A father-and-son team from Midlothian have taken home two of the top honours at this year’s Curry Life Awards.
The Radhuni in Loanhead was named Best Restaurant of the Year, making it the only Scottish winner at the 2025 ceremony. The family-run restaurant has held an AA Rosette since 2021 and is known for its small-batch cooking and regional Indian dishes.
The award was collected by Managing Director Habibur Khan, who said, “We treat every guest the way we would an elder in our own family – with honour, time, and respect. We want our customers to feel like they’re in a second home, where they can truly relax with their loved ones.”
The Radhuni was opened in 2011 by Habibur’s father, Matin Khan, who was also recognised at this year’s awards. He received the title of Best Chef of the Year, one of only nine chefs nationally to be honoured.
Matin is the Founder and Executive Chef at The Radhuni and also runs Itihaas in Dalkeith, which opened in 2007. “I love mixing different spices and offering guests great food backed by personal service,” he said. “Both are significant parts of Bangla culture.” His menus balance regional favourites like Beef Bengal and Railway Curry with more familiar dishes such as Butter Chicken and Rogan Josh.
The awards also reflect the pair’s contribution to the wider community. During the pandemic, Matin and Habibur raised over £10,000 for the NHS and provided free meals to frontline workers. Matin, who was named a ‘Covid Hero’, has also supported local causes including the Loanhead Gala and Cash for Kids.
The Curry Life Awards 2025 took place at London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square, hosted by ITV’s Nina Hossain and supported by Cobra Beer. Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra and a long-standing supporter of the awards, described the UK’s curry restaurants as “a cornerstone of Britain’s hospitality landscape.”