A much-loved Northampton curry house is hoping for a ‘dream double’ having been shortlisted for a prestigious national restaurant industry award.
It is the third year in a row that Saffron, in Castilian Street, has been shortlisted for the British Curry Awards.
Having been named the World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year at the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards last month, Saffron is hoping to land a sought-after second trophy in the year it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Saffron owner, Naz Islam, won a special award at the event last year in recognition of his ‘Outstanding Service in the Local Community’ throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The curry house supported all those working on the frontline of the virus by handing out thousands of free meals to NHS workers, emergency services staff and teachers.
Mr Islam said:
“I am incredibly proud of the team here at Saffron and honoured to be shortlisted for the third year in a row. Winning the award would mean a lot to all of us.
“Our home town means a lot to us so being there to represent Northampton is an absolute privilege. We would love to do the town proud and return home with an award for the second year in a row. It would make our 20th anniversary even more special.”
Saffron will find out if they do the double at a lavish black tie gala dinner at Battersea Park Evolution in London, on Monday, November 29. The event will be hosted by the award-winning producer, Justine Ali, and celebrities will welcome winners to the stage.
The high-profile event will be broadcast live to over 310 million households across more than 100 countries worldwide.
Enam Ali MBE, Organiser of the British Curry Awards, said:
“These awards recognise the best restaurants in the country and the people who work incredibly hard throughout our industry.
“Although curry originated in India, it has been made great in Britain, and we want to celebrate this. The ceremony has become the Oscars of our industry. It will certainly be an event to remember.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the ‘Curry Oscars’ as
“an ideal opportunity to celebrate the achievements and highlight the contribution the industry makes, not only to our local communities, but to the UK economy as a whole.”
For more details call Saffron on 01604 630800 or visit the website here.
