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Curries and puddings: How restaurant founders spotted a gap in the market

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Three cousins behind MyLahore restaurant chain receive University of Bradford awards for their outstanding contributions to the city.

The University of Bradford has honoured the founders of the MyLahore restaurant chain, cousins Asghar Ali, Shakoor Ahmed, and Ishfaq Farooq, with Outstanding Contribution Awards, recognising their transformative impact on the city and beyond.

The awards were presented near their flagship branch on Great Horton Road, marking a full-circle moment for the trio, who launched the restaurant in 2002. Ishfaq, 38, a University of Bradford alumnus, accepted the honour on behalf of the group, inspiring the next generation of graduates with his words: “Believe in your vision, work hard, and embrace the opportunities ahead.”

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
From printing menus on a school printer to leading a national success story, the cousins’ journey exemplifies resilience. Inspired by the fusion of British and Asian cultures they experienced growing up in Yorkshire, the trio created MyLahore to celebrate culinary diversity. Their menu, combining curries, pasta, paninis, and puddings, bridges cultures and communities.

The business now operates five restaurants across the UK, employs over 500 staff, and has expanded into online food services and event catering. Their dedication earned them the SME of the Year award at the Bradford Means Business Awards, solidifying MyLahore as a beacon of cultural pride.

Giving Back to the Community
MyLahore has made community impact a cornerstone of its mission, from donating meals to hosting vaccination clinics. Partnerships with initiatives like the Muslim Women’s Council’s Curry Circle have furthered their efforts to support those in need.

“Our journey has been about more than business,” said Shakoor. “It’s about contributing to the community and creating a positive impact.”

A Legacy of Resilience
The cousins credit their parents’ and grandparents’ sacrifices as immigrants from Pakistan for instilling the values that drive their success. Their work has earned them not only community admiration but royal recognition, with Prince William and Catherine visiting the Bradford branch in 2020.

Looking to the future, MyLahore will play a pivotal role in Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations, further cementing their legacy as culinary and cultural ambassadors.

Shakoor reflected: “Our families came here to add value, and we’ve built on that foundation. To now be part of Bradford’s biggest cultural moment is an incredible honour.

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