THE curry house that is reported to have supplied the takeaway that Sir Keir Starmer and Labour colleagues tucked into during the infamous ‘beergate’ incident is up for a top award – almost 12 months on from the controversial political moment.
The Spice Lounge in Durham City, which is thought to have provided the food for Labour leader Keir Starmer and other party members during the evening of the so called ‘Beergate’ meeting, has been nominated for Best Indian in the North East.
Currently, Labour leader Sir Keir is under investigation from Durham Police for the alleged breach in Covid-19 regulations, which occurred at Durham Miners’ Hall in the build up to the Hartlepool by-election last year.
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At the time of the alleged gathering, non-essential retail and outdoor venues including pub gardens were open but social distancing rules, which included a ban on indoor mixing between households, remained in place.
He has pledged to step down if he is fined for the offence.
Amid the political tensions surrounding the ‘Beergate’ incident, it has been announced that The Spice Lounge will compete for the North East award at this year’s Asian Restaurant Awards, being held in Manchester on June 27.
The shortlist was determined by over 100,000 votes from members of the public.
A panel of judges for the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which hosts the awards, are currently touring the country to determine the eventual victors.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony.
Alongside The Spice Lounge, another restaurant steeped in a controversial moment has also been included in the shortlist.
Dishoom, whose takeaway box is evident in a photo of Boris Johnson at a leaving event inside 10 Downing Street, is shortlisted in the Best Restaurant Group category.
The Irani-café style restaurants have branches in Manchester, Edinburgh, and London.
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