Curry Awards
First restaurant sector awards, honoring UK curry excellence.
The Curry Awards, also known as the Good Curry Guide Awards, were presented by The Curry Club in association with its publication, The Good Curry Guide, to curry restaurants in the United Kingdom that achieved "total excellence" in all departments. Established in May 1991 by Pat Chapman, the ceremony was the first awards ceremony of any restaurant sector and continued until 2013.
- established
- May 1991
- founder
- Pat Chapman
- field
- Restaurant awards
- nationality
- United Kingdom
- known_for
- First awards ceremony of any restaurant sector; honoring curry restaurants with 'total excellence'
Lore & Background
The ceremony grew significantly. By the next edition, the TOP 30 became TOP 100, with 18 'Best in Category' awards. The venue moved to the Park Lane Hotel with 330 seats, and catering was provided by Madhu's, their first event outside Asian weddings. In later years, between 18 and 20 awards were given before an audience of about 800, including restaurant personnel, sponsors, and media. The event was widely reported in the UK and subcontinent, and televised by Sony Entertainment Television Asia to millions of viewers in multiple countries.
Reader's Guide
The Curry Awards were significant as the first awards ceremony in any restaurant sector, setting a precedent for recognizing culinary excellence. They highlighted the diversity of curry restaurants across the UK, with regional and cuisine-specific categories. The awards and associated Good Curry Guide books, published from 1984 to 2013, provided a benchmark for quality in the Indian restaurant industry. The event's growth from eight winners to an audience of 800 reflected its impact, and its television broadcast across continents underscored its international reach. The awards also showcased the challenge of catering for an event attended by international restaurateurs, a task few caterers would attempt.
Did You Know?
- The first ceremony in 1991 had eight winners and was held at Chutney Mary, London, but the first 'Best in UK' winner was the Bombay Brasserie.
- The TOP 30 category was expanded to TOP 100 in 1992.
- Catering for the 1992 ceremony was provided by Madhu's, their first event outside Asian weddings.
- The event was televised by Sony Entertainment Television Asia and screened in multiple countries including Australia, Canada, Europe, Pakistan, India, and the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Curry Awards?
The Curry Awards, also called the Good Curry Guide Awards, were a ceremony run by The Curry Club to recognize UK curry restaurants that demonstrated 'total excellence' across every aspect of their operation. They were published alongside The Good Curry Guide.
Who founded the Curry Awards?
Pat Chapman established the ceremony in May 1991, creating it in partnership with The Curry Club and its publication The Good Curry Guide.
Why are the Curry Awards historically significant?
They hold the distinction of being the very first awards ceremony dedicated to any restaurant sector, predating similar recognition programs in other cuisines. This made them a pioneering milestone in UK dining culture.
When did the Curry Awards run?
The ceremony was launched in May 1991 and continued annually until 2013, spanning over two decades of British curry restaurant recognition.
What criteria did restaurants need to meet for the Curry Awards?
A curry restaurant had to achieve what was described as 'total excellence' in all departments of its operation to be honored at the ceremony. The awards were specifically limited to curry restaurants operating within the United Kingdom.
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