A restaurateur with nearly five decades in the curry industry has been named Regional Curry Ambassador for 2026–2027.
Abdul Majeed, who has spent 47 years shaping Burnley’s dining scene, will represent his region as part of Curry CNCT’s national ambassador programme, which aims to celebrate and promote the UK’s curry industry.
Mr Majeed’s career in hospitality began in 1979 when he arrived in Burnley.
He went on to establish Kohinoor in Manchester Road before launching Shalamar Tandoori in 1987.
In 2007, he reimagined the business as Aroma Asian Restaurant.
A Regional Curry Ambassador is selected by Curry CNCT to promote the curry sector within their region, advocate for local restaurants, support new businesses, and represent their area at industry events and discussions.
A Curry CNCT spokesperson said: "Curry CNCT is delighted to announce the first 15 of England’s Regional Curry Ambassadors – an extraordinary group of restaurateurs and entrepreneurs appointed to champion their regions, celebrate their communities and help shape the future of the industry we all love.
"This is just the first wave.
"More ambassadors will be announced in the coming months as we continue to build a network that truly reflects the breadth and brilliance of England’s curry scene."
Aroma has won multiple regional awards, including North West Curry Restaurant of the Year 2025, and its Head Chef was named Curry Chef of the Year 2026.
Mr Majeed has also received a lifetime achievement award in 2022, in recognition of his contributions to the industry.
His appointment is part of the first wave of ambassadors named by Curry CNCT, a UK curry industry platform.
The Curry CNCT programme aims to build a network that truly reflects the breadth and brilliance of England’s curry scene.
Read more
UK crisp company stocked in Tesco closes after 54 years as it enters administration
All staff and shoppers evacuated from Blackburn Mall - here's why
How this clinic became the 'go-to' place for skin and aesthetic treatments
A spokesperson for Aroma Asian, which was opened by Mr Najeed in 2007, said: "We’re incredibly pleased to share that Mr Majeed has been appointed as a Curry CNCT Regional Curry Ambassador for 2026–2027.
"After almost 47 years in the curry industry, this recognition is a real honour and a reflection of his longstanding contribution to the industry and hospitality in Burnley and the wider region.
"We’re very proud to see Mr Majeed take on this role.
"Mr Majeed’s 47 years in Burnley’s curry industry, from Kohinoor and Shalamar through to Aroma, and his longstanding connection with the local community and customers.
"Many of our customers and their families have followed him through those chapters and still dine with us at Aroma today!"
Share