Sponsored by Lloyds TSB, the Asian Jewel Awards was established to recognise the achievements and success stories within the Asian business and corporate sector throughout the UK. Mr Majhu was presented with his award before an audience of 800 at a special ceremony held at Old Trafford football stadium in Manchester.

He said, ‘I’m delighted to win this award, which I accept on behalf of all my fellow directors and staff at Harlequin, Apple and Starlighting. To be honest, I’d been quite content with my tour around Old Trafford - and the chance to touch Eric Cantona’s team shirt - so winning this award is a real bonus!’

Each Indian Restaurant has its own inimitable style and individuality, and each is endorsed with the Harlequin seal of quality, service and commitment to customer care. The masterminds behind the Group, Charan Gill MBE and Gurmail Dhillon opened their first Indian restaurant, the Ashoka West End adjacent to the Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland in 1984.   Since then they have been firing the imagination of the Scottish palate with their addictive brand of Ashoka cuisine for curry devotees who enjoy eating out at their favourite Harlequin Hotspot, or spending a 'chilli' night in over a delicious Indian take-away or home delivery.