Haweli in Ealing ‘£50k in debt’ but wins Prestige Award 2021

A popular west London restaurant that has been serving Indian cuisine since 1985 has won a prestigious award despite claiming to be £50k in debt.

Haweli in west Ealing was recognised for its ‘Gastronomic Excellence’ by the London & South East Prestige Awards initiative on Monday.

But the curry house made national headlines last month after divuling that it had seen a “dramatic decline in customers since restrictions eased” due to the Covid Delta variant.

Owner Manik Miah said he had been facing regular cancellations from customers who, upon inquiry, revealed their fears over the new strain which was previously known as the ‘Indian’ variant.

“When we phone [customers] up they say they are not sure about Indian restaurants. The other restaurants around me are packed and I’m thinking, ‘what is the difference?'” Manik reportedly said.

He added: “I have friends who have kebab or burger places, they do well. What can I say? I personally [think] the word ‘Indian’ has affected [the restaurants].”

News of the award will have lifted the spirits of those behind Haweli, whose hard work has helped them reach number three on Tripadvisor’s top restaurants in Ealing (they were rated number one last year in October).

The restaurant said on Instagram: “Haweli of Ealing has received the Gastronomic Excellence Award by London & South East Prestige Awards 2020/21.

“Another addition to our list of accolades. Yay! Yet, many more to come! Thanks to all our customers for being with us throughout every step.”