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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Winners revealed at our spectacular 7th awards!

The seventh annual Leicestershire Curry Awards were a spectacular success last night (Monday, September 23), with the county’s top restauranteurs turning out for the occasion – dressed in their best and vying to see who took home 2024’s prestigious titles… Following a lavish three course meal and some fabulous entertainment, awards were given in eight different categories at Leicester’s lavish Athena events venue. After enjoying canapes, champagne and a red…

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Nishan makes it a judging hat-trick!

This year is the third time that Nishan Canagarajah has served as a judge at our awards, experiencing the mouth watering diversity of our county’s curry scene once more… As the University of Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor, Nishan has a vested interest in the success of the city. He is a big champion of its businesses and the incredible diversity we have here. He is also a fan of Leicester’s thriving curry…

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Back for seconds! Rob Nixon reprises his judging role for 2024

Rob Nixon is enjoying his second year in the judging hot seat -something he describes as a “fantastic culinary adventure!” Living and working in Leicestershire, Rob is quite au fait with curry. In his words he certainly ‘knows his vindaloo from his jalfrezi!’ Last year he enjoyed his experience of being a judge so much, that he is back for seconds! “It was a tremendous honour to be invited back,”…

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Gabby makes her judging debut at this year’s awards!

We are delighted to reveal our next mystery judge for this years awards; Gabby Miller – a super cool champion of  all things Leicestershire!  Gabby, founder of the popular site ‘Cool As Leicester,’ is among those on this year’s judging panel. With a massive social media following, @coolasleicester , Gabby’s site has championed the best of Leicestershire for over a decade. Her role as an ambassador for excellence in the county…

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Mike Kapur: Back in the judging hot seat for 2024!

We are delighted to announce that Mike Kapur, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Leicestershire is reprising his role as a judge at this year’s awards! Mr Kapur is one of five judges who are busy visiting restaurants around the city and county in their effort to crown this year’s worthy winners. A passionate curry connoisseur with a taste for exceptional quality, Mike is well placed to decide which finalists deserve to…

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R & R Dancers to ignite the stage once more!

We are excited to reveal the return of R & R Entertainment to this year’s glittering awards ceremony! This troop of colourful dancers captivated audiences at our awards back in 2022. This year they are back to add some sparkle and pizazz to proceedings. They will be igniting the stage in-between those all-important announcements – bringing the dynamic flair and unbridled joy they are famous for! With vibrant costumes and…

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