Northumberland restaurant owner wins Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 award
The owner of three successful restaurants in Northumberland is celebrating after receiving a prestigious award.
Abdul Azad, owner of Asian restaurants across Alnwick and Berwick, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 at the North East Bangladesh Awards.
Now 41, Abdul’s journey started at just 14-years-old when he began working alongside his father Mohammed Abdul Mozid, a pioneering Bangladeshi entrepreneur in the region’s curry industry.
Determined to establish his own venture, Abdul invested his savings into Mumbai Restaurant in Alnwick in 2015 alongside his brothers.
Building on his success, he launched Sherkan of Alnwick in 2018, followed by Leo Thai Restaurant in 2024 and, most recently, Zhal Khan in 2025.
Combining South Asian culinary traditions with wider Asian cuisine, Abdul now operates these three successful restaurants and employs 22 staff from the county.
Commenting on his win, he said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award.
"A huge thank you to my family and friends for their continued love and support, and to the wonderful people of Northumberland, especially our new, existing and loyal customers.
“Your support over the years has made this journey possible, and I’m truly grateful to everyone who has been part of it.”