Celebrate the festive season at The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh, where the brasserie will be serving an array of joyful treats, including a limited-edition festive cocktail menu created in collaboration with Monkey 47, delicious a la carte dishes, Afternoon Tea and lavish set menus designed for larger parties.
Featuring six celebratory cocktails, The on the Square Edinburgh’s drinks offering for the Christmas season includes the Popping Cracker Royale (£13.75), a concoction of Monkey 47 gin, passion fruit and spiced mango syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco, garnished with candy floss and popping candy.
Nuts About Chocolate (£12.25) is an indulgent blend of Absolut Elyx Vodka, Baileys, Macadamia Liqueur, Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce, double cream and chocolate bitters with a marshmallow cream rim with chocolate flakes, while The Ivy’s Very Special Mulled Wine (£9.95) is the ultimate winter warmer, featuring Martell VS Cognac, winter spice syrup and red wine, infused with cinnamon and orange.
Diners can enjoy a seasonal twist on The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh’s iconic Shepherd’s Pie (£18.95) with confit goose and turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce, while starters include a Venison Tartare (£11.95) – seared and hand-cut venison loin with pickled beetroot, hazelnut mayonnaise and granary toast.
To finish, guests will be able to delight in a limited-edition Santa’s On His Way (£9.95) dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Featuring a red velvet sponge, cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate, this exclusive, playful dish is sure to be a firm Instagram favourite this Christmas.
Agata Lubera, General Manager of The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh says “We are delighted to be adding these festive additions to our menu and look forward to welcoming guests into the brasserie at this most wonderful time of the year.”
For a gift with a difference, The Ivy Collection gift voucher is the perfect way to treat food-and-wine loving friends and family this Christmas.
From afternoon tea to an intimate dinner for two or simply a bottle of something delicious, The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh ’s inimitable service and vibrant surroundings create a touch of magic every time.
Aldi Scotland teams up with MasterChef: The Professionals finalist David Hetherington for budget friendly St Andrew’s Day feast
Aldi Scotland is sharing its tried and tested take on a St Andrew’s Day feast that families across the country can enjoy for just £3 per person.
The discount retailer has partnered with Chef David Hetherington – who previously appeared on BBC’s iconic MasterChef: The Professionals series – to create a delicious feast for four that includes Scotch Lamb and all the trimmings.
Chef Hetherington has delved into his culinary archives and developed this year’s take on a perfect St Andrew’s dish; Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch Lamb chops, potato and black pudding terrine and carrot purée.
The whole dish costs just £12.27, which for a family of four works out at only £3.07 per person.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Selecting the perfect menu for St Andrew’s Day can often stump even the best home cooks which is why we are bringing our tried and tested, delicious recipe to the table this year.
“We have worked with Chef Hetherington to profile quality Scottish produce as the natural accompaniment for any St Andrew’s Day celebrations. The Scotch Lamb, Scottish potatoes and carrots, and locally produced Macaulay black pudding slices create a truly Scottish base for this delicious meal.”
Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops, potato & black pudding terrine, carrot purée by Chef David Hetherington and Aldi Scotland
Serves 4
Ingredients – total £12.27/ £3.07 per person
· Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops £4.29
· Rosemary sprigs £0.52
· 10 x large Scottish tatties, washed & peeled £1.19
· 4 x carrots £0.24
· 500g Macaulay’s Black Pudding Slices £2.10
· 250g butter £1.99
· 4 cloves garlic £0.79
· 100ml Scottish double cream £1.15
Method:
· Rub your lamb with oil, salt and pepper.
· Place onto a plate with a sprig of rosemary and wrap with cling film. Set aside.
· Peel the carrots and dice into equal sized pieces. Pop in a pan of salted water to boil for around 15 minutes.
For the potato and black pudding terrine:
· Next, the tatties – we need these to be sliced very thinly, and for the best results we are looking for paper thin slices.
· Once your tatties are sliced, load them into a bowl, add salt and pepper next, then 200g of melted butter.
· Toss the tatties, making sure they are evenly coated in butter, salt and pepper.
