Burnley chef wins ‘outstanding achievement’ award

Ibrahim Ali, owner and head chef at Usha Indian restaurant in Rossendale Road, was left in a state of shock after winning the Outstanding Achievement in the Curry Industry category at the Bangladeshi Business Awards.

“It was completely unexpected,” said a delighted Mr Ali. “It was the first time all my family had been with me on one of these awards night so it was special to win in front of them. All my kids were there and the boys got up on stage with me.”

He was presented with the award at New Bingley Hall in Birmingham, beating off competition from three other nominees.

“It is always nice to be recognised, especially on a national level. We have been busy these past few months with the restaurant and the takeaway in Stacksteads as well as the takeaway recently opening in Darwen. I think something the judges definitely picked up was the Usha spice range that we offer.”

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle went down with Mr Ali on the night and said: “It was a brilliant night. The Usha is a fantastic restaurant and Ibby is a top guy. He works so hard and puts an awful lot back into the community. And he certainly knows how to make a good curry.”

Usha has won a number of awards since opening in 2002, the last coming in November when they won Best South Asian Restaurant at the 4th Asian Curry Awards, held at the Hilton, London.

The restaurant recently revealed plans to have its bar extended and the interior completely updated as part of £150,000 refurbishment work set to take place in the summer.