BRIO CHEF GAINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS HE WINS TWO OF THE UK’S HOTTEST AWARDS AT “OSCARS OF THE CURRY INDUSTRY”

Already a celebrity chef of his own making in Surrey, Harish Suresh – director and chef extraordinaire at ‘Rishi’s’ in Slate & Grain at Button House in Hackbridge – has woken today as a double “Oscar” winner.

Harish, 40, was nominated for and won both Regional Chef of the Year – Surrey, and National Chef of the Year – UK, at last night’s Asian Restaurants & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) – known across the country as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry”. The esteemed event was held at the London Hilton on Park Lane and was attended by the very best from the world of Asian cuisine.

Born and bred in Madras, renowned for its hot curries and bustling street food culture, Harish – also known by his nickname ‘Rishi’ - passion for food began at an early age. He’s since gained extensive experience in Indian and global cuisines by working at some of the top 5-star hotels across India. Expanding his horizons, he moved to the UK in 2007, where he worked with many high culinary experts and also lead as Head Chef at an esteemed establishment in Mayfair. Today, the Slate and Grain brasserie, bar and coffee lounge at Brio Retirement Living’s Button House development in Hackbridge is honoured to have Harish at its helm.

Speaking of his win, Rishi shared: “I’m in shock! To win one award would have been amazing but to come home with two including National Chef of the Year is just a dream come true! Winning at ARTA is a true mark of excellence – and I couldn’t be prouder that I, alongside our phenomenal team at Slate & Grain, are part of that story.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has believed I could win this from the off! From our Slate & Grain customers to our wonderful residents and staff at Button House – I truly wouldn’t be here without their support. Every visit, every kind word, and every plate shared with friends and family means the world to both me and my team.”

Harish took over the contract at Slate and Grain in November 2023 which is a restaurant and bar located within Brio Retirement Living’s Button House development in Hackbridge. Button House is located within the vibrant New Quarter Mill development and offers a wonderful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Perfect for those looking to move into a community that makes life easier, more enjoyable and ultimately a great place to live, whilst now boasting Rishi’s award-winning menu which visitors travel far and wide to sample.

He concluded: ““I take pride in showcasing the meals we create here at Rishi’s, and I hope to make Slate & Grain the go-to destination for everyone in Hackbridge and beyond, where they can enjoy a unique dining experience. Sharing our passion for food with the community is truly rewarding and something I look forward to every day. And now I can show everyone my “Oscars” too! It’s just amazing and I’m over the moon!”

Brio Retirement Living provides independent, luxury living in Aberdeenshire, the Cotswolds and London, Brio has revolutionised modern retirement for its 55year and 65year plus communities, that have the opportunity to rent, buy or part buy/rent the properties. Each development boasts its own onsite Slate & Grain brasserie, all of which are open to the public, offering seasonal dishes and hosting many events throughout the year.

For further information on Brio Retirement Living please visit www.brioretirement.co.uk.