· Next, you’ll need a loaf tin, lined with parchment paper.
· Start to evenly layer the potatoes into the loaf tin, getting right into the corners, keep layering until halfway up, always pushing down to compress each layer. Once you are at halfway, crumble in the black pudding, again right into the corners.
· Now continue with the tatties until the loaf tin is full to the brim, then keep going make sure it is heaving at the seams.
· Cover with tin foil and pop in the oven at 160°C for 1h15m or until a knife slides through the potatoes.
· This point is crucial, find something that fits on top of your loaf tin, maybe a chopping board, can of beans or another loaf tin. Weigh down the cooked terrine. Be careful as hot butter might squeeze out as you push in.
· Ideally leave the terrine in the fridge overnight allowing it to firm up.
· Tip out of the loaf tin and slice into 1.5 cm slices, it should be nice and compact, with a ribbon of black pudding through the middle.
For the carrots:
· Now, the carrots. After cooking for 15-20 minutes they should be nice and soft.
· Strain the water off and pop it in the food processor, blend until smooth and add in the cream, season to taste.
· Let this chill and pop it in the fridge.
For the Scotch Lamb:
· If you have a griddle pan now is the time to use it, if not a normal pan will do, heat the pan until it’s very hot!
· Place the lamb cutlets in the pan, always placing away from you to avoid any oil splashback.
· We want to go for about 1-2 mins each side, then throw in the garlic cloves and the rest of the rosemary.
· Now, turn down the heat.
· In goes the last remaining butter.
· Allow the butter to froth all up and baste the lamb in it.
Serving:
· Pan fry your potato terrine slices until golden brown on both sides.
· Warm the carrot purée.
· Remove the lamb chops from the foaming butter and straight on to a warm plate.
· Add a swoosh or blob or a splat of purée and the crispy terrine alongside succulent lamb.
Enjoy!
To find out more about your local Aldi Store, please visit www.aldi.co.uk
– Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a must-visit this season, featuring taste and tour experiences, festive cocktails and more –
As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, thoughts are turning to festive celebrations and getaways. Edinburgh has everything to offer for the season, renowned for its Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, and for those celebrating in Scotland’s capital this year, there’s no better place to start than Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Lighting up the heart of Edinburgh’s West End with a new festive projection, guests can find something for everyone across Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s eight floors. Including immersive tours, rooftop bars and a state-of-the-art retail store, the venue has welcomed over 345,000 guests since opening and recently achieved VisitScotland’s coveted ‘Five Star Attraction’ accreditation.
Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Tours & experiences: Enjoy the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour tour (£28), where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual’s palate, with non-alcoholic options available. Or consider some of the wider whisky experiences such as the Whisky Maker’s Cellar or the Johnnie Walker History Adventure. A brand new ‘Drams & Brews’ whisky and coffee pairing experience will also be available throughout the season, featuring locally sourced cold brew coffee matched with exciting whiskies from across Scotland.
Festive Projection: All through December Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s building façade will be transformed via a stunning animated festive projection. Once the sun sets, guests and passersby can marvel at the scene featuring giant presents, an advent calendar, whisky highballs and plenty more besides.
Food & drink: Visit the 1820 Bar, offering everything from crafted cocktails with a festive twist to your favourite dram matched with locally-sourced dishes – best enjoyed with epic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s busiest street. Or, explore over 150 special bottles and one of a kind cask editions in the Explorers’ Bothy Bar – perfect for those looking to expand their palette and try new flavours.
Christmas shopping: As the largest Johnnie Walker retail store in the world, Johnnie Walker Princes Street stocks an unrivalled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all taste and budgets, as well as all the glassware and kit required to create the perfect serve at home. The ultimate destination to shop for dram lovers, the selection varies from personalised engraved bottles, to gift sets and exclusive blends.
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “Edinburgh’s reputation as a magical place during the festive season is well deserved, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with our guests new and returning.
“There’s so much to do across our eight floors. The Journey of Flavour Tour is perfect for everything from cosy winter dates to office parties, and the festive food and drink available in the 1820 Bar is not to be missed.
