The South Shields-based restaurant, at the heart of the famous Curry Mile on Ocean Road prides itself on serving impeccable modern Indian cuisine in an equally up-to-date setting.  The restaurant became shortlisted through nominations by patrons and fans.  Jai Ho will now represent the North East for the category of ‘Best Newcomer’ at the awards, competing against other regions across Britain.  

The British Curry Awards were established in 2005, by the Bible Spice Business Magazine.  Regarded as the ‘Oscars of the Spice Industry’, it is acknowledged as an extremely high-profile, decadent affair and has been attended by famous names, like the Prime Minister; David Cameron, Sir Trevor McDonald, Rolf Harris and Chris Tarrant.  Each year there is a different, esteemed judging panel which consists of journalists, celebrity chefs and food critics.  This year’s judges, who will determine Jai Ho’s fate at the event, are to be announced soon.  

Jai Ho owners are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious event.  Owner Khamal Hussain enthuses:

“We cannot believe that we have been listed as finalists for ‘Best Newcomer.’  We’ve had an absolutely fantastic first year and this is the icing on the cake!  We know last year was a sell-out event, with a 1600 strong attendance, and we hope it will be equally as popular this year.  We can’t wait to head down to London; bringing some of the North East flavours to the big city!”

This year, the event will take place on 21st of November, and is being hosted at the humbling Grosvenor House in London’s Park Lane.  The 2010 awards will reach international fame, as they will be televised across 150 countries, including areas of North America, Asia and Europe.  Commencing at 6.30pm, it promises to be a star-spangled event, with professionals from film, television, business and cookery gracing the doors for a night filled with tension, drama and celebration.  

Khamal concluded:

“In Hindi, ‘Jai Ho’ means ‘May You Be Victorious.’  We can only hope that we can live up to our name and do the North East proud.”