STAFF at an Asian restaurant in Barnard Castle are celebrating after tasting success at a national awards for the second year in a row.
Babul’s, in Market Place, was named North East Restaurant of the Year at the Bangladesh Catering Association awards, which were held in London last month.
After being nominated by customers, Babul’s made it onto a shortlist of six restaurants which each received an unannounced visit from judges.
Babul’s Zak Ahmed said: “The judges described their visit as a dining experience with a difference and that Babul’s was pushing the boundaries with a new concept of dining.”
Since rebranding the popular restaurant, Babul’s offers eat-in and takeaway services but also has a cocktail bar and coffee service in an effort to remain successful in difficult trading times.
Mr Ahmed added: “The industry is struggling with things such as staffing and rising costs.
“One of the reasons we are surviving is because we do everything and are broadening our revenue streams to include things such as selling online and offering barbecue boxes.”
Despite the cost of living crisis, family-run Babul’s has pressed ahead with the launch of a second restaurant, in Skinnergate, Darlington, which opened in October.
“With planning and developing the Darlington restaurant for the past six months, I’ve not been here at Barnard Castle as much, so this award is really dedicated to the staff in Barney,” added Mr Ahmed.
“They have kept up the standards and made the sacrifices to ensure we are still here.”
He said the Darlington restaurant had received an enthusiastic reception from diners new and old.
“It’s been unbelievable. We have had so many friends and regulars from Barney who have popped through to see it.”
