THE owner of popular Indian restaurant in Ealing has been recognised for helping NHS staff workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Manik Miah is the owner of well-known Indian restaurant, Haweli, which has been running since 1985.

During the first lockdown, Miah and his team prepared and served food for the Salvation Army in Ealing.

He told Nub News: "It was very humbling, it was also shocking to see how many people were vulnerable and in need of help in order to eat a decent meal."

During the course of the pandemic, Haweli have been offering 20% discounts for NHS staff, but Miah wanted to go a step further and actually take some food to a hospital and help the staff there.

That's when a member of staff from Hammersmith Hospital got in touch with him and things got into motion.

Miah and his team went to the hospital and delivered food to the staff there, which was again 'unbelievably humbling', according to the owner.

"They have done so much for us during these difficult times, it was the least we could do and the smile on their faces was absolutely worth it," he added.

Because of their actions, Haweli were recently awarded the COVID Curry Hero Award by the Curry Life Magazine.

"I'm very shocked and pleased at the same time, I'm so proud of my team that gave up their own time to help others," said Miah.

Curry Life Magazine editor-in-chief, Syed Nahas Pasha said: "Curry houses have gone out of their way to be almost a fourth emergency service to vulnerable people.

"Their businesses and livelihoods have been severely impacted, but this has not stopped them offering a helping hand to the most needy."

Haweli is now also shortlisted for Asian Curry Award - Restaurant of the Year, London suburb.