Chef scoops top award

MENU for success . . . (from the left) Westwood East manager Juned Miah, winning chef Jamal Uddin and Eric Pickles MP at the Curry Life awards ceremony at the Lancaster Hotel, London

AN Oldham curry chef has been voted chef of the year at the Curry Life awards in London.

Jamal Uddin of the Westwood East Restaurant in Eleanor Street, was one of 44 chefs to receive official recognition for their contribution to the £4.2 billion industry.

Westwood East opened in 1999 and offers a wide selection of South Indian cuisine with an extensive menu in the traditional style.

Mr Uddin said: “I love what I do and it is nice to see that my style of cooking at the restaurant has been recognised. A successful restaurant is a team effort so this award is for everyone I work with.

“The award will inspire us to keep improving and I’d also like to thank all our customers for their help putting us on the map.”

Syed Belal Ahmed, editor of Curry Life magazine, added: “This year’s event was bigger and better than ever and the support within the industry has been wonderful.”