Palm Group restaurants shortlisted for national awards

Sixth opening planned for June 

Palm Pan Asia, Gandhi and Shapla nominated for Asian Restaurant Awards

Three Palm Group restaurants in Hampshire have been shortlisted for the Asian Restaurant Awards, with the winners to be announced at a glittering ceremony next month.

The Palm Pan Asia and Gandhi Indian Restaurant, both located on the city's High Street, and The Shapla in nearby Alresford, will join the nation's other top Asian restaurants at the star-studded awards dinner at the Manchester Hilton, on Monday 5th March 2018.

Organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents the country's 30,000 ethnic restaurants, the awards are open to Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese restaurants and takeaways.

The full nationwide shortlisted, which was determined by over 100,00 votes from members of the public, can be seen at www.asianrestaurantawards.org. Members of the public can vote for their favourite restaurants and takeaways at via www.asianrestaurantawards.org/voting-form.

The three shortlisted venues are part of the small family-owned Palm Restaurant group. The two in the centre of the city are managed by restaurateur Fahim Meah. Other eateries in the group are Goa Balti in Everleigh near Marlborough, Palm Indian Restaurant in Froxfield near Marlborough (the flagship) and Thai Lounge in Ropley. A sixth member of the group in Deane near Basingstoke (provisionally named The Palm Brasserie) set to bring international cuisine with an Asian twist, is due to open June.

“I'm honoured to have three of our restaurants nominated for such prestigious accolades,” said Meah, adding, “I'm thrilled for our dedicated, hardworking teams and truly thankful to our loyal customers who voted for us.”

Commenting on the Palm Pan Asia, a judge said, “An impressive pan-Asian gourmet experience, building on classic Thai dishes, is complimented by an adventurous South-East Asian menu of interesting taste combinations, expertly rendered.”

Of its neighbouring Gandhi Indian Restaurant, which first opened its doors in Winchester 30 years ago, the judge said, “The menu featuring such delights as wood pigeon, beef ox cheeks and spice crusted venison sets it apart from its rivals in the city. This is some of the best fine Indian dining I've encountered away from the Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants in London.”

Executive Head chef and Manager Ruhul Chowdhury (Gandhi) and Head Chef Amnart Ubonrat (Palm Pan Asia) have also been nominated for the Asian & Oriental Chefs Awards being hosted by ACF at the House of Lords on 13th March.

The Palm Group's restaurants also hope to feature in the ACF's eighth Asian Curry Awards, taking place at London's Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair in November. Details at www.asiancurryawards.co.uk

ENDS

Editors' Notes:  The Awards are organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) a joint initiative of the Federation of Bangladeshi Caterers UK, the Chinese Takeaway Association UK and the Malaysian Restaurant Association. Photos and press tickets available

Photos available  To review please contact:

Media Contact:  George Shaw, Avocado Media T 01892 750851 

M: 07860 695555 geo@avocadomedia.co.uk @AvocadoPR

www.acfederation.org www.asiancurryawards.com www.asianrestaurantawards.co.uk

Gandhi Indian Restaurant

163 - 164 High Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9BA T: 01962 863940

www.gandhirestaurant.com

Palm Pan Asia                                                                                                        

166-167 High Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9BA T: 01962 864040

www.palmpanasia.co.uk

The Shapla

60 West Street, Alresford, Winchester, Hampshire SO24 9AU T 01962 732134

www.theshapla.co.uk