The winner of the annual Whitley Bay Town Cup for 2018 has been announced.
North Tyneside Council awards the cup to an organisation or individual of the town who has brought about an outstanding event in the last year, or has been of outstanding service to the community.
This year’s winner of the seaside town’s prestigious cup was the Shikara restaurant, after judges recognised the national success the restaurant and head chef had achieved, as well as how the success of the business has helped raise the profile of Whitley Bay.
Since opening in June 2012, Shikara has brought contemporary Indian cuisine of the highest calibre to Whitley Bay and has become one of the most popular sites for residents and visitors to the town.
After presenting the cup, Chair of North Tyneside Council, Cllr Cath Davis said: “I’m extremely excited to be able to present this award to Shikara.
“The restaurant has really become a staple of Whitley Bay and its popularity and involvement in the local community has been fantastic for residents and the town as a whole.
“I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone involved and I look forward to seeing them grow even further in the future.”
The trophy was accepted on the day by Shikara owner Azad Miah and his business partner Shohid Ahmed, who is also Shikara’s award-winning head chef.
Speaking on their success, Azad said: “It is an absolute honour for us to win the Whitley Bay Town Cup. We have won several national best chef and restaurant awards, but this one definitely tops them all.
“We strive to provide a high standard of service and exceptional food, and it is great for us to see this hard work pay off, and the people of Whitley Bay appreciate our efforts.
“It is amazing for us to be a part of Whitley Bay during the council’s huge regeneration project and we hope to continue to serve the local community with fantastic food and great service for a long time.”
Previous winners of the cup, which dates back to 1954, include The Jam Jar Cinema, Angels of the North and The Bay Foodbank.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The history of the cup goes back to 1954 when it was introduced by the former Whitley Bay Council. It was donated to North Tyneside Council in its formation in 1974.
- Only individuals or an organisation from the former borough of Whitley Bay can be considered for the award.