British Curry Awards 2012 winners announced

The UK’s “Curry Oscars” have crowned this year’s curry kings and queens as the British Curry Awards celebrated the best of Indian cuisine talent in a glittering ceremony at the Battersea Evolution last evening. The prestigious event, that awards top honours to all those who have made the curry industry proud, was co-hosted by BBC presenter Jenny Bond and celebrity impersonator Rory Bremner.

The winners were judged on several aspects including menu choice, wine list, exterior and interior decor and plate presentation. With over 270,000 nominations from diners around the country, the 2012 British Curry Awards was hotly anticipated and culminated in a glamorous finale to the countdown of the year!

The event was attended by Prime Minister David Cameron who said: “It’s often said that curry is Britain’s national dish and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just the flavour served up in the thousands of the curry restaurants across the country, it is the welcome too. Those who work in the curry industry enliven Britain’s high streets, boost local economies and contribute to local communities.”

 

The Winners

§  Best Delivery Restaurant/Take-away by Justeat.com – MUSHTAQS (Hamilton, Lanarkshire)

§  Best Restaurant Scotland - TAJ INDIAN (Prestwick)

§  Best Restaurant North East - AAGRAH (Leeds)

§  Best Spice Restaurant North West - INDIAN OCEAN (Ashton-u-Lyne)

§  Best Spice Restaurant Midlands – ITIHAAS (Birmingham)

§  Best Newcomer Restaurant Midlands - FIVE RIVERS A LA CARTE (Walsall)

§  Best Restaurant Wales - RASOI INDIAN KITCHEN (Swansea)

§  Best Restaurant South East - HAWELI INDIAN RESTAURANT (Twyford, Berkshire)

§  Best Newcomer Restaurant South East - SHAMPAN 4 – THE SPINNING WHEEL (Westerham, Kent)

§  Best Restaurant South West - SPICE LODGE (Cheltenham)

§  Best Restaurant South West - THE MINT ROOM (Yeovil, Somerset)

§  Best Restaurant Central London & City - BOMBAY PALACE (Paddington)

§  Best Newcomer Restaurant Central London & City – CHAKRA (Notting Hill)

§  Best Restaurant London Suburbs - CHAK 89 (Surrey)

§  Best in Casual Dining  - THE CHILLI PICKLE (Brighton, East Sussex)

§  Special Inspiration Award - Dipna Anand of Brilliant Restaurant - Female Chef

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New Indian fast food franchise, Spice 2 Go to create 30 jobs in Swansea

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30 new jobs in Swansea have recently been announced by Spice 2 Go.

Spice 2 Go is the UK’s first Indian fast food chain providing customers with a fresh new take on the curry! Starting with its flagship store in Swansea Bay, Spice 2 Go will redefine the Indian takeaway industry with consistently high quality Indian dishes prepared to fine ingredients and expert menus. Spice 2 Go Swansea Bay store will boast sleek interiors and professional staff trained in delivering excellent customer service so your Indian fast food experience is unlike any other.

Spice 2 Go Swansea Bay will not only serve mouthwatering dishes for eat-in and collection in store but will also provide customers with an efficient home delivery system. Customers can order their favourite Spice 2 Go dishes from an user-friendly online ordering system with home delivery orders being brought to your door by uniformed staff in branded Spice 2 Go vehicles.

Get ready to experience the curry like never before! With Spice 2 Go Swansea Bay, customers can count on high quality and delicious curry at home or in store.

Useful links:
Spice 2 Go website
Spice 2 Go Swansea facebook page
apply for a job at Spice 2 Go

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Rating: 10.0/10 (8 votes cast)

JK wins Best Album at UK Asian Music Awards

One of the UK’s biggest music sensations, JK, has bagged this year’s award for Best Album at the UK Asian Music Awards (AMA). Held on 25 October, the UK AMA crowned the ‘Gabru Panjab Dha’ artist with the coveted prize adding another feather to his hat.

JK won the hearts of millions not just in the UK but overseas as well with his debut album ‘Gabru Panjab Dha’. His latest win at the UK AMA marks his presence in the music industry and his continued rise to fame.

‘Gabru Panjab Dha’ truly personifies the story of a young man from Derby who is living out his dream and has taken the bhangra music world by storm due to his sheer determination and imaginative musical talent that blends folk and traditional sounds with ease.

‘Gabru Panjab Dha’ is recognised for its high standards in production by international music producer Tru-Skool who lends the album its distinct feel. His music magic made sure that ‘Gabru Panjab Dha’ entered the mainstream album charts on the very day of its release! JK’s talent shone through, and along with the musical experience of Tru-Skool, JK was able to secure sold-out concerts and tours across UK, Indian, Canada and the USA in 2012. Soon, JK will amaze and captivate Australian fans when he begins his upcoming Australia tour scheduled for December this year.

