British Curry Award winners Raval Restaurant praise David Cameron

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, U.K. - Dec. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- NEWLY-CROWNED North East Curry King Avi Malik believes his restaurant will redefine people’s perceptions of Indian food in 2014.

The ebullient businessman capped a remarkable year when Raval Luxury Indian Restaurant was voted the region’s best at the prestigious British Curry Awards, dubbed the Curry Oscars.

But Mr Malik insists he and his team have no intention of resting on their laurels after their achievement.

He says the award – presented by former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward at a glittering ceremony in London in November, with Prime Minister David Cameron and host Chris Tarrant looking on – marks the beginning of a new era for the restaurant.

He said: “We have had a fabulous year, but 2014 is going to be even better because we intend to build on what we have already achieved.

“Being named Best Indian Restaurant in the North East has given myself and my team more energy.

“I can see it in the faces of everyone from the kitchen staff to the cleaners. They know that all of their hard work, the attention to detail that they take so much pride in, has finally paid off. It has given them all renewed confidence going forward.”

David Cameron pledged support for the curry industry at the awards ceremony, telling guests “We will continue to help you get the skilled Asian chefs you need, and we will also work with you to train up the next generation of home-grown chefs.”

Mr Malik believes those words have given a much-needed boost to the UK's Indian restaurateurs at a challenging time for the industry.

He said: “David Cameron has been to the British Curry Awards previously, but this was his first time as Prime Minister.

“I believe his decision to make a speech, in which he pledged his support for the industry, will change the image of curry in this country forever.

“Our industry contributes an estimated £3.6 billion to the British economy yet we still shy away from promoting ourselves.

“We need to change that. The great British curry is under threat in some areas because many restaurants can't find skilled staff.

“But the Prime Minister's support has left me feeling very positive for the future, not just for Raval, but for the industry as a whole.”

The restaurant, located just off the Tyne Bridge in Gateshead, impressed judges with its contemporary Indian cuisine served in stylish surroundings.

Its unconventional approach is typified by its partnership with some of the North East’s leading artists, whose work it exhibits.

It also made headlines recently when it created a unique Newcastle Brown Ale Curry, which it served at a special event to celebrate the 85^th anniversary of the opening of the Tyne Bridge, attended by MPs, business leaders and civic dignitaries.

Mr Malik said: “Ultimately, we were named Best Indian Restaurant in the North East because we dare to be different and that is an approach we will continue to take in the coming year

“The award is testament to the skill, dedication and commitment of the entire Raval team.”

He added: “Our mission is to give our customers truly authentic Indian food, but with a modern twist. To that end, our menu will continue to evolve 2014 and we will seek to host more special events.”

“We don’t bombard customers with an endless array of dishes. That isn’t our style. We keep it simple, using locally sourced produce and Indian spices blended by hand at the restaurant.

“We give our customers a taste of the real India because our chefs understand the subtleties of the sub-continent’s cuisine, which varies greatly from region to region.”

However, whilst 2014 promises bigger and better things for Raval, there’s still much to look forward to this year.

Success on the national stage has led to an upsurge in bookings for the restaurant’s special Christmas and New Year set meals.

Mr Malik added: “It’s shaping up to be our busiest ever festive season. There is still availability, but it’s going fast.”

For more information, visit www.ravalrestaurant.co.uk