Beloved Italian restaurant in Aldridge named best in the UK at prestigious awards

Businesses from the West Midlands have clinched some of the top awards, including Best Restaurant, at the British Bangladeshi Business Awards (BBBAs).

The awards celebrated business achievements, top restaurants and community work of those connected to Bangladeshi communities across the UK.

Da Vinci’s in Aldridge clinched the Best Restaurant title at the awards, held at New Bingley Hall in Birmingham on October 25.

Born during the challenges of 2020, Da Vinci’s Italian combines 25 years of culinary expertise with authentic Italian flair. Founded by Badrul Hussain, it has quickly become a beloved local destination.

There were also various regional best restaurant winners including Saffron Lounge in Northfield which won the award for the Birmingham area.

Having taken on the venue in 2021, Azad Miah transformed it into an award-winning CurryLife champion in South Birmingham, famed for its signature Chicken Chilli Masala and warm hospitality.

Bombay in Brownhills was named the Best Restaurant for the wider West Midlands.

Since opening in 2021, Bombay has captured local hearts with more than 25 years of combined culinary experience. Serving generational recipes, rich curries and sizzling tandoori specials.

More than 500 guests attended the national awards ceremony, hosted by journalist and author Suzanne Virdee and attended by mayors and dignitaries from the region, which made a welcome return this year for the first time since the Covid pandemic - with Amnesty International as the event’s charity partner.

Dr Mish Rahman, head of Desh Foundation UK, which organised the BBBAs, said: “These awards recognise outstanding businesses and the latest successes in the British Bangladeshi community are an inspiration. They show why you should dream bigger, work harder and contribute more to society.

“Every nominee and finalist made us feel proud. These awards aim to encourage enterprise, promote investment and build bridges between the UK and Bangladesh.”

Sheikh Mohammed Khalique Uddin, known affectionately as the 'King of Birmingham’ also picked up a Community Champion Award at the event. After arriving in the UK in 1972, he helped to build Jinnah Restaurant and Sonali Supermarket - and through the Alhaj Sheikh Monir Trust he has worked to champion community development.

Muhim Tanjib of Mortgage Circle in Solihull was named Best UK Financial Service Provider. Founded in 2015, Mortgage Circle under Muhim Tanjib has broken financial barriers for families, first-time buyers, and entrepreneurs across the UK. It provides personal advice and guides clients through complex transactions.

Faruk Uddin from Walsall was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the British Bangladeshi Community since arriving in the UK in 1971. The force behind the Dilshad brand and a pillar of Walsall community development, his journey spans more than four decades of enterprise across hospitality and property.

The Friend of Bangladesh Award went to Bobby Verma at Laxmi Jewellers in Walsall. For 45 years, Laxmi Jewellers has been a trusted cornerstone for families across the West Midlands and beyond as premier importers and distributors of fine Asian jewellery.