Cambridgeshire takeaway famous for selling 18 inch naan named best in the county

Mr Hussain accepting the award
-Credit: (Image: Shelford Spice)


Shelford Spice in Great Shelford was named Takeaway of the Year in Cambridgeshire at the Asian Curry Awards. The takeaway's owner, Farhan Hussain, 25, said it is "an award for the whole community", as he believes he would not have won without its support.

When Mr Hussain first received an email about the award nomination, he said he thought it had been "a mistake". He added: "I thought 'what have I done to please them?'. When I was told we got nominated I thought it maybe might have been a mistake. I got in touch with the organisers who said it was correct and we had been shortlisted! At the awards night, it was unreal to be in a room with all of these big, very successful entrepreneurs. For us, it's a massive thing."

Mr Hussain's family also run Renu's on Milton Road but wanted to open a business closer to their home in Great Shelford. Mr Hussain described some of the "many challenges" he faced before opening the new takeaway including obtaining planning licenses, rising gas and electricity bills, and the cost of renovating the building.

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After some initial teething problems, Shelford Spice was able to open in July 2022 and has quickly become popular with local residents, who voted to help the business win the award. Mr Hussain said: "It's a big reflection on how wonderful the people of Great Shelford are. It's basically an award for the whole community because I didn't do it on my own. I did it with the whole community."

Someone hold a plate of hot food
-Credit:Shelford Spice

The takeaway is also very active within the community by supporting other local businesses and charities. Mr Hussain said: "We try to help every single local cause like the primary schools and local charities. Whenever they ask for help, I never say no. If you let one person down in the village, in my opinion, you are letting down everyone. So I try my best to support local causes and that's why the community has tried to help us to get to where we are today."

Shelford Spice focuses on using locally sourced and fresh produce for all of its dishes. Mr Hussain recommends new customers try the Mummy's Bhuna, which he said is "the most authentic dish you will find in a takeaway", alongside its famous 18 inch naan.

A plate of food
-Credit:Shelford Spice

In terms of what makes his business stand out, My Hussain added: "It's not your typical Indian takeaway. When you walk in, it has a homely environment with an open kitchen. The kitchen means you can see your food being prepared in front of you. It's like live entertainment. There's nothing that we are hiding. It's all transparent and customers can see everything being freshly prepared."

Shelford Spice can be found at 46 Woollards Lane in Great Shelford. You can find out more information about the takeaway by visiting its website here.