A Darlington curry chef had a 'crazy' six weeks where he won three awards.

Syed Ahmed works at Bombay Gate in Darlington which was nominated for Best Chef and Best Concept Restaurant at the Prestige Curry Awards last year.

They managed to win both awards and then Syed went on to retain his title as UK champion at the International Bangladesh Masterchef competition at Northampton college.

This all happened between November and December last year. Looking ahead he will be flying out to Bangladesh to compete against the other champions to find out the overall world champion.

He said: "It has been a crazy time, those six weeks flew by.

"It was already a busy November and December with short staffing at the restaurant and then I had to go down to London for the awards.

"It was a brilliant night, it was great to be nominated never mind winning.

The Northern Echo: Syed receiving the Best Chef award

"I was then competing to retain my UK champion title at the International Bangladesh Masterchef competition in Northampton.

"When I kept that it felt like it was all coming together, all the hard work paying off."

Bombay Gate in Darlington has been established for five years and opened just before the pandemic.

Syed talked about how difficult that period of time was and how the restaurant has bounced back.

He said: "There were times when we thought we wouldn't be able to stay open.

The Northern Echo: Bombay Gate, Darlington

"Now it's completely different, we have got a really good amount of people coming.

"We have just completed a party room which can hold up to 30 people.

"It's been fully booked since it started."

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The restaurant website sets out their aims: "Bombay Gate is the best Indian restaurant in Darlington. The food is fantastic, the service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is perfect. Bombay Gate has everything you could want in an Indian restaurant, and more.

"The menu at Bombay Gate is extensive and features all of your favorite Indian dishes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty curry or a light and refreshing salad, you’ll find it at Bombay Gate. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the specialty dishes like the lamb biryani or the chicken tikka masala."

You can check out Bombay Gate's website and look at the menu by clicking here.