Stars flock to Newcastle Indian restaurant

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, U.K. - Feb. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- AN award-winning North East restaurant is fast gaining a reputation as the number one choice for celebrities visiting Newcastle upon Tyne.

Raval Luxury Indian Restaurant, which is located just off the city’s iconic TyneBridge, has always been hugely popular with high-flying businessmen visiting the region due to its close proximity to the Newcastle-Gateshead Hilton Hotel.

Now, however, word about Raval’s outstanding cuisine appears to have reached the ears of visiting celebrities.

Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole became the latest in a string of famous names to dine at Raval, which was recently named North East Spice Restaurant of the Year at the British Curry Awards in London, widely regarded as the most prestigious awards event of its kind and dubbed the ‘Curry Oscars’.

Brendan, along with several members of the Strictly crew, ate at the restaurant ahead of the sell-out show’s two-night stint at the city’s Metro Radio Arena.

Other celebrities who have dined at Raval include former Newcastle United and England footballer Alan Shearer, now a top TV pundit; singing legend Sir Cliff Richard; girl group The Saturdays; legendary rock band The Stranglers and MPs Vince Cable, Oliver Letwin and Nick Brown.

Raval manager Avi Malik – who has become known as the North’s Curry King after his restaurant’s recent success – said: “We spend very little on advertising so I can only assume Raval’s reputation has spread by word of mouth.

“I put our success down to the fact that we dare to be different. No other Indian restaurant in the region – and possibly the UK – serves dishes like those at Raval.

“You won’t find any sloppy curries here – just truly authentic, fresh and lovingly-presented dishes prepared by staff who really take pride in their work.

Strictly star Brendan delighted Raval regulars during his visit. The 6ft dancer, who has been in the show since series one, which he won with partner Natasha Kaplinsky, took time to chat, sign autographs and even posed for pictures.

Mr Mailk said: “Once people started to recognise him it was crazy. Everyone wanted to meet him but he was incredibly patient and friendly.

“It was quite late and we had to keep the restaurant open beyond its normal closing time because there was a queue of people, mostly women, next to his table.”

Brendan tucked into Kozi Mappas from the restaurant’s a la carte menu, a chicken dish cooked in coconut milk with a mixture of south Indian spices and fresh herbs.

Mr Malik added: “Brendan was very complimentary about the food – he said he thought it was superb.

“And he congratulated me on our award. He told me he had been to a previous British Curry Awards event and that he is a huge fan of spicy food.”

Mr Malik received Raval’s award from former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward in November at the event, which was hosted by Who Wants to be a Millionaire star Chris Tarrant, with Prime Minister David Cameron in attendance.