Abingdon Indian takeaway's Euro award nomination rescinded

Azeem Indian Takeaway in Radley Road was named a finalist in the prestigious Euro Asia Curry Awards for best Indian takeaway in Oxfordshire, on Thursday, November 14. 

But the popular eatery has since had their chance at the gong rescinded, after it came to light that it had received a hygiene rating of just two-out-of-five in September.

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The restaurant won the same award last year and was offered another chance for the 2024 line up, but when the nominations team realised it didn’t meet the standard.

Azeem's team at last year's award ceremony (Image: Mez Captures) A spokesperson for the awards explained that a “mistake was made”, as establishments up for an accolade must meet a robust standard, with a representative going “ghost shopping” at every nominee to try the food themselves.

Shorif Khan, founder and CEO of Euro Asia Curry Awards, said: “The award nomination for Azeem Indian Takeaway had to be withdrawn due to its poor hygiene rating.

“I hope that they turn their hygiene rating around so they can be included in the awards next year.”

Vale of White Horse District Council’s environmental health team visited the restaurant on September 25, when it found that improvement in its food hygiene was “necessary”.

One area that needed “improvement” was the venue’s hygienic handling of food, which includes its preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

However, the eatery’s food safety management and cleanliness were both rated “generally satisfactory” by the standards inspector.

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The restaurant serves a range of Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, including tandoori and biryani, chef specials and classic favourites.  

But customers were recently unhappy with what they received, with one review from October saying: “[We had] takeaway lamb biriani with vegetable curry.

“The lamb was tough and the vegetables in the curry were almost raw, bland. Very disappointing.”

In place of Azeem, contemporary Indian restaurant Spice Lounge is being considered for the title.

Award-winning restaurant Spice Lounge is nominated (Image: Contributed) An award ceremony on Tuesday, November 26 in Mayfair will see the eateries celebrated for what the hosts describe as “dedication to exceptional culinary standards” and “contribution to our vibrant culinary community”.  

Spice Lounge is a well-reviewed, “authentic” Indian restaurant in Banbury Road, Oxford, which has been serving since 2006.

It produces organic and creative dishes from an eclectic menu and has more than 900 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

The curry awards will be relieved to hear that Spice Lounge has a five-out-of-five food hygiene score, rated “very good” across the board.

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