Mumtaz Leeds: Indian restaurant gives away hundreds of meals

Mumtaz Leeds chefs prepared more than 1,200 meals consisting of onion bhaji, pilau rice biryani and chicken jalfrezi

An Indian restaurant said it gave away hundreds of free meals for those who required them on Christmas Day.

Mumtaz Leeds said its chefs boxed up more than 1,200 dinners "for anyone and everyone" at its Leeds Dock eatery.

The business said it had been inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford and a £10 Christmas dinner he helped to create alongside chef Tom Kerridge.

The restaurant asked those coming along for the meals "to favour the needy and children".

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People queued around the block to receive a meal, which consisted of onion bhajis with raita yoghurt, pilau rice biryani and chicken jalfrezi.

Asad Arif, customer and business relations manager at Mumtaz Leeds, said: "All the Christmas cancellations have not been helpful, we've lost at least 60 to 70% of our trade this month.

"However, to be able to do this and give back to the community always revives us and gives us strength - we know we're still privileged and should be very grateful for what we have."

A queue snaked around Leeds Dock in the city centre during the Christmas Day giveaway

The restaurant has done seven similar meal giveaways since 2019, with other schemes including free meals for key workers in 2020.

Taj Shah, floor manager at Mumtaz Leeds, said: "The response has been overwhelming, especially the local residents - we've had so many phone calls asking if we need help and volunteers.

"I'd like to thank everyone for making it happen and making it a success."