The owner of an East Lancashire Indian restaurant has been awarded a medal, from the Mayor, for his 43 years of service in Burnley.

Abdul Majeed, owner of Aroma Asian Restaurant in Burnley, says he is the town’s longest serving restaurateur – and shows no signs of stopping yet.

He says he was “thrilled” to meet Mayor Mark Townsend and to be recognised for more than four decades of hard work.

He said: “I was absolutely delighted and it was a huge privilege and honour to be recognised.

“I have been serving in Burnley for 43 years, which makes me the longest serving restauranteer – and I am still going.

“My customers are very pleased with me and I have been bombarded with congratulations”

Abdul was just 21-years-old when he came to Burnley, looking to set up a business. He opened Kohinoor Restaurant in 1979, which was located on Manchester Road near Burnley Town Hall.

After successfully running this restaurant for eight years, Abdul decided to expand.

He moved to the business’ current site, on Church Street, in 1987, opening the The Shalamar Restaurant.

After 20 years, Adbul decided to give the business a redesign and opened the Aroma Asian Restaurant we know and love today.

He said: “I redesigned it, opting for a more modern and contemporary appearance, and opened it as Aroma Asian restaurant.”

After cementing himself in the community for so many decades, Abdul has attracted numerous regular customers.

He said: “There are several families who have stood by me, supporting me throughout the years.

“Sometimes, all four generations of them are sat at the same table.

“Seeing that makes me feel very humble.”

However, the last four decades haven’t always been smooth sailing as the business battled credit crunches and pandemics.

Abdul said: “The biggest challenges came at the beginning of my career.  

“I was new in the town and didn’t know anybody – it was tough. People didn’t know a lot about our cuisine back then.

“The pandemic wasn’t easy – no business was expecting to face such a big challenge. However, we came through it easily as we are so lucky to have so many regulars who supported us through buying takeaways.”

Abdul wants to dedicate his award to his current and former customers and staff members.

He said: “I would also like to dedicate this award to all of my customers who have always been there for me throughout these four decades .

“Thank you for all the love and support.”