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A LEGEND of the Glasgow curry scene has fondly recalled the day that he received his MBE as he prepares to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this weekend.
Despite having met a whole host of celebrities in his time as the former owner of Spice Garden and ex-manager of Café India, Raj Bajwe, 59, says being awarded the honour for his contribution to the hospitality industry and local charities is one of his life’s proudest achievements.
Pictured: Raj Bajwe receives his MBE in 2019
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He said: “My family moved to the UK from Kenya when I was only five and I’ve always felt like living in this country is a huge honour.
“I’ve met people like Michael Jackson, Keanu Reeves and Sean Connery over the years, but the Queen is a true national treasure and I have nothing but respect for her.
“When found out that I was being awarded the MBE I told my dad that it was for him and my mum.
“Forty-four years ago he had been upset with me because he wanted me to be a vet or a doctor so it was amazing to see where life had taken me instead.
“Tears fell from his eyes, and he said thank you very much.
“It was a great day.”
Pictured: A band of Royal Stewart Tartan in Raj’s turban caught the Queen’s eye
When the time came to meet Queen Elizabeth at a prestigious ceremony at Holyrood Palace, it was a well thought-out accessory to Raj’s traditional dress that caught her eye.
He said: “When it was my turn to speak to her, she stopped and said to me ‘I like your Royal Stewart tartan’ so I replied, ‘well I had to do something to represent you, your majesty’.
“We were told that we would be given a minute or so to talk to her, but she spoke to me for three minutes and laughed a few times.
“I guess I have the gift of the gab.”
Three years on Raj, who is now the director of customer relations at Murphy’s Pakora Bar in Finnieston, has been working closely with head chef Nitesh Majhu to create a limited-edition menu that’s fit for royalty ahead of the jubilee.
READ MORE: New Glasgow restaurant Murphy’s Pakora Bar opens its doors
Pictured: Head Chef Nitesh Mahju will serve Jubilee specials on Thursday
He said: “On Thursday we will be serving Silver Jubilee platters, haggis pakora and a special cocktail.
“We’re really excited about a dessert option of Jubilee Jalebi served with ice cream which is going to be fantastic.
“I would love to see the rest of Glasgow celebrating as well.
“I understand that people might feel that they are Scottish rather than from the United Kingdom, but the Queen has served this country for 70 years and done a great job which should be celebrated.
“It’s a beautiful thing and I think it will make for some amazing memories.”
For more information on Murphy’s Pakora Bar click here.
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