The British Curry Awards marked its fifth anniversary in 2009 with a fabulous event in Battersea Park’s Evolution centre. David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party, was the chief guest and praised the entrepreneurial spirit and family vales that underpin the achievements of the spice industry.

British Curry Awards founder and organiser Enam Ali took the opportunity to appeal for help from politicians to help solve a skills shortage that is damaging the curry restaurant industry. “We are not looking for favours, but fairness and common sense,” he said.

The British Curry Awards are widely recognised to be the ‘Oscars’ of Britain’s spice restaurant industry, and glitz and glamour were much in evidence. This year the ceremony, hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald was attended by more people than ever, with over 1600 guests, including restauranteurs, politicians, guests and celebrities coming from all over the world. They were treated to spectacular entertainment from a modern Asian dance troupe, a classical music act and Asian singers.

The Awards honoured nine restaurants as the best in their regions.
Click here to see winners of the British Curry Awards 09

This year a record number of nominations were received, and the judges visited more restaurants than ever as part of the judging process to evaluate ambience, service and of course food quality. Standards were higher than ever, they agreed.

In addition, there were some new awards this year. London’s Tayyabs won the Best Casual Dining category for less formal restaurants and Cinnamon Kitchen & Anise, also in London, picked up the Newcomer of the Year Award for establishments that have been open for less than three years. Anjum Anand, presenter of the popular BBC2 series, was named as the Personality of the Year while Sanjay Anand of Madhu’s, who provided the food for the British Curry Awards awards dinner, getting a special Recognition Award for Catering.

This year’s event was a very special one, as it is the first time that a leader of a major political party has addressed a gathering of spice industry professionals. It was also bigger and better than ever before, with good food, fine entertainment and excellent company combining to make it a most memorable night.

Sir Trevor McDonald, Anjum Anand, Enam Ali MBE & David Cameron MP