Owner of Chequers Indian Lounge in Great Blakenham, near Ipswich, and Jilani Restaurant in Sudbury over the moon at double award win

The manager of a pair of Indian restaurants in Suffolk has praised the hard work and dedication of his staff after both businesses bagged top awards.

Nasir Jilani, who runs Chequers Indian Lounge, in Great Blakenham, near Ipswich, described the eatery being crowned best restaurant at the 2024 Curry Life Awards as an ‘incredible honour’.

Also cause for celebration was Abu Sayed, chef at Mr Jilani’s other venue, Jilani Restaurant, in Sudbury, being named Regional Chef of the Year for East Anglia at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA).

Mr Jilani expressed his delight at winning the Curry Life award and said everyone at Chequers was ‘truly humbled’.

Mr Jilani said: “This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we owe our success to the immense support from our loyal customers who have been with us on this journey."

The Curry Life Awards, founded by Curry Life Magazine, took place at the Westminster Ballroom, in London, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the ARTA, described as a ‘Oscars of the curry industry’, were held on October 7, with Mr Jilani accepting the chef’s award alongside his mum.

It followed what he described as an intense cook-off held at Cambridge Regional College on September 16.

Abu Syed competed against other top chefs from East Anglia.

Mr Jilani said: "This incredible achievement is a testament to Abu’s dedication and talent.

“I'm particularly grateful to have my mother by my side tonight. Her unwavering support and the strong work ethic she instilled in me have been instrumental in our success.

“Without her dedication, none of this would have been possible."

Mohammed Munim, founder member and chief executive of ARTA, said these awards were significant due to the impact Asian restaurants have had on the UK’s economy.

They deserved recognition for their efforts, he said.

“Each nominee is a worthy winner, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements, especially those who preserve family traditions and authentic flavours."

Mr Jilani has run Chequers Indian Lounge since September 2022.

He gained planning permission to operate the building – which is also a pub – as an Indian eatery, in March.

Jilani Restaurant opened in Sudbury’s North Street in February last year.

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