“The views from our roof terrace are stunning all year round, but if we get some snow this year it’ll be tough to beat as a festive picture backdrop with the views we enjoy of our neighbours at Edinburgh Castle!”
To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has launched a new festive menu in its Edinburgh store that has something for all the family, with great-value Christmas food and drink to enjoy for breakfast and lunch.
Whether you’re a fan of an early start or have worked up an appetite from Christmas shopping, Dobbies’ Edinburgh restaurant is a great place to recharge and spend some quality time with friends or family.
Building on over 34k meals Dobbies has given away across the UK so far this year, kids aged 12 and under can dine at Dobbies’ Edinburgh restaurant for free with an adult traditional breakfast or main course. Children can enjoy breakfast, lunch or Dobbies’ pick ‘n’ mix meal plus a drink all day every day.
The Brioche French Toast and Bacon is the perfect way to kick off the morning, with sweet brioche bread dipped in free-range eggs and toasted with crispy streaky bacon and melted mature Cheddar cheese. Customers can also start off their day with Buttermilk Pancakes, served with yoghurt and winter berries, or a Scottish Smoked Salmon and free-range Scrambled Egg Bagel, topped with chopped chives.
Enjoy Dobbies’ great value two course lunch deal, priced at £14.95 per person. Traditional roast turkey Christmas dinners will be available from midday, complete with pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, creamy mash, and seasonal vegetables topped with gravy.
There’s also a vegetarian option for a Christmas dinner with tasty Quorn sausages and all the trimmings. Customers can also indulge in a Christmas pudding or mince pie cheesecake as part of the offer.
For a lighter option, there’s a Festive Roll – a soft roll filled with roast turkey, sage and onion stuffing and pigs in blankets with dipping gravy.
Children 12 and under can also tuck into a Christmas Dinner with a half portion of the traditional roast turkey dinner, served with a pig in blanket, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and gravy, all for £5.20 if not part of the kids eat free offer. A veggie option for is available for little ones too, with a free children’s drink.
For those who prefer a non-traditional Christmas dinner, there’s the option of a delicious chickpea and sweet potato curry. Served with wild rice, two onion bhajis, mango chutney and salsa, this dish is also suitable for vegans.
Customers in Edinburgh can expect to see a range of delicious pastries and sweets from Christmas Pudding to Christmas Drizzle Cake. Dobbies’ popular scone is being given a festive twist alongside Christmas Muffins, while there’s a Mince Pie Cheesecake for the ultimate festive dessert.
New for 2022 is a selection of festive-inspired hot drinks in selected stores. Customers can choose between sipping on a Bailey’s Latte or the Christmas classic, mulled wine. There will also be a Gingerbread Latte complete with whipped cream and served with a tasty gingerbread biscuit.
Dobbies’ great value Festive Afternoon Tea is now two for £20, with free tea and coffee refills. This also includes the option to add a savoury plate for only £2.95 per person. The Festive Afternoon Tea can be booked in advance the perfect opportunity to make some time over the busy Christmas period to catch up with loved ones.
Adam Veysey, Dobbies Development Chef, said: “We are very excited to introduce our 2022 Christmas menu, having spent months finalising the details and selecting the best ingredients.
“There are some firm favourites and some new additions that offer Christmas with a twist. We can’t wait to introduce our great value festive menu to customers in Edinburgh and hope families across the region have the opportunity to take advantage of our kids eat free offer.”
For Edinburgh’s restaurant opening times visit dobbies.com.
Much-loved Edinburgh institution recognised by the Papa Industry Awards
For the second year in a row, family-owned Edinburgh restaurant Vittoria on the Bridge has been awarded ‘Best Independent Italian Restaurant in Britain’ by The Papa Industry Awards.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on George IV Bridge, the much-loved eatery has been serving up delicious, authentic Italian cuisine since it opened its doors in 2007.
The well-known industry awards celebrate restaurants serving very best Italian food, bringing friends and family together over authentic dishes and a shared love of Italian cuisine. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner for almost 15 years, Vittoria on the Bridge was recognised as a strong family business which has become a favourite with both Edinburgh locals and tourists alike.
