Indian restaurant in Bedford praised after delivering curries to vulnerable during pandemic

Curry house recognised as being a "fourth emergency service to vulnerable people"
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A curry house in Bedford has been honoured after coming to the aid of people in need during the pandemic.

Deshi Spice, in Tavistock Street, have been making food deliveries to vulnerable people, offering discounts to NHS staff and care workers - and now the restaurant has been hailed a curry hero by trade magazine Curry Life.

And restaurateur Surman Ali’s wife Jusna Ali is a true NHS hero too.

Surman Ali and his wife JusnaSurman Ali and his wife Jusna
Surman Ali and his wife Jusna

Throughout the pandemic she was committed to her work at NHS, and at one point, was infected with coronavirus, which led to the whole family having to self isolate.

Mr Ali said: "We as a family battled to cope during the coronavirus. We are very grateful to Curry Life for this special recognition during this turbulent time for business."

Curry Life editor in chief, Syed Nahas Pasha, said: “Despite the unprecedented problems posed by the present pandemic, these curry houses have gone out of their way to be almost a fourth emergency service to vulnerable people.

“Their businesses and livelihoods have been severely impacted, but this has not stopped them offering a helping hand to the most needy in our society at a time of crisis.”

Deshi Spice, in Tavistock Street (Google)Deshi Spice, in Tavistock Street (Google)
Deshi Spice, in Tavistock Street (Google)

He added: “During Covid-19, many curry houses have just managed to keep their heads above the water – absorbing the costs of closures, reduced capacity and Covid-19 compliance – many often putting their own lives at risk, as they themselves come largely from vulnerable BAME communities.

“Their efforts really deserve to be recognised as truly heroic and we are delighted to be able to mark their magnificent contributions in this way.”

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