Darlington-based Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant, Bombay Gate, has been recognised with two honours at the Prestige Curry Awards.

The event was held on Monday, October 21 at the Hilton Hotel in Watford.

The restaurant, owned by Syed Ahmed, won ‘Inspirational Chef of the Year’ an award he described as the “biggest award of the night”, as well as the ‘Innovative Restaurant of the Year’.

Syed Ahmed said: “It’s a real honour for us to be recognised in this way. We’ve worked hard to bring the concept of street food into a fine dining setting to Darlington, and it’s always wonderful to receive awards like this to see our efforts paying off.”

Ahmed, who was born and raised in Darlington, hopes the success of Bombay Gate will serve as an inspiration to young people in the area.

He actively encourages youth involvement in the catering industry and regularly provides opportunities for local college students to work in his restaurants where he can educate them about the industry whilst they get hands-on experience.

“I always want to inspire the younger generation here in Darlington so that they can see catering as a rewarding career path.

"I really hope this inspirational chef award can do this and that’s why I am so honoured to have received it.

He added: "Everything I do is always in pursuit of trying to better this industry, especially in Darlington, so if I can inspire young people to get into this career that would be amazing.”

Bombay Gate, which has been a staple in the local dining scene for the past six years, sets itself apart by blending traditional Indian and Bangladeshi street food with a fine dining experience.

Outside award winning Bombay Gate, July 2024Outside award winning Bombay Gate, July 2024 (Image: Google Street View) According to Syed, this balance, along with a community-driven ethos, is what has helped the restaurant build such a loyal customer base.

He said: “Everyone who comes through our doors are treated like family. We’ve built a strong community around Bombay Gate, and that is something I’m very proud of.”

“We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition, and we hope it will help us grow even more. As we’re always looking for ways to improve and contribute to making Darlington the best it can be."

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Syed Ahmed is also not a stranger to awards as he was crowned the International Bangladeshi Master Chef earlier this year.

The Prestige Curry Awards, run by Asif Iqbal, is now in it’s second year of hosting all to celebrate excellence in the curry industry across the UK, recognising restaurants that have made a lasting impact.

Bombay Gate continues to see strong support from the community and remains one of the busiest restaurants in the area, six years after it opened its doors.