Britain’s retirees have been keeping something simmering under wraps – because the best curry in the UK doesn’t come from Birmingham or Bradford… it comes from Surrey!
The county is home to Rishi’s at Slate & Grain, part of Brio Retirement Living’s Button House in Hackbridge, where chef-director Harish “Rishi” Suresh has just been crowned National Chef of the Year at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) – known as “the Oscars of the Curry Industry.”
The glittering ceremony at London’s Hilton Park Lane saw the nation’s top chefs honoured for their talent and creativity – but it was Surrey’s Rishi who stole the show.
Born and raised in Madras, famed for its fiery street food and bold flavours, Rishi’s passion for cooking began in childhood. After mastering his craft in India’s leading five-star hotels, he moved to the UK in 2007 – working alongside top culinary talent before bringing his expertise to Brio’s Slate & Grain.
Today, Rishi has turned the Hackbridge eatery – set within Brio’s independent-living community for over-55s – into a dining destination and dining sensation, attracting food lovers from across London and beyond.
Rishi (no relation to the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak!) said: “I’m absolutely over the moon! ARTA is such a respected mark of excellence in our industry, and this award belongs to the whole team at Slate & Grain.
“I want to thank our amazing customers, residents, and staff at Button House – their support and enthusiasm inspire me every day. Every plate, every smile, every kind word means so much.”
Rishi’s menu combines authentic Indian flavours with modern British flair, with his dishes firm favourites among Button House residents, who now proudly claim to live “next door to the best curry in Britain.”
“Rishi’s food is simply out of this world,” declares Lesley Joyce, 74, who lives at Button House. “I’ve eaten curries all over the world, but nothing beats his.
“We’re so proud to have him here – it feels like dining at a five-star restaurant, only it’s right downstairs!”
And Ian Jones, 76, joked: “They say curry keeps you young – if that’s true, I’ll be 50 again by Christmas!”
Rishi smiled when told of his fans’ enthusiasm: “I want my restaurant to be a place where everyone feels welcome,” he said.
“Sharing our love of food with the community is a real joy – and now I can share my ‘Oscars’ with them too!”
This latest culinary triumph is just the newest example of the fun at Brio Retirement Living – residents were recently in the national spotlight for hosting Thursday Murder Club mystery nights, proving that retirement communities can be as lively and adventurous as any city neighbourhood.
Brio Retirement Living, which operates Slate & Grain venues across the UK, provides independent, design-led communities for over-55s in Aberdeenshire, the Cotswolds, and London.
Each community features its own public restaurant, open to everyone, showcasing local and seasonal produce under the Slate & Grain brand.