The UK AMA 2012 was held on 25 October 2012 at Wembley Arena in London.

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RDB win award for pioneering Urban-Asian music at the Lebara UK Asian Music Awards

British Asian music group RDB have been awarded for their contribution to the UK Asian Music Scene at the Lebara UK Asian Music Awards (AMA) on 25 October 2012. The popular band are recognised for pioneering Urban-Asian music and the award adds another feather to the success of RDB.

The AMAs set the benchmark in the UK music industry for recognising and honouring musical talent. RDB scooping the award in the prestigious ‘Commitment to the Scene’ category at Wembley Arena in London is a powerful testament to the dedication and talent that this group demonstrates. RDB have been recognised for their driven attitude to enhance Urban-Bhangra music and bring it to the forefront of mainstream UK and international music. The awards at Thursday’s event further solidifies the band’s dedication to the cause.

RDB also won the Best Desi Act Award which was decided by public voting.

RDB’s Surj and Manj said on winning the awards: “We are really elated to have received these awards! It means a lot that our music has been recognised, not only by our loyal fans around the world and in the UK, but also by the British-Asian music industry which we shall always be a part of.

“RDB started out over a decade ago as the dream of three Bradford brothers. Today, we feel blessed to still be doing what we love and to be working with such amazing people. We are truly honoured to have written, produced and sung with some truly talented musicians.

“RDB is here to stay and will continue to go from strength to strength and this is only due to the support and well-wishes from our fans worldwide. We dedicate our awards to you all.”

The Bradford-based Punjabi band was formed in 2000 with Sikh brothers Manj, Kuly and Surj. RDB is now led by Manj and Surj after Kuly passed away in May this year. The band have performed with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Public Enemy and Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar.

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Bhangra Showdown issues Leicester University with 5 year ban for breaking rules

Bhangra Showdown, the largest inter-university bhangra group competition in the UK, has issued students from the University of Leicester with a 5 year ban on entering the contest after three of the contestants who took part in the 2012 event were found to not be students at the university which meant they were not eligible to compete.

The Bhangra Showdown have issued an official statement in which they fully outline the situation which was presented to them when their suspicions were raised over the legitimacy of three of the Leicester University’s team members eligibility to perform in the contest.

The three Leicester group members were unable to produce valid email addresses prior to the event to prove they were students and so the group were presented with a choice, to either take a 15 point deduction, or to perform at the show as an exhibition act. However the Leicester team chose to leave all together, which the competition organisers felt was a great shame as it would have meant those who had travelled to support the team would be left disappointed.

At this point, all choreographers from the competing teams were consulted and it was agreed that Leicester would compete, however if they were unable to present evidence to show that the three questionable members of the Leicester team were in fact students by 1pm on Tuesday February 14th, then they would have 15 points deducted. The team members failed to submit proof, and consequently, their 15 points have been deducted and the University has been banned from entering the Bhangra Showdown for the next 5 years.

The competition organisers say the ban is necessary to “maintain the principles and integrity of the show” adding that “stringent identity checks” will be implemented next year to ensure ineligible contestants to do slip through the net and are allowed to compete in the competition again.

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Kudos Music transforms the Celtic Manor Resort especially for the Transport Broker Awards

Kudos Music succeeded in transforming the 5-star Celtic Manor Resort this weekend especially for the annual Transport Broker Awards ceremony with their expert venue styling skills. The leading DJ entertainment and venue theming company dressed the venue for the glitzy awards ceremony and gala dinner and also provided the music entertainment for the after show party.

This is the third year in a row that the Kudos Music Roadshow had been invited to provide the DJ entertainment and style the venue for the annual Transport Broker Awards ceremony and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

The Caernarfon Suite at the Celtic Manor Resort, home to the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament 2010, was transformed into a dazzling party venue by Kudos Music with a white LED pea-light dance floor, red starlight backdrop and big screen illuminating the main stage with guest tables decorated with black table candelabras, rose petals and crushed velvet table cloths to create a phenomenal setting for the special event.

DJ H and Jas Johal kept the 250 guests dancing until the small hours with their pumping DJ sets incorporating a mix of current hit tunes along with some Indian and bhangra classics along with some R&B and hip hop numbers.

For the very first time, the Transport Broker Awards hosted the final for the Miss Limo beauty pageant. Miss Universe Great Britain, Chloe-Beth Morgan, crowned Gemma Roberts from the Vale of Glamorgan as Miss Limo 2012 which was one of the highlights of the glamorous evening. Kudos Music ensured the crowing of the new Miss Limo was a spectacular affair with confetti cannon explosions, winner’s music and dramatic lighting effects.

