Three cousins who launched a restaurant chain have been honoured for their contribution to the city.

Asghar Ali, Shakoor Ahmed, and Ishfaq Farooq, the founders of MyLahore, were recognised with Outstanding Contribution Awards from the University of Bradford - just steps away from their flagship branch on Great Horton Road.

Mr Farooq, 38, who studied Business Management at the University of Bradford, received the awards on behalf of the trio.

As young boys growing up in Yorkshire, and inspired by the fusion of British and Asian cultures that surrounded them, the cousins launched their restaurant chain in 2002.

The trio wanted to create "a place that would celebrate the best of both worlds," having enjoyed both shepherd's pie and jam roly poly (during school lunches) and traditional curries (at home).

Mr Ali, 49, said: "We saw a gap.

"Back then, restaurants served either British or Asian food, but not both.

"We wanted to create a place that told the British Asian story, combining curries, pasta, paninis, and puddings - a celebration of diversity."

Today, MyLahore operates five restaurants across the UK, employs more than 500 people, and has diversified into online food services and event catering.

Last year, the business was named SME of the Year (Small to Medium Enterprise) at the Bradford Means Business Awards.

Community efforts undertaken by MyLahore include hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics, donating thousands of meals to those in need, and partnering with the likes of the Muslim Women’s Council’s Curry Circle, which feeds more than 100 people per week.

Mr Ahmed, a father of four, added: "Our journey has been about more than business.

"It’s about MyLahore being a vehicle to do good by contributing to the community and creating a positive impact."

The cousins said that they often reflect on the sacrifices of their parents and grandparents, who emigrated from Pakistan to work in Yorkshire’s mills.

Mr Farooq said: "We carry that legacy forward.

"Our story is one of resilience and gratitude.

"The UK has given us so much, and we are proud to give back."

Summarising, Mr Ahmed said: "Our families came here to add value, and we’ve built on that foundation.

"To now be part of Bradford’s biggest cultural moment is an incredible honour."

The MyLahore team is now preparing for Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations, when the restaurant will play a role in showcasing the city’s culinary scene.