A staple of Chessington’s dining scene has received a certificate of excellence from the bestselling author and celebrity chef Pat Chapman last week.

Saffron Summer received 30 guests on October 11 for lunch during the presentation of the certificate, with VIPs attending such as Kingston Mayor Cllr Thay Thayalan and Mr Chapman.

Mr Chapman, said: “As much as I enjoy a good curry, there is very much more depth of variety to one of the world’s great cuisines, than many people are aware.

“Saffron Summer is serving some of the best, authentic regional Indian dishes you will find anywhere.”

Chef Awanish Roy, who previously worked at the famous Cinnamon Club in Westminster, said: “I want to help educate locals to the delights of authentic Indian food and demonstrate that there’s more to the cuisine than just that typical curry house favourites.

“These new menus allow people to sample fine Indian dining, without having to travel to London’s expensive gourmet Indian venues.”

Mr Chapman has written 34 books, with international sales topping 1.5 million copies. His Balti Cookbook was the first on the subject and became a Sunday Times number one best seller.

Mr Chapman regularly appears as a celebrity chef at major food shows and is a veteran television presenter. 

He appeared in a weekly live cooking slot on BBC TV’s ‘Good Morning’, and in two episodes of BBC TV’s ‘Who’ll do the Pudding’, one with Ken Hom and the other with Madhur Jaffrey.

Saffron Summer has been shortlisted for a Asian Curry Award, of which Pat Chapman is chairman of judges.

Winners will be announced at a star-studded gala dinner at Grosvenor House in Mayfair on Sunday, November 18.