Exclusive images from Kudos Music at the Transport Broker Awards coming soon…

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Cast your vote now for the Asian Football Awards

The inaugural Asian Football Awards will be held on January 24, 2012 at London’s Wembley Stadium with the support from The FA and Kick It Out. It is a partnership between Initiate Sports and Inventive Sports with the inaugural awards set to be hosted by Dharmesh Sheth from Sky Sports News.

The Asian Football Awards (AFA) have been launched to recognise the outstanding contribution to both the professional game and grassroots initiatives by individuals and groups across the UK with South Asian heritage. A number of exceptional UK Asians and those from the South Asian diaspora will be honoured at the first ever Asian Football Awards. This high profile event is expected to attract an exceptional list of guests to gather, support and celebrate Asians in football. The awards will ensure that those working or investing in the professional game or community sport have the opportunity to receive acclaim for their achievements in developing Asians in Football.

Initial nominations include Michael Chopra (Ipswich Town) Zesh Rehman (Muang Thong Utd) Anwar Uddin (Barnet FC) Dr Zaf Iqbal (Liverpool FC) Rimla Akhtar (MWSF) Permi Jhooti (FIFA Ambassador) Lakshmi Mittal Tony Fernandes (QPR FC). Imran Hassan, Co-Founder Asian Football Awards, said, “We have seen positive movement within the development of Asians in the game. We feel that recognition and acknowledgement of individuals and organisations is a fundamental part of developing more individuals in the professional game. I am delighted to be involved in the Asian Football Awards and look forward to celebrating all aspects of the game from investors, players, coaches and those involved behind the scenes.”

FA Equality Manager, Funke Awoderu, said, “The FA is delighted that the inaugural Asian Football Awards will be held at Wembley Stadium early next year. We are committed to football for all and look forward to welcoming the Asian football community to one of the world’s most iconic stadiums for an evening that will not only celebrate success and high achievement across all areas of the game but act as an inspiration to younger generations.”

Danny Lynch Head of Communications at Kick It Out, footballs equality and inclusion campaign, said “Initiatives like The Asian Football Awards encourage greater involvement from groups and individuals that have sometimes been marginalised from the game in the past. Kick It Out are proud supporters of the Asian Football Awards.”

Baljit Rihal, Co-Founder Asian Football Awards, added “The first Asian Football Awards promises to be a fantastic opportunity to network with influential personnel from the football industry. We are proud to be hosting this event and are sure that Asian participation in UK football will benefit its inception.”

The Asian Football Awards will recognise and honour outstanding achievements across 14 categories that include pro/semi pro players, coaches, managers investors, backroom staff and grassroots. The AFA are open to nominations for individuals with heritage from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and indeed those dedicated to increasing Asian Participation in UK football.

The 14 different categories are as follows

- Footballer of the Year
- Up and Coming Player of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Asian Woman in Football Award
- Football Development Project of the year
- Foundation of the Year
- Behind the Scenes Award – Medical
- Behind the Scenes – Football Administration
- Investors in Football
- Grass Roots Heroes
- Football Media Award
- Asian League Team of the Year
- Inspiration Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award

An Asian Football Awards executive committee has been created which includes

- Brendon Batson MBE – Brendon Batson Consultancy
- Jonathon Mills – FA Equality Coordinator
- Kevin Coleman – Grassroots Development Officer, Kick It Out
- Zohaib Rashid – Sports Journalist & Web Editor Operation Black Vote
- Arunava Chaudhuri – Sport Journalist / TV Presenter
- Amar Singh – Deputy Editor – Goal.com
Nomination categories are open. To nominate a person, group or organisation for the Asian Football Awards or book your tickets simply visit the official website under: www.asianfootballawards.co.uk

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Asian Who’s Who Awards 2011 to acknowledge Community Achievers

Award Ceremony to coincide with annual Asian Who’s Who Directory

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The most exemplary members of the Asian community from around the world will be acknowledged once more at the Asian Who’s Who Awards 2011, taking place on Monday 21st November at Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London. Now in its 36th year and an institution in itself, the high profile event pays homage to the most influential Asians the world over, who have made a phenomenal contribution to their respective fields and continue to set a shining example to their peers among the global Asian fraternity and beyond.

Filmed by BBC News Television, the coveted Asian of the Year Award will also be presented among the attending host of MP’s, dignitaries, industry leaders, celebrities and VIP’s. The award winner is chosen by an independent panel of eminent advisors, including previous award winners such as Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer Lord Karan Bilimoria; Baroness Shreela Flather; and Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP. In addition, awards will be presented across the following categories: Asian Leadership in Young Entrepreneur; Asian Leadership in Diversity; Asian Leadership in Community Service; Asian Leadership in Harmony; Asian Leadership in International Business; and Asian Leadership in International Media.

