A Kirkby Overblow pub chef is so committed to currying favour with his customers that he travels more than 30 miles for ingredients to spice up the pub’s curry nights.
David Deacon, chef proprietor of the Shoulder of Mutton Inn near Harrogate, shuns the curry powder from his local supermarket and travels to Huddersfield to source ingredients for his curries – a round trip of almost two hours!
David Deacon said:
My friend Amjad, who runs the Poppadom Indian restaurant in the city, introduced me to Khadim Stores in Huddersfield and I couldn’t believe my eyes – the shop sells some of the best Indian ingredients you can get, and many that you simply can’t buy elsewhere.
I want our customers to have a first-class meal on curry nights and authentic ingredients make all the difference.
Harrogate is at the heart of David and Amjad’s friendship: it’s where they first met 20 years ago working as Sous chefs at The Old Swan, and now where Amjad returns to a few times a year to support his fellow chef in a true bid of friendship.
After helping David out 10 years ago at his first ever curry night at Huddersfield College, where he lectured on Food Preparation, Amjad has been a regular at David’s curry nights ever since, with his valued expertise!
So now, whether it’s cumin for his korma or rice for his rogan josh, David takes the 52-minute drive to Huddersfield to seek out the finest ingredients.
David said:
I source all my spices from the shop – black mustard seeds, fenugreek, you name it – and whereas wholesalers and other suppliers maybe sell one type of chilli, Khadim has 10 different types!
Balti buffs David and Kate hold two or three curry nights a year at their traditional country pub – with every one sold out – and they are planning their next chilli-fest for 7 February.
David added:
We serve the feast to each table in authentic bowls, and place it in the middle so customers can help themselves
And for those who can’t make it to the pub – we offer a one-off takeaway service too. It’s become a real event.
As well as having the best Indian ingredients, David also makes sure all his curries are gluten free, something the pub – Highly Commended in the Yorkshire Pub Of The Year White Rose Awards in 2010 – is very committed to. Alongside its regular menu of homemade favourites, they also have a special Gluten Free menu.
