Atul Kochhar named Chef of the Year at Asian Curry Awards 2017

Atul Kochhar (pictured) of the Michelin-starred Benares in London was named Chef of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards 2017.

The Michelin-starred Quilon in London Mayfair scooped the Asian Fine Dining award, while Kricket was feted as Best Newcomer. There was also a Special Recognition Award for Asma Khan and her all-female brigade at Darjeeling Express.

More than 1,000 guests attended a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel in London on 12 November to honour the winners of the seventh Asian Curry Awards, organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) and the Federation of Bangladeshi Caterers UK.

Outside London, the Chilli Pickle in Brighton was named Best Causal Dining Restaurant, and the Lemongrass Group won Best Chain.

ACF chairman Yawar Khan said: "Yes, curry restaurants are closing every week. But the best will survive and thrive. There will be those that complain and do nothing. Then there will also be those that continue in innovate and raise standards."

The awards shortlist was determined by votes from members of the public. A team of judges led by Pat Chapman, editor of the Cobra Good Curry Guide, toured the country to determine the winners. The awards were presented by BBC MasterChef presenter Greg Wallace and BBC and former Sky TV news anchor Samantha Simmonds.

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