Vittoria’s menu is full of comforting Italian classics with some recipes – like the Tagliatelle Vittoria and Lasagna di Mamma – having been in the family and served in their restaurants since the 1970s. They source the very best of Italian ingredients to create authentic cuisine, bringing a true taste of Italy to Scotland.
Alberto Crolla, Director of the Vittoria Group, said: “We are extremely proud to have won this award two years in a row now. We feel so lucky to do what we love and to share incredible Italian food with everyone who walks through the door at Vittoria.
“Awards like this are testament to the team and their hard work and determination to provide an excellent service for customers when they visit into our restaurant. It’s great to be recognised for this especially after the challenges of the last two years.”
The Crolla family have been at the forefront of Italian hospitality in the capital since Vittoria on the Walk first opened by Nonno Alberto in Leith more than 50 years ago. Now three generations of the family have expanded the Vittoria group across the city.
These award-winning restaurants, run by sons Alberto and Leandro, each offer something unique while honouring the traditions of great Italian hospitality with artisan suppliers and winemakers bringing authentic Italian dining to stylish and comfortable surroundings.
For more information on Vittoria on The Bridge, please visit:
The much-anticipated launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger restaurant in Edinburgh is due to take place on 1 December but the capital’s eager foodies can grab a sneak-peak and bite to eat when the doors open early on the 28th of November for a charity fundraising day.
The launch day will allow guests to enjoy Scotland’s first Street Burger restaurant with all proceeds going to the restaurant’s charity partner, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland. SBH Scotland Honorary Patron, Gordon Ramsay OBE, has also pledged to match all the proceeds from the day to ensure the charity get an extra special festive funds boost.
In a bid to further bolster the charity partnership, from the 29th until the end of December, a £1 voluntary donation will be added to diners’ bills at Street Burger as well as the St Andrew Square restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen and Bar.
The funds raised will help SBH Scotland provide vital support to over 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland who are affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
A spokesperson from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants said: “We have been working on the launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger for a long time and we are very much looking forward to opening the doors to our first burger restaurant in Scotland.
“This special launch day gives us the opportunity to showcase our food whilst giving back to SBH Scotland and supporting all the incredible work the charity does to help families in Scotland.”
Gordon Ramsay became SBH Scotland’s first ever Honorary Patron back in 2003 when he met the organisation’s Chairperson, Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, at the Great North Run. For nearly 20 years, he has continued to support SBH Scotland through charitable donations and appearances.
Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, Chairperson of SBH Scotland, said: “Gordon Ramsay has been a great friend of SBH Scotland for nearly two decades and we remain thankful to him and his restaurant teams for such continued generosity.
“Funds raised at this time of year are crucial for the dedicated support we can provide now and for the next 12 months. As well as our personal home and hospital support, health check clinics, counselling service and groups we’ve also just extended our financial support service for families affected by the cost of living crisis. We heavily rely on fundraising to reach our annual targets and we are grateful for every pound donated.
“This festive season, we hope all diners visiting Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger will be happy to know that every meal they have will help us continue supporting thousands of families at a time when they need it the most.”
For more information on SBH Scotland and Gordon’s festive fundraiser is so important, please visit: https://www.sbhscotland.org.uk/
· Costa Coffee will declare its love to the nation alongside Keating by giving away millions of free coffees* to new customers
The Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop, Costa Coffee, today launched a campaign with international pop star, Ronan Keating, to win the nation’s hearts.
Keating, who memorably topped the charts with ‘When You Say Nothing at All’, is using his prowess as a national heartthrob to spread love across the UK as Costa Coffee’s new ‘Director of Love’, giving away millions of delicious free Costa coffees.
Appearing in a light-hearted short film, Keating is on a mission to woo coffee lovers, delivering impromptu serenades and touring Costa Coffee stores up and down the country.
