25/01/2024
Good afternoon,
I am writing on behalf of myself & the team of British Raj Express to offer my unconditional apologies for issues raised with our family-run takeaway. By no means is there any excuse, however I wanted to offer an explanation as questions have arisen.
We are aware of distressing photographs in the press being circulated with no or little context, these were taken some time a year ago, at a time when I was focusing on another restaurant venture and left the management of British Raj Express to staff members who are no longer employed by us. Unfortunately, mistakes were made but the issues which were highlighted have been rectified, and this was not emphasised in the press.
We are currently awaiting re-inspection and I am confident that British Raj Express will once again achieve an excellent rating. In the past, all of my restaurant/takeaway ventures have maintained a 4 or 5 star Food Hygiene Rating, including my other restaurant in Royston which was most recently inspected and received 4 stars last month.
Please rest assured food hygiene is of the utmost importance to both me & my team.
For those that do not know me personally, Royston is my hometown. I started my career in the restaurant industry at the age of 13, working in several of the town's restaurants before starting my first Indian takeaway business at the age of 18.
Over the past 9 years, I have worked very hard with the sole intention of serving my community. With your support, I spearheaded a campaign for local curryhouses to distribute free meals to NHS & key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I personally delivered over 6000 meals during this time. At my previous schools, I have volunteered my time and funds to teach hundreds of children how to cook curry & the history of Indian cuisine - sharing and encouraging my passion with children who may also have an interest in the culinary arts.
I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me and accept our apologies. I will of course keep you posted on our progress.
Yours Faithfully,
Safwaan Choudhury
British Raj Express