The Polash shortlisted for Essex restaurant of the year

The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway awards have revealed a list of finalists, with Shoebury’s popular The Polash in the running to be named the Essex restaurant of the year.

Pathari’s, based in Wickford, has been shortlisted for the best Essex takeaway award as well.

For The Polash, this nomination marks yet another prestigious achievement in the family run restaurant’s 45-year history.

“I’ve been working there for 45 years, and it is a privilege for me and my business to be nominated,” said Polash co-owner Sheikh Khalique.

“I am trying my best to deserve my reputation which is a very hard job for me and my family to keep for 45 years.”

Mr Khalique added that he thanks every one of his customers, many who have been coming every week for decades.

“I am so proud of my customers, and I must thank them from the bottom of my heart. Without them, I would not be here,” Mr Khalique added.

The Polash, which specialises in Bangladeshi and Indian food, has received awards such as British Curry Awards, Patak’s Curry Guide, County of Essex Excellence Award and more.

Shah Hanifa, manager of Pathari’s expressed a huge amount of pride and happiness regarding his takeaway’s prestigious nomination.

“Being nominated and being in the final top 10 Indian takeaways in the Essex region really means a lot to me and my family,” he said.

“It feels like all our hard work and dedication in bringing a high standard of food and service is being recognised.”

Mr Hanifa also thanked the team at Pathari’s due to their “great effort and fantastic teamwork to provide the food and service given to our amazing customers.”

The highest praise was reserved for the customers, for who Pathari’s have relied on for support through the years and “whom without we would not be here,” Shah said, adding he looks forward to attending the event at The Hilton.

The ARTA awards are scheduled to be held on October 8 at the Hilton Hotel.