Commenting on his new role, Keating said: “I’m really excited to be joining Costa Coffee for a campaign with love at its heart. It’s fun to play the role of ‘Director of Love’ and I’m excited to give the nation lots of love this festive season, and maybe even help them re-connect over a Costa coffee.”
The campaign, which kicked off on Thursday 17th November, will roll out across the UK with a series of ‘declarations of love’ and far-reaching gestures, not least by giving away millions of coffees.
You can get yours by downloading the Costa Coffee app and signing-up to the Costa Club loyalty scheme between now and 24 November 2022, with millions of free coffees and hot drinks up for grabs.
The ‘free drink’ digital voucher will automatically appear in the apps’ ‘Rewards’ section, which can be redeemed in person at a participating Costa Coffee store. Existing customers will also be able to discover gestures, perks, and rewards with exclusive in-app deals as part of Costa Club.
Shakir Moin, Costa Coffee Interim CEO said, “Ronan Keating is responsible for some of the greatest love songs of all time, so who better to help us woo customers and shower them with love this festive season?
“We’ll not only be giving millions of barista-crafted coffees away, but we’ll be taking to the streets and even the skies to show Brits how we feel about them. Stay tuned for some big surprises!”
For further information on Costa Coffee’s new campaign, download the Costa Coffee app today.
The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced the recipient of this year’s prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The talented chef who most impressed the panel of expert industry judges was Eddie Brown, Sous Chef at The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Dornoch.
Positioned as the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Andrew’s unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing culinary talent in Scotland.
The finalists had to prove their worth in a skills test, where they had to cook up a dish of their own creation using their choice of Scottish furred game, alongside two garnishes and poivrade sauce. Eddie impressed the judges by serving up a dish using rabbit, fig and brioche. The final took place on November 17th at Perth College UHI, with the winner announced afterwards at Gleneagles.
(L-R) Tom Kerridge, Gary Maclean, Eddie Brown, Stephen McLaughlin, Russell Plowman
The judging panel included some of the country’s finest chefs, all of whom knew Andrew Fairlie well. Joining Stephen McLaughlin, (Head Chef at two Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie), is Russell Plowman, Senior Sous Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, two Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge (Chef Patron, Hand & Flowers), and Gary Maclean (National Chef of Scotland & MasterChef: The Professionals Winner).
Sponsored by HIT Scotland and The Gleneagles Hotel, and supported by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and Perth College UHI, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is now in its third year. The scholarship launched in 2019, with the late Andrew Fairlie spearheading the initiative in partnership with HIT Scotland – an industry charity he was closely associated with.
Stephen McLaughlin, lead judge and head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “What a fabulously hard-fought finals day we have just had. All our finalists have shown exactly why they were selected for the final. Huge congratulations to them all.
“They were all tough competitors and genuinely any of them could’ve been awarded this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, but unfortunately for them there can be only one winner…
“This year’s winner, Eddie, has shown great skill and a real understanding of the tasks that we had set out for them. He has displayed a rich understanding of their craft as a chef and also used their knowledge of Scottish and French culinary heritage to help set them apart as this year’s recipient of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship”.
David Cochrane, HIT Scotland Chief Executive, added: “This group of chefs all showed extraordinary dedication and passion for the task at hand, and I commend them all for their sterling efforts in the kitchen.
“Special congratulations must of course go to our winner Eddie, who has excelled in their culinary talents and displayed a creative flair that Andrew would have been proud of.”
Conor O’Leary, Gleneagles Managing Director, said: “Here at Gleneagles, we’re hugely proud of the role we’re able to play in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people to learn and grow.
“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship enables aspiring chefs to demonstrate their enthusiasm and passion for the culinary industry whilst learning from some of Scotland’s very best chefs.
“Andrew is sorely missed by us all but we’re incredibly proud to be honouring his legacy by continuing our support of this scholarship, which creates greater opportunities for talented individuals to develop. On behalf of Gleneagles, I’d like to congratulate Eddie on winning this year’s Scholarship and wish him all the very best of luck on the next stage of their career.”
Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHI said: “Hosting the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final for the second time within our kitchens and facilities was a great opportunity to support HIT Scotland.