The prestigious award ceremony will coincide with the launch of the annual publication of the Asian Who’s Who International which is regarded as the official UK index of the world’s most inspiring and respected Asian personalities across a host of fields and professions. With the first edition published in 1975, the now annual directory features the most prominent and brightest Asian talents and charts the ascent of the community as it continues to provide shining role models to new generations of Asians who are proving themselves to be assets to their country of residence. The first edition contained 200 entries with the 23rd edition containing over 3,000 entries indicating the significant achievement and progress made by Asians around the world over the years, as they continue to go from strength to strength. The 24th edition, due to be launched in November 2011, will feature more entries than ever before, signifying the level of progress and success being achieved by Asians in contemporary society.

The annual launch of the Asian Who’s Who International publication is an important event for Asian communities around the world. Not only does the weighty book reflect the growing number of achievements by Asians as they continue to contribute to the economic, political, cultural and social activities of their host country, but the event itself presents an opportunity to celebrate the community’s success and for global counterparts to share their stories and inspiration.

One of the most respected leaders of the UK’s ever flourishing Asian community and Founder of Asian Who’s Who International, Mr. Jasbir Singh Sachar says, “It is with great honour and pride that we are about to celebrate the unparalleled accomplishments of a community I am so proud to be a part of and to unveil the 24th edition of Asian Who’s Who International. It all started in 1975. During the 60s and 70s, an influx of Asians from South Asia and Africa arrived in the UK. They made the most of the opportunities they had in their new country. They worked hard in factories, sold newspapers in their corner shops and were not shy of doing any menial job for their survival and to make a decent living in the UK. In fact, these were entrepreneurs and honest people, who made a success in their chosen field of work and continued to break glass ceilings and overcome all challenges along the way.

They started contributing to the economic, political, religious and social activities of their host country, becoming a tangible and intrinsic part of the British economy and life. But there was very little done to recognize them or their achievements. The Asian communities must be identified and recognized for their success and achievements. I am very pleased that our work has continued ever since our launch year, going from strength to strength to reflect the continued celebration of achievements among our communities.”
- Ends

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The Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards to receive the red button treatment

The BBC Asian Network has revealed plans to launch a red button facility especially for the forthcoming Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards.

The red button will allow Asian music fans the chance to follow all of the action from the Asian Music Awards through their digital TV channel. The coverage from the event will be available to view via the red button between 14th March – March 21st and will feature red carpet interviews, live performances from the awards show, and reactions from the winners and losers on the night which will be presented by Asian Network DJ Tommy Sandhu.

The news of the introduction of the BBC’s red button to broadcast part of the UK Asian Music Awards comes hot off the heels of the announcement that Jaguar has agreed to officially sponsor this year’s event. As the official provider of transportation for the awards ceremony, all of the biggest names will be chauffeured to the red carpet in a brand new Jaguar XJ.

As well as providing luxury transportation to the AMAs, Jaguar has also agreed to sponsor and present the award for Best Urban Act. The nominees for the coveted award include a number of top names such as Jay Sean, Raghav, Mumzy Stranger, Menis and MIA.

Radio 1 presenter Nihal will front this year’s Asian Music Awards which will take place on March 10th at the Roundhouse in London. In addition to the awards announcement the show will also feature exclusive performances from Outlandish, Sukhsinder Shinda, Preeya Kalidas and Jernade Miah.

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Garry Sandhu reveals promo video for new single Shan to Pyariya

Up and coming bhangra singer Garry Sandhu has just revealed a teaser video for his forthcoming single Shan to Pyariya which also features top name music maker DJ H of Kudos Roadshow.

The new teaser video succeeds in drawing the viewer in with what promises to be a compelling narrative. Music fans are excited about the release of the new single as many are eager to hear the result of Garry’s collaboration with DJ H who is one of the most sought after DJs working on the club circuit today.

Garry Sandhu’s last track release, Dil De De saw him team up with two big names to create the single, namely Surinder Rattan and Roach Killa. The song had a definite urban vibe, and proved to be a hit for the aspiring singer as the single reached number 7 in the UK iTunes chart just before Christmas.

2011 has got off to a great start for the singer as he received a nomination for the Best Newcomer Award at the upcoming UK Asian Music Awards earlier this month. The awards ceremony is due to be held at the end of March, and voting lines are open now, so if you think Garry Sandu is the best Newcomer, get online and vote now.

Do you think the new single featuring DJ H will top Garry’s last single Dil De De? Take a look at the video teaser for Shan to Pyariya now and let us know what you think.

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