THE late Rafique Uddin Babul, the founder of Babul’s Indian restaurant in Barnard Castle, has been recognised with a prestigious national award.
The Curry Legend award was given in Rafique’s honour at this year’s Curry Life Awards. The awards, staged by national magazine, Curry Life, were announced at a glittering event earlier this month at the London Marriott Hotel in Mayfair.
Rafique who died last year was renowned as a top Indian chef and recognised for his efforts in helping to change perceptions of South Asian cuisine. His legacy – and his restaurant – lives on through his sons Shuhel and Zak Ahmed, who now run Babul’s alongside two other family members, Jahed and Foysal.
Speaking after the ceremony, Zak Ahmed said: “Our father was involved in the Indian restaurant industry all of his life and he was always open to new ideas. If something wouldn’t work, he taught us to get back up and try again. He always looked after people too – his staff, his customers and the local community.”
Shuhel added: “Our father told us to be tenacious and to keep pushing to go to the next level.”
Curry Life Media group editor, Syed Belal Ahmed, said: “A major aim of the awards has always been to highlight best practice going on across the country – so that everyone has the opportunity to learn from the best.”
The awards event is an annual celebration of British curry houses, which have an annual turnover of over £4bn.
