Bradford curry house would dedicate award to its founder

The T&A recently launched its Best Curry House 2024 competition, with readers invited to share their favourite eateries.

And they did just that as thousands of nominations poured in.

These were then whittled down to 10 and we are now in the process of profiling each of the finalists.

Today is the turn of Akbar's on Leeds Road - famed for its trademark phaal which TV comedians Nish Kumar and Josh Widdicombe once famously tried.

Last month, the restaurant was rocked by the news founder and CEO Shabir Hussain had sadly passed away at the age of 56.

Shabir Hussain's death was mourned by many (Image: Newsquest) Employees are keen to do Mr Hussain proud and ensure his legacy continues.

"It is about doing the best we can do," office manager Fareen Hanif told the T&A.

"Obviously we won't be able to do things to his level, but we can try our best to ensure we carry on the legacy that he started in 1995.

"Any award for Akbar's would be dedicated to him.

"If it's Akbar's, it's Shabir Hussain. You cannot have one without the other."

The chain began with just a small 28-seat restaurant in the heart of Bradford almost three decades ago.

Akbar's on Leeds Road has an atmospheric interior (Image: T&A)

There is now a total of 10 Akbar's restaurants across the North, Scotland, and the Midlands.

Mrs Hanif said: "Not only was he (Mr Hussain) the founder, but he was the main driving force behind Akbar's.

"All the recipes are Shabir's. He was also the designer of the various restaurants we have got across the country."

The restaurant's impressive interior (Image: T&A)

She added: "He always knew his regular customers on a first name basis.

"That is what made the biggest difference, making sure everyone left with a smile on their face.

"Everyone felt they were special on that evening. That they were going to get the best service and curry that they could."

The exterior of Akbar's on Leeds Road (Image: T&A)

Don't miss out on your chance to shout up for your favourite curry house as part of our competition.

It really couldn't be simpler to vote for the venue you think should win.

All you need to do is fill out the voting form, which can be found in the T&A.

The voting coupon will run in the newspaper until November 9, so there is plenty of opportunity to make sure the curry house you think is the finest is in with a chance of taking the top spot.