Sweet success

Chadderton business women Helen Tse (left) and Lisa Tse: New Year honours

TWIN Chadderton restaurateurs have been given the ultimate seal of approval for their tasty recipes - MBEs in the New Year honours list.

Helen and Lisa Tse will receive the awards for services to the food and drink sector following the success of their Sweet Mandarin restaurant, sauces and books.

The entrepreneurial pair are passionate about food, giving up professional careers to build the business into one of the UK’s most recognisable brands.

Helen said: “We feel very honoured and quite amazed to have been chosen for an MBE. When we found out, Lisa and I just looked at each other in disbelief. It still doesn’t seem real and it feels like a dream.

As the third generation of female restaurateurs in the family, the 36-year-old sisters became part of a long tradition when they set up the award-winning Sweet Mandarin restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in 2004.

The twins successfully won the backing of Duncan Bannatyne and Hilary Devey on BBC show “Dragons’ Den” to turn their dream into a reality - and now count Gordon Ramsay among celebrity fans.

With overseas demand for their sauces increasing, Helen and Lisa opened their first sauce-making factory in Middleton in April. Their products are now distributed around the world.

Even with international success and an honour from the Queen, the duo are keen to remember their Oldham roots.

Helen added: “We really want to thank the people of Oldham for all their kindness, friendship and support over the years.”