The 14th Annual Seahaven Business Awards was a very special night for the Bengal Palace Restaurant in Seaford. We had been overwhelmed with our customers support and 200 testimonials which spoke so highly about our Bengali and Indian cuisine and our personal service.
I arrived, with my wife Rheea, and we were warmly welcomed by the President of Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, Annie Lorys and their committee members. We joined dozens of other local businesses for reception drinks and mingled with VIPs from Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven, MP Maria Caulfield, Presidents of the towns’ Chambers of Commerce and the local Mayors. We were both quite nervous as we had not attended the awards evening before but everyone was so kind and friendly, we relaxed and joined other nominated businesses at our table before the arrival of the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex was announced.
Following a delicious three course meal the ceremony got under way with speeches, nominations and prize-giving. As the nominations were called out for the Best Eatery, we really didn’t have any idea that we might be the winners. I couldn’t believe the applause when they called out our name as winners and proudly walked up to accept the trophy from sponsors Fundraising Auctions.
What an evening. It was fantastic and we shared our good fortune with other prize-winning businesses on the table.
We are delighted to have won the award and are very proud of our hard-working staff and family members who have all contributed to us winning this trophy. I thank them all whole-heartedly and know that we are very lucky to have so many customers and regular dinners who enjoy our innovative dishes, support our business and also recommend us. Without our fantastic customers, this would not have been possible. Thank you all so very much.
Award winners from the night are pictured below with the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field and His Excellence the Ambassador of Vietnam and his wife.