Britain’s curry industry was out in force in London on Sunday night as around 1,000 guests gathered for a spectacular celebration of one of the UK’s best-loved food sectors. The sold-out 19th annual Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) Awards brought together some of the biggest names in British Bangladeshi hospitality, recognising the restaurants, chefs, entrepreneurs and businesses helping to shape the industry and keep Britain’s love affair with curry thriving.
Held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel, the prestigious gala dinner was a celebration of culinary excellence, and the people and cultural heritage behind an industry that supports thousands of businesses, creates jobs and plays a vital role in communities across the country. The ceremony was presented by talkTV broadcaster Ian Collins and Anila Dhami, the multi-award-winning news presenter and journalist.
The evening also received messages of support from King Charles III and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which appeared in the official event magazine. The King’s message, sent from Buckingham Palace, praised the Awards and wished the event well, while the Prime Minister’s message congratulated those being recognised and acknowledged the contribution Bangladeshi hospitality businesses make to communities and the UK economy. Special BCA Honour Awards were also presented during the evening to Kevin Bonavia MP, Brick Lane entrepreneur Abdul Jabbar and human rights activist Dr Nazia Khanum OBE, recognising their respective contributions to public service, business and the community.
BCA President Oli Khan MBE said: “It was wonderful to see so many people from across the British Bangladeshi catering and hospitality industry come together on Sunday. The Awards are about recognising excellence, but also about celebrating the people, businesses and shared heritage that make our industry so special. Congratulations to all our winners, whose achievements demonstrate the talent that continues to drive the sector forward.”
Tipu Rahman, Secretary General, said: “The Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the restaurants and people setting high standards across our industry. Sunday’s ceremony was a fantastic celebration, bringing colleagues together to share their achievements and recognise the contribution Bangladeshi hospitality continues to make to communities throughout the UK. We hope this year’s winners feel proud of what they have achieved.”
The star-studded ceremony was attended by MPs, industry leaders and celebrities, with distinguished guests including His Excellency Mohammed Abdul Muhith, High Commissioner for Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, alongside Seema Malhotra MP, Kevin Bonavia MP, Rupa Haque MP, Sir James Cleverly MP, Daniel Zeichner MP, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Lord Qurban Hussain, and Lord Rami Ranger CBE.
Faizul Haque, Treasurer, said: “Behind every successful restaurant is a business owner and a team creating jobs, supporting suppliers and contributing to their local high street. The Awards shine a light on that work and on the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our industry moving. It was particularly pleasing to celebrate those achievements together at Sunday’s gala, and to recognise businesses whose contribution reaches far beyond the dining room.”
Naz Islam, Press and Publications Secretary, said: “The evening was a fitting celebration of the people, stories and traditions that have shaped Bangladeshi cuisine in Britain. It was a pleasure to see established names and emerging talent recognised alongside one another, and to bring the industry together to celebrate its achievements. The BCA has championed this community for 66 years, and sharing the successes of our winners is an important part of telling its story.”
The BCA Awards Committee Convener is celebrity chef Atik Rahman BEM, who added: “It was a fantastic evening and a real privilege to bring together so many people from across the British Bangladeshi catering and hospitality industry. The Awards celebrate our shared heritage, showcasing the incredible contribution our industry makes to Britain and inspiring the next generation to take it forward.”
The Bangladesh Caterers Association was set up in 1960 and represents 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK. For more details on the competition and the association visit www.bca1960.com
