Member Article

Boycott Curry Oscars ‘copycats’ urges restaurant boss

Controversial Curry King Avi Malik is calling on restaurant bosses across the UK to boycott “copycat” ceremonies seeking to cash in on the popularity of the long-established British Curry Awards.

In a stinging attack, he said those seeking to imitate the curry industry’s flagship annual event had “no credibility.”

And he threatened legal action against other awards event organisers who attempt to capitalise on his restaurant’s good name.

Mr Malik is the manager of Raval Luxury Indian Restaurant, named North East Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious ceremony in 2013. And his restaurant has once again been short-listed this year.

Known as the Curry Oscars, the event regularly attracts celebrity guests including Prime Minister David Cameron, London Mayor Boris Johnson and broadcaster Sir Trevor MacDonald. And it has been hosted by stars such as Chris Tarrant.

Mr Malik said: “I have turned down invitations to attend a number of events that are seeking to imitate the British Curry Awards.

“In my view these copycats have no credibility and are simply trying to cash in on the success of the industry’s main event.

“I don’t even want my restaurant associated with them because it would give them a status they have not earned.

“In fact, I have warned some event organisers that if they so much as name Raval in their literature I will be seeking legal advice and may sue.

“I’m not against competition, but I see this is an unwelcome distraction. The curry industry is facing major challenges right now and we need to be united under one umbrella – and to speak with one voice.”

Mr Malik praised Enam Ali, founder of the British Curry Awards, for his vision in creating an event than has become a highlight on the calendar of restaurateurs across the UK.

He said: “It has become more than just an awards ceremony. It is an event that brings the curry industry together like no other and enables those present to highlight issues of concern to us all.

“It has taken a decade for it to become this established. It is to the curry industry what the British Chamber of Commerce is to the business community – so we should value and protect that.

Mr Malik cited Prime Minister David Cameron’s pledge to support efforts to tackle a shortage of skilled chefs in 2013 as an example of the event’s importance as a forum for debate.

He said he and his staff were “delighted” to have once again been short-listed for an award at the event, which this year takes place at Battersea Park, London, on November 30.

And he will be taking a delegation of corporate clients with him on the night, including leaders from the oil and gas, manufacturing and businesses communities – all passionate supporters of his restaurant.

He added: “I’m thrilled and excited to be able to take some of my most loyal customers with me to the awards ceremony in London. It’s one of the hottest tickets in town and promises to be another hugely entertaining and significant night.

“There are 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK so it’s a great privilege to have made it onto the short-list for an award yet again.

“As far as I’m concerned, the British Curry Awards is the only awards ceremony that matters. Its founder Enam Ali has done a remarkable job and all of the UK’s restaurants should unite behind him.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ken Oxley .