Hannan's Spicy Cuisine takeaway in Uppingham is runner up in Leicester Curry Awards 2022

A restaurant-owner is celebrating earning a runners-up place in a regional competition.

Abdul Hannan, who owns Hannan’s Spicy Cuisine in Ayston Road, Uppingham, secured the position in the Leicester Curry Awards 2022.

Established five years ago to celebrate the area’s ‘vibrant culinary culture’, the award includes a best takeaway category, for which Abdul’s restaurant was nominated.

A previous winner of the Midlands Chef of the Year award for the Bangladesh Caterers’ Association, Abdul said he was a little disappointed not to be winner in Leicester - but that his takeaway was up against strong and plentiful competition.

“We’re in little Uppingham, taking on restaurants in the city of Leicester, so it was always going to be tough,” said Abdul.

“The competition is judged on customer feedback to the meals and service people receive and we have some very loyal and wonderful customers.

“They are the ones who help to make us a success.”

Abdul says he will be back in the competition next year and is determined to win on behalf of Uppingham.

“Uppingham can do this,” he said.

Abdul, who is part of the local Bangladeshi community and a chef of 30 years, worked in Scotland, London and Leicester before setting up his family business in Ayston Road, Uppingham, five years ago. He has five daughters.