Leeds business named in National Curry Awards Honours Curry Industry Talent at The House of Lords

The award ceremony took place on Monday 20th October 2025 and was attended by special guests including: The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg; Andy MacNae MP; Warinder Jess MP; Anna Gelderd MP and The Lord Mayor’s Consort, Councillor Maggie Carman.

This is in addition to representatives within the business as well as restaurant owners, their staff and families from all over the UK.

Valued at about £5 billion, the Asian catering industry employs between 80,000 to 100,000 workers. Over time, however, the industry has encountered a noticeable decline which is primarily attributed to a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of investment in training these workers. Subsequently, the National Curry Awards seeks to further encourage current and future generations to become more inspired and involved within this industry again.

Created in 2019, the National Curry Awards was created in order to promote the businesses within the Asian catering industry and to recognise their talented and hard-working staff at both the forefront and in the background to keep the industry productive.

Entries from all over the UK are warmly welcome as the NCA delights in celebrating the pillars of the industry. The award winners represent some of the highest quality service achieved through dedication to creating consistently excellent cuisine and customer service.

Appreciating the contributions to the rich tapestry of the UK’s curry and Asian catering industries, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg stated:

“I want to congratulate everyone, all of today’s winners. The hospitality you provide in every city, every town and every village is superb… Curry gives so much enjoyment to so many people all over the country. Well done to everybody for carrying on wonderful traditions and provisioning us with so much enjoyment every week of the year.”

For the area of Leeds, Bengal Lounge (27 Kingswear Parade, Leeds, LS15 8LJ) won the Newcomer of the Year, Leeds award 2025

Event director, Abdul Ahad Chowdhury, said: “This is the sixth National Curry awards and all have been hosted here [The House of Lords].

"It's a prestigious event and every restaurant deserves to be recognised properly. I believe the restaurant sector has a good future, as it allows people to be their own boss, and holding the awards here will help to inspire younger generations.”

He also gives special thanks to this year’s event sponsors: one of the UK’s catering industry’s leading suppliers, Eurofoods Group; the well-regarded card payment company, PayTap; and the highly rated food product company, Pasco Foods.