National Curry Week: what did pubs do?
National Curry Week ran from 9 to 15 October and its primary purpose was to rejoice in all things curry, but it was also designed to raise money for charities focusing on malnourishment and poverty.
Last year, JD Wetherspoon was revealed as the biggest seller of 'classic' curries in the UK but, thanks to the rise of street food, venues in the independent pub sector began pairing craft beers with more 'authentic' versions of curry.
MCA Insight projects director Steve Gotham said: "My sense is that – while curry is a mainstay on value-led pub menus – it is far less important as you go up the value chain.
"More premium pubs clearly focus on a more contemporary British offer. And a problem with some curries is that you can end up doing them poorly or risk being considered on more of a value-led basis. It's not really a good idea."
The Cat & Wickets in Loughborough, Leicestershire, which is co-owned by England cricketer Stuart Broad, had its own take on curry.
Stay In a Pub, which showcases the nation’s pubs with rooms, urged consumers to visit their local pubs for a spicy night.
Beer and food matching experts There’s A Beer For that paired different beer styles with various curries.
The Pavillion pub in Watford, Hertfordshire, celebrated the week with football.
The Red Lion Hotel in Bredwardine, Herefordshire, continued its monthly curry night.
Indian lager Kingfisher, which sponsors National Curry Week, launched a competition for drinkers in honour of the event.
German gastropub Zeitgeist in Vauxhall, south London, asked diners if they had ever combined German food with curry.
The boss of the British Institute of Innkeeping clearly enjoyed the week.
