West Bromwich on Sunday, February 5.
The awards raise the profile of the food and drink industry and inspire a new generation of young chefs to work in kitchens up and down the country.
TV chef Rois Ali, who founded the awards, said: “We are looking at working with colleges to future-proof our industry – encouraging the next generation to come through and open their own restaurants to ensure the sector not only survives but thrives.”
Arzoo Mia of Arzoo’s in Bicester was named UK chef of the year, with Abul Monsur of Taj Cuisine in Walderslade runner-up.
The awards, hosted by comedian and YouTuber Ali Official, were broadcast around the world, with global satellite TV coverage from a host of stations.
Nawaz Ali, executive director of Coventry-based Master Chef Promotions, said: “We want to encourage chefs to use the ‘Train to Gain’ scheme to equip them with essential skills in the kitchen.
“We want to help unemployed people get back into the world of work and we want to celebrate the stars of our trade, making them role models for others to look up to.”
