The late Shabir Hussain, founder of the iconic Akbar’s restaurant chain, has been posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious 9th Asian Food and Restaurant Awards 2024, held at the Royal Ascot in London. This honour celebrates his unparalleled contributions to the UK’s curry industry, cementing his legacy as a visionary who transformed the culinary landscape of South Asian cuisine in Britain.
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and later settling in Bradford, Shabir Hussain’s journey was one of humble beginnings, passion, and determination. In 1995, he opened the first Akbar’s restaurant on Leeds Road, Bradford, with just 28 seats. From this modest start, Akbar’s flourished into a household name with 10 restaurants spanning the UK, including Manchester, Newcastle, and Scotland.
Shabir’s ethos of “anything is possible—it’s just a case of how bad you want it” resonated in every aspect of his work. His innovative approach to modern South Asian cuisine brought concepts like halal continental dishes and charsi-style cooking to the UK, redefining the dining experience. His restaurants became synonymous with excellence, drawing families and food enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Beyond Akbar’s, Shabir’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to property investments, the award-winning dessert haven Vanilla Rooms, and Durrani’s jewellery store. A graduate of Bradford College, he crafted unique recipes and dining experiences that set new benchmarks in the industry.
Shabir’s contributions earned him multiple prestigious awards throughout his lifetime, and his commitment to quality and innovation inspired countless restaurateurs. Known as the King of Bradford’s curry scene, his influence and passion for food will be remembered for generations.
Shabir Hussain passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of grit, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. His Lifetime Achievement Award stands as a testament to his monumental impact on the UK’s culinary heritage and his enduring influence on the curry industry.
