A STALYBRIDGE curry restaurant is basking in the glory of being named the best in the North West at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Vevas, on Castle Street, was named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in the region at the National Curry Awards.
And on Wednesday, November 6, it marked the achievement by inviting family, friends and The Correspondent to a meal.
Manager Iqbal Alam modestly said: “it’s everyone’s award. It’s the community’s.”
But their ambition does not stop at the North West honour, they are aiming for the national prize.
Vevas is not the only Tameside restaurant to have been recognised as Paprika Takeaway, on Talbot Road in the Newton area of Hyde, scooped the region’s ‘Takeaway of the Year’ award.
The National Curry Awards were created to help promote businesses within the Asian catering industry and recognise staff, with entries from all over the UK.
The fifth annual ceremony, hosted at the House of Lords, celebrated the curry industry and its unsung heroes for their contributions to culinary excellence and cultural heritage.
Conservative MP Esther McVey – who represents the Tatton constituency in Parliament – was among the special guests.
The Asian catering industry is valued at approximately £5 billion and employs over 80,000 workers but, with the industry facing a significant decline, the awards aim to encourage new generations to become more inspired to get involved.
Event organiser Ahad Chowdhury is already encouraging nominations of people’s favourite restaurants and takeaways for next year’s awards ceremony, by emailing chowdhuryahad@yahoo.co.uk