“Our Professional Cookery students got the chance to support the finalists and had a phenomenal experience seeing industry standards taken to the next level. Our students welcomed the chance to be involved. Many congratulations to the well-deserved winner, we enjoyed watching all of the finalists work and create their fantastic dishes.”
Eddie will gain industry-wide recognition as an Andrew Fairlie Scholar and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at Michelin-starred restaurants Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Core by Clare Smyth in London.
Supermarket own-label champagnes have beaten offerings from the most-celebrated champagne houses in Which?’s festive taste tests this year, while the consumer champion also rated sparkling wines – with one impressive performer costing just £8.99.
Waitrose Blanc de Blancs Brut (£25.99) clinched one of this year’s Which? Best Buy titles, scoring 82 per cent and impressing the expert panellists with its balanced finish and savoury aftertaste. The experts described it as a pleasing and rewarding champagne with delicate, toasty notes and ripe fruit aromas.
Coming joint top with an 82 per cent score, and also earning a Best Buy, is Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne, a slightly cheaper option retailing at £23. Experts were initially surprised by the unusual golden colour, but they were impressed by the expressive aromas and flavours of brioche, roasted apples and a nutty finish.
These bottles were rated higher than the most expensive champagne the panel tasted. Popular brand Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial, costing £39.00 per bottle, did not particularly impress the experts – receiving one of the lower ratings at 68 per cent.
For those looking for a cheaper fizz this festive season, Which? also found a cheaper alternative to champagne that impressed the judges and earned a Best Buy. Aldi Specially Selected Crémant du Jura 2019, £8.99, scored an impressive 74 per cent and demonstrated that paying less does not have to mean compromising on quality.
Despite not coming top of the festive pops – other supermarket offerings delivered some delicious options. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Champagne Brut NV, £18.50, was flagged as a delicious – and cheaper – choice, with judges noting its smooth, complex, and well-integrated flavours.
M&S Louis Vertay Champagne Brut, £18, was also hailed by the panel for its gentle, crisp palate, nutty finish and elegant, pleasant aftertaste. The experts enjoyed the good complexity and intensity of this toasty, fruity champagne.
Natalie Hitchins, Which? Home Products and Services Editor, said: “No matter what your budget is, you can be sure that your celebrations will fizz with top-quality champagne and sparkling wine for friends and family to enjoy this festive season.
“Once again our taste tests have proven that supermarket champagnes can more than hold their own against the famous champagne houses, delivering excellent quality and great value for money.”
The following Scotland restaurants have been shortlisted for the Best Restaurant Scotland category at the coveted British Curry Awards (the ‘Curry Oscars’, as termed by former PM, David Cameron):
– Charcoals Indian Restaurant, 26A Renfield Street. Glasgow G2 1LU
– Karma Indian Restaurant. 154 West Main Street, Whitburn EH47 0QR
– Dishoom, 3A St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD
– Radhuni, 93 Clerk Street, Loanhead EH20 9RE
– Light of Bengal, 13 Rose Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TX
– Obsession of India, 25 High Street, Glasgow G1 1LX
– Mowgli Street Food Glasgow, 78 St Vincent Street G2 5UB
– Carron to Mumbai, 20 Cameron Street, Stonehaven AB39 2HS
Additionally shortlisted for Best Takeaway Award is:
– Spice Tandoori, 9A Moss Street Elgin Moray IV30 1LU
The 18th, annual ceremony ceremony will take place at Evolution London, Battersea Park on Monday 28th November, once again welcoming the UK’s leading curry restaurateurs alongside prominent personalities from the worlds of showbiz, entertainment, sports and politics.
This year, the ceremony will pay homage to the legacy of British Curry Awards Founder, Enam Ali MBE, who sadly passed away earlier this year; as well as recognise the issues currently facing the UK curry industry in the cost of living and energy crises.
