Fifth Mystery Judge Revealed: Matt Wright, founder of Great Food Club

The Leicestershire Curry Awards 2025 welcomes a new face to its judging line-up this year – Matt Wright, founder of Great Food Club, an independent guide to the very best food and drink businesses across the East Midlands. Matt has spent more than a decade championing independent restaurants, pubs, cafés and producers through Great Food Club’s website, handbook and awards. His work has taken him to hundreds of kitchens across…

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Fourth Mystery Judge Revealed: Gary Newby, News Editor at ITV News Central and Chief Judge of the Leicestershire Curry Awards

I must have the best job in the world when, at this time of the year, my chief role is to visit the restaurants, takeaways and other eateries which have made it through to the shortlist for the Leicestershire Curry Awards. The choicest places to dine, as decided by the public, are spread before me and my fellow judges upon which to feast, analyse and cogitate before deciding collectively which…

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3rd Mystery Judge Revealed: Nadia Etteridge

With a distinguished career at Leicestershire Police, Nadia Etteridge is a proud advocate for the county and a passionate supporter of its thriving food scene. A dedicated curry enthusiast, Nadia made her judging debut this year—an experience she describes as “a genuine privilege” and “a wonderful journey from start to finish.” “Choosing between the finalists was no easy task. The standard was consistently high, with every establishment bringing something special…

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2nd Mystery Judge Revealed: Sophie Cook – Executive Editor, BBC Radio Leicester

As a girl who grew up in Leicester, I’m absolutely buzzing to be a judge for the Leicestershire Curry Awards. This city is in my bones — its energy, its diversity, and of course, its unbeatable food scene. Leicester isn’t just where I’m from; it’s who I am. And if there’s one thing that unites us here, it’s our shared love of a good curry. From family takeaways on a…

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Peshwari Naan; Are you a Fan?  

I think most people would agree that when you order a curry, a piece of delicious Naan bread (or two!) is a delicious (and very necessary) accompaniment. For many, plain Naan is the way to go when it comes to mopping up those mouth watering Masalas. However Peshwari Naan is also a very popular choice for those craving something a little bit different… Peshwari is a sweeter type of naan,…

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Cooking Up Big Plans

At the time of writing, Leicester is home to two Indian Rooster restaurants, owned by Vimal Rana. However, the ambitious restauranteur has plans to open another in the near future and even branch out to other cities beyond Leicester… Vimal’s dream is to franchise Indian Rooster and for it to become a well known brand in the food industry. “I want it to be recognised for its flavour – for…

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Sounds Good! – PPL PRS on Board for 2024

Pleased to introduce our new strategic partner for the 7th annual Leicestershire Curry Awards. PPL PRS – the UK’s music licensing company have agreed to come on board for 2024. The company, which is based in Leicester’s Mercury Place, issues licences to businesses and venues who wish to play live or recorded music in public – ensuring that they are legally covered to do so. Previously, businesses and organisations had…

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“More than Just a Meal” at Silchar Indian Dining

For Sayd Rahman, owner of Silchar Indian Dining, running an award-winning restaurant is about so much more than the food. He loves to entertain and create a vibrant, memorable experience for his guests from the moment they arrive until the time they leave his stylish restaurant in Hinckley… “When people come to my restaurant, I want them to feel as if they’ve come to a carnival, not just out for…

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A Culinary Dream Team

There’s a popular saying, which states that ‘teamwork makes the dream work.’ It’s an inspirational phrase which is often bandied about on social media sites like Instagram and Twitter. However, for Manoj Kumar, Suresh Meesha and Suresh Gautum, it’s more than just a popular hashtag. When they put their heads together in order to start a restaurant and catering business in 2016, they found that together, they had all the…

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A Hunger for Success – Avatar Dining

When we meet Suresh KC Chhetri, he is dressed in a striking blue suit. The quality is exquisite, much like the food and service he provides at his two award-winning restaurants in the heart of Leicestershire… Avatar Dining (Market Harborough) was named ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ at the 2022 and 2023 Leicestershire Curry Awards, while its sister restaurant in Lutterworth won the 2023 ‘Best New Restaurant’ category for Leicestershire. Taking…

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