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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