‘Curry Oscars’ to pay tribute to ceremony’s founder and
Pioneer of UK curry industry
UK’s top curry restaurants to be honoured on the night
Ceremony to introduce public, live vote on the night for Diners’ Choice Award
Industry facing continued uncertainty amid energy and cost of living crises And rising inflation
Onion Bhaji Index indicates average cost in the UK will rise from £4 to £12
The UK’s leading and foremost award ceremony to honour the nation’s top curry restaurants, as voted for by the British public, The British Curry Awards 2022 in association with Just Eat, will pay tribute to the late Enam Ali MBE.
The 18th annual ceremony will be held on Monday 28th November at Evolution London in memory of the event’s founder and the UK’s leading spokesperson for the curry industry, who worked tirelessly to promote the curry industry globally for over 45 years.
The finest curry restaurateurs from across the UK will come together in the Capital to honour Enam Ali’s memory and in the hope of being recognised as the best restaurant in their region and honoured with a jewel in the crown of the UK curry restaurant industry award sector.
Recognised globally as the original and most coveted award ceremony in the UK curry industry, also referred to as the ‘Curry Oscars’, as termed by former Prime Minister David Cameron, British Curry Awards will also welcome prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, sport, showbiz and entertainment alongside celebrity chefs and curry restaurant owners and their staff from across the country. The Awards’ main sponsor is Just Eat, the market-leading online food ordering and delivery platform.
British Curry Awards has established itself as a national institution, recognised internationally and a firm fixture on the UK’s social calendar. A nationwide nominations process to honour the nation’s top curry houses is led by the local patrons of curry houses on the streets of Britain, annually invited to nominate their favourite curry restaurants and takeaways. The process of public nominations creates an authentic list of the nation’s favourite Asian eateries, based on the opinions of residents, leading to a rigorous vetting process by an independent panel of judges.
The 2022 event also marks the introduction of the Diners Choice Award – anew category that will reward curry establishments that are able to engage their customers through social media. Any nominated establishment in Britain will have a chance to win this award if they receive the highest number of live, public votes on the night.
However, the UK curry industry, known for its resilience in weathering operational and business challenges such as staff shortages and the pandemic, now faces further uncertainty with the energy and cost of living crises and amid rising inflation. With spiralling costs, It is estimated that the average price of a curry could reach as much as £30 and industry leaders fear it could lead to the closure of thousands of curry restaurants across the UK.
Curry restaurateurs have seen their shopping bills increase by an average of 40 per cent. The price of oil alone has increased by more than 100per cent; while the cost of other curry house essentials such as a 25kg sack of onions has now doubled to more than £14.50. The situation is unsustainable for the industry as curry houses are desperately trying to minimise off-setting these costs against menu pricing, as households are facing tightened budgets themselves.
The Spice Business ‘Onion Bhaji Index’ indicates the average cost of an onion bhaji in the UK will jump from £4 to £12 per portion, while rising inflation means the average price of curry house favourite, the chicken tikka masala, would rise from an average menu price of £7 to £17, which diners are simply unable to afford. Add to that soaring energy bills, it is estimated that around seven in ten restaurants could be forced to shut their doors for good without government intervention.
Jeffrey Ali, Director, British Curry Awardssays, “The British Curry Awards 2022 marks the first year without our Founder, the late Enam Ali MBE. For decades, he tirelessly dedicated his life towards promoting and championing the UK Curry Industry, cementing The British Curry Awards as an ‘institution’.
“As the natural custodian of this revered brand, we proudly strive forward with our responsibility to continue his legacy, ensuring The British Curry Awards remain THE platform to inspire future generations to push the boundaries and innovate Britain’s favourite cuisine.
“Whilst the international community, especially the UK, faces a continued onslaught of economic uncertainty and political instability, we take solace from the general public who continue to support local businesses such as their local Curry Restaurants.
“We’re currently developing the ‘Onion Bhaji Index’, which will help consumers and business owners alike to better understand prices at their local curry establishment. As a consumer forward award platform, our goal is to promote the best in Britain, bringing real value to our nation’s customers.
“We have received tens of thousands of nominations this year and look forward to announcing the results of our months-long judging process and live vote due to be held at the biggest and most anticipated ceremony on the hospitality calendar.”
