Delighted restaurant owner celebrates after winning Sunderland Curry House of the Year award

Alishaan took home the award after being voted by diners as the top curry house in the area.

Owner and manager Syed Amir Ali, 54, was delighted with the win which he said was a testament to the high standard of service the restaurant provides its customers.

Mr Ali, who opened the restaurant five years ago, said: “We are so pleased to have won the award.
“We really appreciate the people who have been voting for us. 
“I think the word has spread that we deliver quality service which has led to lots of customers coming into the restaurant.
“We get lots of regular visitors, as well as people who come from different areas and places as far as London.”

The restaurant, in North Road, Durham, incorporates the owner’s name ‘Ali’ and the word ‘shaan,’ which means something beautiful. It is open seven days a week from 5pm to 11pm.

Mr Ali said it has really taken off since it opened and hopes its success will continue now they have won the award.
He said: “I think our success it down to the fact that we have a nice atmosphere and our big size means we are able to cater for parties.
“Our 10 staff go above and beyond for customers. We are a family run business, my son and my cousin also work in the restaurant, and we serve all different kinds of food, including duck and lamb dishes.

“It is really nice that customers have welcomed us into the community and we are very happy to receive this award.
“Now we have won we plan to keep up our high standard over the next five years.”

Runner up for the award was Le Raaj on Front Street, in Durham, who came second place while Cookson Spice on Cookson Terrace, Chester Le Street, took third place.

For more information on the restaurant please visit: www.alishaandurham.com