MP’s praise for award-winning chef putting Northampton on the culinary map

The MP for Northampton South has visited the kitchens of an award-winning town centre curry house to meet the chef named the best in the region.

Mike Reader saw at first-hand how Abdul Hye makes his ‘Vegetable Volcano’ dish – a staple on the menu at Saffron in Castilian Street.

Abdul was named the winner of the East Midlands Chef of the Year at the Bangladesh Caterers Association awards at a lavish ceremony in London last month.

During the visit, Abdul was presented with a letter from the Labour MP, which read: “I am writing to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding achievement of winning Chef of the Year at the 2024 Bangladesh Caterers Association awards. This prestigious recognition is a testament to your team’s dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional service.

“Your commitment to creating memorable dining experiences, innovative menu offerings, and maintaining the highest standards of quality has clearly set you apart in the industry.

May this recognition bring even greater success to your establishment and team. Your achievement makes our local dining scene proud.”

The restaurant is a long-standing favourite in Northampton’s thriving food and drink scene and said its success is down to delicious food, exceptional service and an unwavering diligence to food hygiene.

Saffron was recently awarded a five-star hygiene rating for the 24th successive year.

Owner Naz Islam said: “We’re proud of everything we have achieved over the past 20 years and I am delighted to see Abdul get the recognition he deserves. It was a pleasure to welcome Mike Reader MP to Saffron and we look forward to working with him closely in years to come as we continue to promote Northampton to a wider audience.”