Indian restaurants give meals to Warrington Hospital staff

The Cottage Indian Restaurant and Cardamon Lounge teamed up to deliver more than 200 biriyani curries to frontline NHS workers as part of the CurryFestUK project ‘A treat for the NHS’.

The national initiative was devised by CurryFestUK founder Ahad Ullah Shah when he was stuck in Bangladesh during the first lockdown.

During this time, his daughter was supporting the work of the Covid warriors as a first responder on 111.

“I was extremely proud of her. Being stuck in Bangladesh, I realised how lucky we were to have the NHS and the care we get,” he said.

Staff at Warrington Hospital receive hot meals from The Cottage and Cardamon Lounge

“This was my way of doing my bit for them and saying thank you.”

Ahad and CurryFestUK co-founder Shahab Uddin collaborated with British Curry Awards founder Enam Ali MBE to establish a ‘British Curry Day’, pulling together more than 150 curry houses across Britain with the aim of thanking Covid warriors, NHS nurses and frontline staff.

Ahad continued: “The British curry industry is huge and a large employer throughout the UK.

“Curry houses have suffered like all areas of the hospitality industry throughout the pandemic with the slow-down of customers post-Covid, staff shortages and rising prices.

Staff at Warrington Hospital receive hot meals from The Cottage and Cardamon Lounge

“British Curry Day will help to bring the curry sector together for a great cause and showcase the amazing food on offer locally.”

Saikul Islam is restaurant manager at The Cottage, which is based in the Grade-II listed, 16th century Cromwell’s cottage building on Church Street.

He said: “We are pleased to have been able to support this project and show our appreciation to the staff at the local hospital for all of their hard work and dedication during what have been extremely difficult times.”

Hospital representative Phillip Winstanley, theatre manager and chair of the Armed Forces Network, added: “I think CurryFestUK is a fantastic project.

Staff at Warrington Hospital receive hot meals from The Cottage and Cardamon Lounge

“Staff at the hospital really appreciated the gesture from The Cottage and Cardamon Lounge. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Philip was on hand to ensure more than 200 biriyanis were distributed to those on the front line.

Staff working hard to take care of patients in accident and emergency, the intensive care unit, theatres and wards were thrilled to receive the tasty delivery.

Claire Higgins, heath care assistant on ward A3, commented: “Thank you so much for this food. It is wonderful.”